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Qatar saw new business growth accelerate further within the non-energy private sector in April; indicating a stronger improvement in business conditions on the back of strong demand for goods and services, according to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).The latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey data from the QFC said indices for total activity and the 12-month outlook also remained firmly positive, while employment rose further.The Qatar PMI indices are compiled from survey responses from a panel of around 450 private sector companies. The panel covers the manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services sectors, and reflects the structure of the non-energy economy according to official national accounts data."Overall business conditions across the non-energy private sector gained momentum at the start of the second quarter, mainly thanks to an acceleration in demand growth," Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFC Authority, said.The headline PMI, a composite single-figure indicator of non-energy private sector performance, rose for the fifth time in six months to 54.4 in April, from 53.8 in March, indicating the strongest improvement in business conditions since July 2022. The latest figure moved further above the long-run trend of 52.2.The main boost to the PMI was from faster growth in new business, while the employment and stocks of purchases components also had positive directional influences. The output component eased slightly since March but remained above its long-run trend, with financial services again a key growth driver.New business increased at the fastest rate in nine months in April. Companies reported receiving large orders, expanded customer bases and rising demand due to the implementation of new projects. New products were also mentioned as sources of growth.The 12-month outlook for the non-energy private sector remained strongly positive. The Future Output index eased further from February's 41-month high but the average for 2023 so far, at 71.7, was well above the long-run trend of 64.6. By sector, confidence in April was strongest among manufacturers.April data indicated a third successive monthly increase in average wages and salaries, with pay pressures greater than the long-run trend. The employment index, tracking the overall level of staffing, rose to a nine-month high, signalling another increase in workforce numbers.Continuing the trend shown during 2023 so far, average input prices rose in April. That said, inflationary pressures remained modest and broadly in line with the long-run survey trend. Meanwhile, firms increased their charges for goods and services, having cut them in March.Although stronger new business inflows put pressure on capacity, companies were still able to reduce their levels of outstanding business for the ninth month running in April due to productivity improvements and increased workforces.The financial services sector in Qatar continued to expand at a marked rate in April as the volume of new business increased for the thirty-fifth consecutive month and at the fastest rate since last August. Overall financial services activity increased for the twenty-second successive month, and at a strong pace, while expectations remained firmly positive."The financial services sector continued to grow at a faster rate than the overall private sector economy in April, both in terms of total activity and new work, with the financial services new business index reaching 61.3," al-Jaida said.

Qatar's two- and one-star hotels witnessed improved rooms' yield this March on higher occupancy, as visitor arrivals surged, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The total number of inbound visitors was 433,000 in March, going up by 183.5% compared to the same month in 2022, and by 11.3% compared to February this year, the 111th issue of the PSA's Qatar Monthly Statistics bulletin showed.The visitor arrivals from the GCC were 164,410 or 38% of the total; followed by Europe with 114,681 or 26%; other Asia (including Oceania) with 85,234 or 20%; other Arab countries with 35,020 or 8%; the Americas with 26,567 or 6%; and other African countries with 7,202 or 2%.As for visitors by type of port, those coming by air made up the highest numbers with 47% of the total number of visitors, QNA reported.Visitor arrivals from the GCC countries increased 212% and 12.4% on a yearly and monthly basis, respectively, in March 2023.In the case of visitors from Europe, it soared 205.8% on an annualised basis this March but shrank 5.2% month-on-month.Visitors from other Asian countries (including Oceania) rose 130.6% and 19.3% on an annualised and monthly basis respectively this March.The visitor arrivals from other Arab countries reported a 198.4% and 51.5% increase year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in March 2023.In March 2023, the visitors from Americas were seen increasing 148.2% and 15.7% year-on-year and month-on-month.In the case of other African countries, the visitor arrivals witnessed 127% and 58% jump year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in March 2023.Meanwhile, the country's overall hospitality sector saw a 25.57% year-on-year decrease in average revenue per available room to QR262 in March 2023 as the average room rate shrank 19.6% to QR447 and occupancy by 4% to 59% in the review period, according to the PSA's data.The two-star and one-star hotels' average revenue per available room was seen increasing by 15.32% year-on-year to QR143 in March 2023 on the back of a 16% surge in occupancy to 90% although the average room rate dipped 4.79% to QR159.However, the five-star hotels saw the average revenue per available room shrink 16.98% on annualised basis to QR357 in March 2023 as the average room rate was down 7.42% to QR624 and the occupancy by 7% to 57%.The average revenue per available room in the four-star hotels tanked 36.16% on a yearly basis to QR143 in March 2023 as the average room rate declined 12.2% to QR259 and the occupancy by 21% to 55%.The three-star hotels saw a 28.28% year-on-year contraction in average revenue per available room to QR142 as average room rate shrank 9.22% to QR197 and the occupancy by 19% to 72% in the review period.The deluxe hotel apartments saw a 28.43 year-on-year plunge in average revenue available per room to QR219 in March 2023 as the average room rate decreased 28.95% to QR378; even as the occupancy was flat at 58% in the review period.In the case of standard hotel apartments, the room yield plummeted 31.88% year-on-year to QR156 in March 2023 even as the average room rate dropped 20.45% to QR249 and occupancy by 10% to 63%.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Tuesday gained 60 points as its key index surpassed 10,300 levels, paced mainly by the transport, real estate and industrials sectors. .text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px; }@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;} } **media[23691]** The foreign institutions were increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.58% to 10,336.82 points. The market, which was skewed towards movers, saw the index regain from an intraday low of 10,208 points. The Arab individuals turned bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed further to 3.27%. The local retail investors’ lower net selling had its say on the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.38bn or 0.57% to QR601.15bn, mainly on account of small cap segments. However, the domestic funds were increasingly into net selling in the main market, which saw a total of 0.07mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.66mn changed hands across 30 deals. The foreign retail investors were seen increasingly into net profit booking in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index gained 0.58%, the All Share Index by 0.57% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.74% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover decreased amidst higher volumes. The transport sector index shot up 1.55%, real estate (1.23%), industrials (0.98%), banks and financial services (0.39%) and consumer goods and services (0.35%); while telecom and insurance shrank 0.61% and 0.38% respectively. About 69% of the traded constituents in the main market extended gains with major movers being Aamal Company, Qatar Oman Investment, Salam International Investment, Widam Food, Qatari German Medical Devices, Masraf Al Rayan, Lesha Bank, Inma Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Gulf International Services, Barwa and Milaha. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Ooredoo, Estithmar Holding, Beema and Gulf Warehousing were among the losers in the main market. The foreign institutions’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR33.67mn compared to QR10.04mn on May 1. The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.15mn against net sellers of QR3.26mn the previous day. The local retail investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR0.3mn compared to QR0.35mn on Monday. However, the domestic institutions’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR40.2mn against QR36.56mn on May 1. The foreign individuals’ net profit booking strengthened markedly to QR2.72mn compared to QR0.39mn the previous day. The Gulf retail investors’ net selling increased marginally to QR0.98mn against QR0.15mn on Monday. The Arab institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR0.24mn compared with no major net exposure on May 1. The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR8.61mn against QR30.65mn the previous day. The main market saw a 4% jump in trade volumes to 201.36mn shares but on a marginal 0.22% slump in value to QR495.48mn amidst 20% higher deals at 22,304.

Qatar witnessed a robust expansion in cargo, livestock and building materials movement through its ports on an annualised basis in April this year, indicating the strong growth parameters in the domestic economy, according to official statistics.The three ports – Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais – showed a double-digit expansion in terms of RORO (vehicles) and livestock on monthly basis in the review period, according to figures released by Mwani Qatar.The number of ships calling on Qatar's three ports stood at 228 this April, which however was down 7.69% and 1.3% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.Hamad Port, which offers opportunities to create cargo movement towards the upper Gulf, supporting countries such as Kuwait and Iraq and south towards Oman – saw as many as 142 vessels call on the port in the review period.As many as 892 ships had called on three ports in the first four months of this year.The general cargo handled through the three ports was 249,866 tonnes in April 2023, which showed a 114% surge on yearly basis, while it fell 15.86% month-on-month.Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO (vehicles), grains and livestock – handled 161,026 freight tonnes of breakbulk and 85,200 freight tonnes of bulk in April this year.On a cumulative basis, the general cargo movement through the three ports amounted to 867,507 tonnes during January-April 2023.The three ports handled 70,182 livestock heads in April 2023, which zoomed 632% on a yearly basis and 31.94% month-on-month. Hamad Port saw a total of 1,301 livestock heads pass through it.The three ports together handled as many 222,089 livestock heads in the first four months of this year.The three ports handled 8,025 RORO in April 2023, which registered 2.14% and 14.53% gains year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. Hamad Port alone handled 7,992 units in April 2023.The three ports together handled as many as 26,405 vehicles during January-April.The container handling through three ports stood at 103,939 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), which fell 2.54% and 8.89% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in April 2023.Hamad Port, which is the largest eco-friendly project in the region and internationally recognised as one of the largest green ports in the world, saw 103,315 TEUs of containers handled in the review period.The container handling through the three ports stood at 441,749 TEUs during January-April 2023.The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhancing ease of doing business as well as supporting the achievement of economic diversification, which is one of the most important goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.The building materials traffic through the three ports stood at 36,460 tonnes in April 2023, which zoomed 15.33% year-on-year but plummeted 28.47% month-on-month in the review period.A total of 171,097 tonnes of building materials had been handled by these ports in January-April 2023.

Qatar's producers' price index (PPI), which captures the price pressure felt by the producers of goods and services, witnessed a declining trend both on an annual and monthly basis this March, according to official estimates.The 16.88% plunge in the country's PPI on an annualised basis has been on account of the hydrocarbons and certain manufacturing businesses such as chemicals, basic metals and recorded media, according to the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The PPI was down 2.56% month-on-month in March 2023 owing to refined petroleum products and extraction of natural resources.The PSA had released a new PPI series in late 2015. With a base of 2013, it draws on an updated sampling frame and new weights. The previous sampling frame dates from 2006, when the Qatari economy was much smaller than today and the range of products made domestically much narrower.The mining PPI, which carries the maximum weight of 82.46%, saw a 16.3% plunge on a yearly basis in March 2023 as the average price of crude petroleum and natural gas was seen plummeting 16.31% and other mining and quarrying by 1.89%.The mining PPI decreased 2.94 month-on-month this March as the average selling price of crude petroleum and natural gas declined 2.94%, even as that of stone, sand, and clay was flat.The manufacturing sector PPI, which has a weight of 15.85% in the basket, tanked 22.03% on a yearly basis in March 2023 due to a 28.58% plunge in the average price of chemicals and chemical-related products, 18.58% in refined petroleum products and 12.93% in basic metals.Nevertheless, there was a 5.52% increase in the average price of food products, 4.7% in rubber and plastics products, 2.8% in printing and reproduction of recorded media, 1.2% in beverages and 0.49% in cement and other non-metallic mineral products.The manufacturing PPI fell 0.76% month-on-month year in March 2023 on account of a 2.39% slump in the average price of refined petroleum products, basic metals, 0.95% in chemicals and chemical-related products, 0.34% in food products, 0.29% in cement and other non-metallic mineral products, and 0.05% in beverages.However, there was a 2.76% surge in the average price of rubber and plastics products and 1.62% in basic metals.The index of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply saw an 11.76% and 1.02% increase on a yearly and monthly basis respectively this March.The index of water supply was seen expanding 8.64% year-on-year but shrank 1.78% month-on-month in March 2023.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Monday gained 91 points and its key index inched towards 10,300 levels, on the back of buying interests, mainly in the telecom and real estate sectors..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[23141]**The Gulf funds were seen increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.89% to 10,272.32 points.The market, which was skewed towards movers, saw the index regain from an intraday low of 10,208 points.The foreign institutions’ increased net buying had its influence in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed further to 3.83%.The foreign retail investors’ lower net selling also had its say in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR7.33bn or 1.24% to QR597.77bn, mainly on account of mid and small cap segments.However, the Arab individuals were seen bearish in the main market, which saw a total of 0.22mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR1.51mn changed hands across 65 deals.The local retail investors were seen net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index gained 0.89%, All Share Index by 0.94% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.99% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover increased amidst lower volumes.The telecom sector index shot up 4.23%, real estate (2.66%), banks and financial services (0.93%), transport (0.82%) and industrials (0.54%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.07% and insurance (0.03%).About 48% of the traded constituents in the main market extended gains with major movers being Beema, Ooredoo, Alijarah Holding, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QNB, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Barwa, Mazaya Qatar, Ezdan and Milaha. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Inma Holding, Widam Food, Mekdam Holding, Estithmar Holding, Mannai Corporation, Qatari German Medical Devices, Qamco and Nakilat were among the losers in the main market.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR30.65mn compared to QR5.49mn on April 30.The foreign funds’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR10.04mn against QR3.73mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net selling decreased perceptibly to QR36.56mn compared to QR39.3mn on Sunday.The foreign individuals’ net profit booking weakened marginally to QR0.39mn against QR0.98mn on April 30.However, the Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.26mn compared with net buyers of QR11.43mn the previous day.The local retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.35mn against net buyers of QR19.72mn on Sunday.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking rose marginally to QR0.15mn compared to QR0.01mn on April 30.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the tune of QR0.06mn the previous day.The main market saw a 19% contraction in trade volumes to 193.11mn shares but on 8% jump in value to QR496.55mn and 35% in deals to 18,649.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining as much as 36 points, paced mainly by the real estate and insurance sectors. The local retail investors were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.35% to 10,131.23 points. The market, which was skewed towards movers, however, saw the index touch an intraday high of 10,246 points. The domestic institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed further to 4.68%. The foreign institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.51bn or 0.43% to QR590.44bn, mainly on account of midcap segments. Similarly, the Arab funds continued to be bullish but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw a total of 0.13mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.78mn changed hands across 56 deals. The foreign retail investors were seen net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index gained 0.35%, the All Share Index by 0.3% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.81% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover declined amidst higher volumes. The real estate sector index shot up 2.16%, insurance (1.74%), industrials (0.94%), transport (0.54%) and banks and financial services (0.05%); whereas telecom shrank 1.8% and consumer goods and services (0.35%). More than 55% of the traded constituents in the main market extended gains with major movers being Lesha bank, Qamco, Ezdan, Widam Food, QLM, Masraf Al Rayan, Salam International Investment, Qatari German Medical Devices, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Al Khaleej Takaful, Barwa, Mazaya Qatar, Vodafone Qatar and Milaha. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Ooredoo, Zad Holding, Gulf International Services, Estithmar Holding, QIIB and Nakilat were among the losers in the main market. The local retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR19.72mn compared with net sellers of QR13.57mn on April 27. The Arab individuals’ net buying increased substantially to QR11.43mn against QR7.79mn the previous trading day. The domestic institutions’ net selling decreased drastically to QR39.3mn compared to QR54.71mn last Thursday. However, the foreign individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR0.98mn against net buyers of QR1.11mn on April 27. The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.06mn compared with net buyers of QR0.2mn the previous trading day. The Gulf retail investors were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.01mn against net buyers of QR0.18mn last Thursday. The foreign funds’ net buying weakened significantly to QR3.73mn compared to QR29.43mn on April 27. The Gulf institutions’ net buying shrank markedly to QR5.49mn against QR29.59mn the previous trading day. The main market saw a 31% jump in trade volumes to 237.26mn shares but on 11% contraction in value to QR460.89mn and 28% in deals to 13,796.

The North Field LNG (liquefied natural gas) project will enhance Qatar's economic growth in the future but more foreign direct investment (FDI) is needed to further monetise from it, according to the Institute of International Finance (IIF), an US-based economic think-tank."While the North Field LNG project will boost growth over the coming years, more FDI is needed to increase the production capacity of LNG, given the large proven gas reserves," Garbis Iradian, chief economist (Middle East and North Africa), IIF, said in a latest report ‘GCC: Resilient Despite Headwinds.’The country’s hydrocarbon bellwether is expected to raise the country’s LNG production capacity to 126mn tonnes per annum by 2027, a 64% increase from the current level."This would boost medium-term prospects and strengthen the fiscal and the external positions," the report said.Recently, a high-level delegation, led by HE Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, also the president and chief executive officer of QatarEnergy and chairman of Qatargas, took stock of the progress of the NFE (North Field expansion) project, which includes six new LNG trains with a capacity of 8mtpa each, and associated utility and offsite facilities.The NFE project comprises the North Field East (NFE) and the North Field South (NFS) expansion projects and is the industry’s largest ever LNG project.Qatar's gas production is expected to increase to 3.62mn barrels per day of oil equivalent in 2024 compared to 3.39mn in 2023 and 3.21mn in 2022.Expecting average oil prices to decline from $100 a barrel in 2022 to $85 in 2023 and $80 in 2024; IIF said the main downside risk to the oil price forecast is weaker than-expected global growth.Oil production cuts would drag down overall the country's real GDP growth to 2.2% in 2023, it said, adding growth picked up to 4.5% in 2022, supported by higher gas production and prices and an increase in economic activity related to the FIFA World Cup."We expect the fiscal surplus to remain large despite the moderation in oil and gas prices, as spending on infrastructure will start to decline," the report said.On the oil market, IIF said crude prices have declined substantially from their peak reached in June 2022, as the slowing global economy weakened demand for oil, and as supply from the US, Brazil, Canada, and Guyana increased "significantly". China’s oil consumption in 2022 declined for the first time in several decades, amid shutdowns in response to Covid outbreaks, it said, adding tighter global financial conditions, the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, and the forced takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS, raised the risks of much weaker global demand for oil.The fiscal balance is expected to be 7.4% of gross domestic product of GDP) in 2024 against 5.7% in 2023 and as high as 9.9% in 2022.The IIF report also said the country's banking system remains "well capitalised", liquid, and with low NPLs or non-performing loans."However, commercial bank’s large net foreign liability position may pose potential risks as global financial conditions have tightened," it said.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) witnessed more than 85% of the traded constituents extend gains to investors this week, which had only two trading sessions in view of the Eid holidays.Despite the truncated session, the 20-stock Qatar Index shot up 2.17% or 215 points and capitalisation add as much as QR12bn this week which saw a Kamco Investor report that found Qatar registered a robust 69.2% year-on-year increase in total value of projects awarded in the first quarter of this year.The transport, telecom and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw Doha Bank report net profit of QR209mn in the first three months of this year.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net buyers this week which saw Gulf Warehousing register net profit of QR61.5mn at the end of first quarter ended March 31, 2023.The foreign institutions were seen net buyers in the main market this week, which saw Mekdam Holding disclose its plans to garner as much as QR75.3mn through a rights issue.The Arab retail investors turned bullish in the main market this week which saw Qatar’s trade surplus amount to QR21.27bn in March this year.However, the domestic institutions were increasingly net sellers in the main market this week, which saw a total of 0.12mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.27mn trade across nine deals.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.16mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR1.55mn change hands across 86 transactions.The local retail investors were seen net profit takers this week which saw trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main market.Market capitalisation was seen adding 2.03% to QR587.93bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw the industrials and banking sectors together constitute more than 58% of the total trade volume in the main market.The Total Return Index zoomed 2.17%, the All Share Index by 2.04%, and the All Islamic Index by 1.72% this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The transport sector index shot up 4.35%, telecom (3.31%), industrials (2.7%), banks and financial services (1.66%), consumer goods and services (1.31%) and insurance (0.5%); while real estate was down 0.06% this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Major gainers in the main market included Inma Holding, Qatar German Medical Devices, Dlala, Alijarah Holding, Qatar Islamic Bank, QNB, Commercial Bank, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Al Khaleej Takaful, Ezdan, Ooredoo, Milaha and Nakilat this week.Nevertheless, United Development Company, Dukhan Bank, Doha Bank, Beema and Mannai Corporation were among the losers in the main market. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR46.99mn compared to QR24.34mn the week ended April 20.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR41.26mn against net sellers of QR31.36mn a week ago.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR16.7mn compared with net sellers of QR21.05mn the previous week.However, the domestic funds’ net profit booking grew significantly to QR85.06mn against QR28.5mn the week ended April 20.The local retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR19.53mn compared with net buyers of QR51.6mn a week ago.The Gulf individuals were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.49mn against net buyers of QR1.02mn the previous week.The foreign individuals’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR0.12mn compared to QR3.89mn the week ended April 20.The Arab institutional investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.02mn against QR0.05mn a week ago.The main market witnessed a 22% shrinkage in trade volumes to 343.15mn shares, 24% in value to QR1bn and 33% in deals to 40,245.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday gained another 73 points and its key index crossed the 10,100 levels, on the back of buying interests, especially in telecom, industrials and transport counters.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.72% to 10,145.38 points.The market, which was skewed towards movers, saw the index recover from an intraday low of 9,994 points.The foreign institutions were also increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed further to 5.02%.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR4.48bn or 0.71% to QR587.93bn, mainly on account of midcap segments.Both Arab funds and the Gulf were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, which saw a total of 0.15mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.78mn changed hands across 36 deals.However, the domestic funds were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was up 0.72%, the All Share Index by 0.64% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.92% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The telecom sector index zoomed 2.75%, industrials (1.51%), transport (1.02%), consumer goods and services (0.62%), real estate (0.3%) and banks and financial services (0.16%); while insurance declined 1.26%.More than 71% of the traded constituents in the main market extended gains with major movers being Inma Holding, Qatari German Medical Devices, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qamco, Ooredoo, Lesha Bank, Baladna, Industries Qatar and Ezdan.In the venture market, Al Faleh Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Doha Bank, Qatar Insurance, Medicare Group, Gulf Industrial Services and Qatar Islamic Bank were among the losers in the main market.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR29.59mn compared to QR17.39mn on April 26.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased significantly to QR29.43mn against QR11.83mn the previous day.The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.11mn compared with net sellers of QR1mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.2mn against net profit takers of QR0.2mn on April 26.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.18mn compared with net sellers of QR0.66mn the previous day.However, the domestic institutions’ net selling increased drastically to QR54.71mn against QR30.34mn on Wednesday.The local retail investors’ net profit booking grew noticeably to QR13.57mn compared to QR5.96mn on April 26.The Arab individuals’ net buying weakened marginally to QR7.79mn against QR8.93mn the previous day.The main market saw an 11% jump in trade volumes to 180.48mn shares and 7% in value to QR518mn but on 9% decrease in deals to 19,173.

Qatar’s shipments to China and South Korea were on the rise and so were its imports from Italy and Germany on an annualised basis, as the country’s trade surplus amounted to QR21.27bn in March 202, according to the official estimates.However, the country’s trade surplus was on a declining path year-on-year with exports declining much faster than imports, according to the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).Asia/South East Asia accounted for the majority of Qatar's exports in March 2023; even as imports came from variegated sources.Qatar's trade surplus decreased 19.6% and 7.2% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in March 2023.The country's total exports (valued free on board) amounted to QR30.85bn, while the total imports (cost, insurance, and freight) were QR9.58bn in the review period.The country's total exports of goods (including exports of goods of domestic origin and re-exports) showed 15.5% and 0.6% contraction year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.In March this year, Qatar's shipments to China amounted to QR6.4bn or 20.7% of the total exports of the country, followed by South Korea QR4.87bn (15.8%), India QR3.58bn (11.6%), Japan QR2.5bn (8.1%) and Singapore QR2.3bn (7.4%).On a yearly basis, Qatar's exports to Japan plummeted 39.52%, India by 36.31% and Singapore by 13.35%; whereas those to China and South Korea shot up 20.64% and 5.52% respectively in March 2023.On a monthly basis, Qatar's exports to Japan declined 25.74%, India by 9.92% and South Korea by 3.41%; while those to China and Singapore were up 5.86% and 1.68% respectively in the review period.The exports of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons declined 5.4% on an annualised basis to QR19.03bn, crude by 26.5% to QR4.88bn, non-crude by 32.4% to QR2.55bn and other commodities by 30.6% to QR3.42bn in March 2023.On a monthly basis, the exports of petroleum gases declined 3.1%; whereas those of other non-specified commodities expanded 4.9%, non-crude by 4% and crude by 1.6% this March.Petroleum gases constituted 63.71% of the exports of total domestic products in March 2023 compared to 56.76% a year ago; followed by crude 16.34% (18.73%), non-crude 8.54% (10.61%) and other commodities 11.45% (13.88%).Qatar's total imports were seen declining 4.6% year-on-year but expanded 18.1% month-on-month in March 2023.The country's imports from the US stood at QR1.85bn or 19.3% of the total imports; followed by China QR1.16bn (12.1%), India QR0.6bn (6.3%), Italy QR0.57bn (6%) and Germany QR0.53bn (5.6%), at the end of March 2023.On a yearly basis, Qatar's imports from India and China plummeted 15.69% and 13.83%; while those from Italy, the US and Germany zoomed 15.73%, 5.73% and 3.5% respectively in the review period.On a monthly basis, the country's imports from the US surged 74.22%, Italy by 31.05%, India by 7.69% and Germany by 3.09%; while those from China shrank 8.31% in March 2023.In March 2023, the group of "Turbojets, Turbo propellers and Other Gas Turbines; Parts Thereof" was at the top of the imported group of commodities, with QR0.8bn, showing an annual increase of 31.5%.In second place was "Motor Cars & Other Motor Vehicles for The Transport of Persons” with QR0.4bn, an increase of 0.7% year-on-year in the review period.In third place was “Articles of Jewellery and Parts Thereof, of Precious Metal or of Metal Clad” with QR0.3bn, showing an annual increase of 4.5%.

Qatar’s strong macro fundamentals helped it report a robust 69.2% year-on-year increase in total value of contracts awarded to $3.6bn in the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, after hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, according to Kamco Invest, a regional economic thinktank."The growth in contract awards was mainly due to the country’s maintenance of strong economic performance," Kamco Invest said in its latest report.Quoting MEED, it said Qatar’s GDP (gross domestic product) growth is expected to dip from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.4% in 2023 but this will have little impact on Qatar’s fiscal health to continue to fund and award projects.One of the notable investment decisions that Qatar made during Q1-2023 was the $6bn Ras Laffan petrochemicals project with Chevron Philips Chemical. The Ras Laffan petrochemicals complex, which is set to start production in 2026, comprises an ethane cracker with capacity of 2.1mn tonnes per year of ethylene, thus increasing Qatar’s ethylene production potential by nearly 70%.The complex also has two polyethylene trains which have combined output of 1.7m tonnes per year of high-density polyethylene polymer products which also raises Qatar’s overall petrochemical production by 82% to 14mn tonnes per year.In terms of investment, QatarEnergy and China Petrochemical (Sinopec) have recently signed a deal in which China Petrochemical will invest in Qatar’s $28.75bn North Field East expansion project.The agreement requires the transfer of a 5% stake in one of the four trains of the LNG (liquefied natural gas) project to Sinopec.Qatar’s North Field East expansion project is anticipated to raise the country’s annual LNG export volume from 77mn tonnes per year to 126mn tonnes per year.In terms of contract awards by sector, the chemical sector took over from the Gas Sector as the largest sector by value of awarded projects in the Qatar recording $2.8bn worth of contract awards during Q1-2023.The Qatari chemical sector accounted for 76.9% of the total value of projects awarded in the country during the quarter. Comparatively, the construction sector recorded $116mn worth of project awards during the quarter, recording a 63.1% year-on-year decline.Despite the decline in value of contracts awarded, Qatar’s construction sector is expected to show a compound annual growth rate of 9.5% from 2023 to 2030 to $123.1bn mainly due to planned government spending on infrastructure and other building projects.The Qatari government has allocated an estimated $14.8bn for new projects between 2021 and 2023.Moreover, the total value of projects awarded in the power sector reached $328mn during the quarter while aggregate value of contracts awarded in the transport sector touched $278mn.About the projects in the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kamco Invest said the GCC project awards expanded during Q1-2023 despite global economic challenges such as the global financial sector turmoil, elevated inflation, and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.Total value of the GCC contracts awarded rose 54.7% year-on-year during Q1-2023 to $29.9bn."This was the second highest quarterly project awards since the start of 2022. All GCC project markets witnessed year-on-year project awards growth during Q1-2023 except for Bahrain which remains the smallest project market in the region," the report said.The growth in the GCC project awards during this quarter has been partly fueled by the determination of the regional countries to diversify their economies away from hydrocarbons, it said.The GCC countries have backed and invested in projects in the industrial sector such as aluminum, steel, and other industrial equipment manufacturing projects, according to Kamco Invest.Saudi Arabia remained the largest projects market in the GCC during Q1-2023. Its project awards recorded 17.9% growth during the quarter to $13.3bn.Comparatively, the UAE project awards more than doubled to $10bn during the quarter while Kuwait’s contract awards amounted to $1.8bn during Q1-2023 compared to $407mn in Q1-2022, recording the highest percentage year-on-year contract awards increase in the region during the quarter.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Wednesday reopened after the Eid recess on a solid note with its key index gaining as much as 142 points to cross the 10,000 levels..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[21488]**The transport, insurance and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index vaulted 1.43% to 10,072.56 points.The market, which was skewed towards movers, saw the index recover from an intraday low of 9,953 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net buying in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed to 5.7%.The foreign funds were also increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was seen adding QR7.2bn or 1.25% to QR583.45bn, mainly on account of mid and small cap segments.The Arab individuals turned net buyers in the main market, which saw a total of 0.13mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR1.04mn changed hands across 59 deals.However, the domestic funds were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shot up 1.43%, All Share Index by 1.39% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.79% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The transport sector index surged 3.35, insurance (1.79%), banks and financial services (1.49%), industrials (1.16%), consumer goods and services (0.69%) and telecom (0.54%); while real estate declined 0.36%.More than 72% of the traded constituents in the main market extended gains with major movers being Mekdam Holding, Inma Holding, Qatari German Medical Devices, Gulf International Services, Dlala, Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, QNB, Medicare Group, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Insurance, Ezdan, Vodafone Qatar, Nakilat and Milaha.Nevertheless, United Development Company, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Beema and Baladna were among the losers in the main market. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR17.39mn compared to QR3.58mn on April 20.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased significantly to QR11.83mn against QR4.96mn the previous trading day.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR8.93mn compared with net sellers of QR0.17mn last Thursday.However, the domestic institutions’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR30.34mn against QR26.96mn on April 20.The local retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR5.96mn compared with net buyers of QR18.96mn the previous trading day.The foreign individuals’ net profit booking expanded noticeably to QR1mn against QR0.4mn last Thursday.The Gulf retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.66mn compared with net buyers of QR0.04mn on April 20.The Arab institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.2mn against no major net exposure the previous trading day.The main market saw an 80% jump in trade volumes to 162.67mn shares, more than doubling value to QR485.26mn on 81% increase in deals to 21,072.

Doha is in a strategic location and has the resources to serve as an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and beyond, according to Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar).Qatar’s attractive market is attracting EV manufacturers with Volkswagen, Gaussin, and Yutong already partnering with the government entities to transform Qatar’s as well as the region’s mobility, it said in a report.The extensive investments into innovation and infrastructure plus incentives greatly improve EV industry’s cost competitiveness in Qatar, it said.The report said the country's EV targets are underpinned by Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy to create opportunities for EV investors and businesses.In this regard, IPA Qatar highlighted that EV is expected to be 10% of total sales target by 2030 from 4% in 2020; the number of public charging stations is slated to be 15,000 by 2030 against 600 in 2020; and 100% public transport electrification by 2030 compared to 25% in 2020.IPA Qatar said national champions including Qatar Foundation, Hamad International Airport, and Lusail City are investing in EV.As part of the country's EV strategy, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation or Kahramaa is set to supply, install, and operate some 37 EV charging units at 22 of Woqod stations in Doha and its vicinities, as well as in Al Khor, Al Wakra, and border outlets.According to 6Wresearch, Qatar electric vehicle market size grew at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 31.4% during 2022-2028.Qatar EV market is projected to register exponential growth during the forecast period owing to government initiatives such as the ‘Green Car Initiative’ which was launched by Kahramaa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) to increase the number of electric cars in the country and contribute to achieving the sustainability targets set under Qatar National Vision 2030.Finding that Middle East auto market is set to reach $18.5bn by 2023; it said amid a growing focus across the Middle East to promote the use of EV, the market in the region has a huge potential for the growth"Major economies in the region plan to transition to EV mobility in the near future," IPA Qatar said.Highlighting the sustained policy support for the sector; the report said public spending on subsidies and incentives for EVs nearly doubled in 2021 to approximately $30bn.From an estimated 3.3mn units in 2020 to an expected 27.5mn units by 2027, the global EV market is witnessing a quantum leap, led by the US, China, and Germany. Globally, the potential of the lucrative EV industry is immense with an expected market share of 58% of all global vehicle sales by 2040.

The renewal of health cards and e-contracts together constituted more than 71% of the electronic services availed through Hukoomi in February 2023, indicating the increased prominence of digital penetration and transformation in the country, according to official statistics. There were as many as 67,868 renewals of health card, which accounted for 46% of the total electronic services through the portal, said the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority. On a month-on-month basis, the renewals had seen a 5.4% drop in the review period.The month saw as many as 37,689 E-contracts, which constituted one-fourth or 25% of the total. It registered a 5.1% decline on a monthly basis in February 2023. A total of 148,567 services were conducted through Hukoomi portal in February 2023, which registered a 7.5% fall month-on-month.Hukoomi, the official e-Government portal, is to make government information and services more efficient and effective in order to be accessible to all citizens, residents, visitors and businesses.The third largest component was online registration for the medical commission which stood at 22,576 or 15% of the total in the review period. The online registration witnessed a 16.5% shrinkage month-on-month this February.There were as many as 6,747 criminal cases requests, which constituted 5% of the total service offered through Hukoomi in February 2023. It showed a 12.6% decline month-on-month. There were as many as 4,863 applications for palm import licence, which accounted for 3% of the total in February this year. It was down 2.7% month-on-month in the review period.There were as many as 2,121 non-specified services through the portal in February compared to 2,272 the previous month, thus showing a 6.6% contraction.As many as 1,509 work permit e-services were reported in February 2023 against 1,814 the previous year period, thus registering a 16.8% decline.In the case of medical practicing, it reported a 10.9% increase month-on-month to 1,257 in February 2023.There were as many as 1,062 tender fee payments through Hukoomi portal in February 2023 compared to 1,219, a 12.9% fall on a monthly basis. The portal saw 970 enforcement request registration in February 2023 against 1,059 a month ago.The civil and family case registration numbered 963 in February 2023 compared to 964 in January this year. There were as many as 934 services under Tawtheeqat in February this year compared to 954 the previous month of 2023.There were as many as eight applications for approval for dealing with telecommunication equipment and related activities in February 2023 against 20 in January 2023.

Ahead of Eid holidays, the Qatar Stock Exchange closed the week weak with its key index plunging 160 points and capitalisation eroding in excess of QR11bn.The telecom, industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 1.58% this week which saw Standard and Poor’s expects Qatar banks’ net external debt to decline in the next 12-24 months.The Arab retail investors were seen bearish this week which saw Commercial Bank and Masraf Al Rayan report first quarter (Q1) net profit at QR751.3mn and QR384.95mn respectively.About 58% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week, which saw Qatar Electricity and Water register QR400.66mn net profit in Q1, 2023.A close below 9,585 points would deepen the bearish tone and lead to 9,000 points, a technical analysis note of Kamco had said.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market this week which saw Nakilat and Milaha report net profit of QR395.49mn and QR363mn respectively in Q1, 2023.The foreign individuals’ lower net buying had its say in the main market this week, which saw a total of 0.13mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.3mn trade across 15 deals.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.16mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR1.31mn change hands across 78 transactions.The Gulf individuals continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity this week which saw Vodafone Qatar’s net profit at QR133.39mn in Q1, 2023.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main market this week, which saw QIIB and Ahlibank Qatar register Q1 net profit at QR315.92mn and QR204.6mn respectively.Market capitalisation was seen eroding QR11.42bn or 1.94% to QR576.25bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw the industrials and banking sectors together constitute more than 65% of the total trade volume in the main market.The Total Return Index tanked 1.58%, the All Share Index by 1.56%, and the All Islamic Index by 1.79% this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The telecom sector index plummeted 3.5%, industrials (3.15%), realty (2.17%) and banks and financial services (1.52%); while insurance gained 1.75%, transport (1.26%) and consumer goods and services (0.37%) this which saw no trading of treasury bills.Major shakers in the main market included Mazaya Qatar, Mekdam Holding, Industries Qatar, Beema, Ooredoo, QNB, Masraf Al Rayan, Lesha Bank, Qatari German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Mannai Corporation, Qatar National Cement, Qamco, and Ezdan. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week which saw Aamal bag QR45mn contract from the Ministry of Municipality.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Commercial Bank, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Baladna, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat were among the gainers in the main market this week which saw United Development Company and Aamal Company report net profit of QR88mn and QR87.5mn respectively in Q1, 2023.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the tune of QR21.05mn against net buyers of QR11.16mn the week ended April 13.The local retail investors' net buying declined considerably to QR51.6mn compared to QR94.07mn a week ago.The foreign individuals’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR3.89mn against QR5.36mn the previous week.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR1.02mn compared to QR2.26mn the week ended April 13.The Arab institutional investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.05mn against QR0.19mn a week ago.However, the Gulf institutions’ net buying expanded markedly to QR24.34mn compared to QR12.6mn the previous week.The domestic funds’ net profit booking fell substantially to QR28.5mn against QR76.09mn84mn the week ended April 13.The foreign institutions’ net selling tanked significantly to QR31.36mn compared to QR49.56mn a week ago.The main market witnessed 36% shrinkage in trade volumes to 440.78mn shares, 31% in value to QR1.32bn and 12% in deals to 60,357.

Ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holidays, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday lost another 18 points, dragged down by selling pressure, especially in the telecom and insurance sectors.The domestic institutions were increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shrank 0.18% to 9,930.33 points.The market moved in a rollercoaster fashion with the index touching an intraday low of 9,907 points, even as it hit a high of 9,945 points.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 7.03%.The foreign individual investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation was seen eroding QR2.13bn or 0.37% to QR576.25bn, mainly on account of small and microcap segments.However, the local individuals turned increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw a total of 0.05mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.25mn changed hands across 11 deals.The Gulf funds were also increasingly bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the main index in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was down 0.18%, the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.26% and the All Share Index by 0.36% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The telecom sector index tanked 1.68%, insurance (1.52%), industrials (0.4%), real estate (0.21%), consumer goods and services (0.15%) and banks and financial services (0.12%); while transport gained 0.47%.About 47% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Qatar Insurance, Ooredoo, Mazaya Qatar, QIIB, Qatari Investors Group, Masraf Al Rayan and Gulf Warehousing.In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Inma Holding, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatari German Medical Devices, Medicare Group, Al Khaleej Takaful, Commercial Bank, Lesha Bank, Mannai Corporation and Vodafone Qatar were among the gainers in the main market.The domestic institutions’ net selling increased significantly to QR26.96mn compared to QR9.64mn on April 19.The foreign individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.4mn against net buyers of QR0.09mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR0.04mn compared to QR0.47mn on Wednesday.However, the local retail investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR18.96mn against QR17.82mn on April 19.The foreign institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR4.96mn compared with net sellers of QR11.03mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR3.58mn against QR2.68mn on Wednesday.The Arab individuals’ net profit booking fell marginally to QR0.17mn compared to QR0.4mn on April 19.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.The main market saw a 12% jump in trade volumes to 90.3mn shares but on 16% contraction in value to QR233.69mn and 9% in deals to 11,641.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Wednesday closed marginally down despite buying interests in four of the seven sectors..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[8019]**The foreign funds were seen increasingly into net selling as the 20-stock index shed four points or 0.05% to 9,948.01 points.The market, which was skewed towards decliners, saw its index touch an intraday high of 9,970 points. The domestic institutions were also increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 6.86%.The foreign individual investors’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was however up QR0.3bn or 0.05% to QR578.38bn, mainly on account of microcap segments.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw a total of 0.05mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.24mn changed hands across 15 deals.However, the local retail investors were seen increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the main index in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was down 0.05% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.22%, while All Share Index rose 0.14% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The real estate sector index fell 0.91%, industrials (0.39%) and telecom (0.35%); while insurance shot up 3.63%, consumer goods and services (0.86%), transport (0.7%) and banks and financial services (0.08%).More than 63% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Qatar National Cement, Inma Holding, Estithmar Holding, Lesha Bank, QIIB, Dukhan Bank, Mannai Corporation, Beema, Mazaya Qatar and United Development Company. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, QLM, Qatar Insurance, Gulf Warehousing, Qatari Investors Group, Woqod, Baladna, Gulf International Services, Al Khaleej Takaful and Milaha were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased considerably to QR11.03mn compared to QR2.39mn on April 18.The domestic institutions’ net selling increased significantly to QR9.64mn against QR4.81mn the4 previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR2.68mn compared to QR4.35mn on Tuesday.The foreign individuals’ net buying weakened markedly to QR0.09mn against QR2.4mn on April 18.However, the local retail investors’ net buying expanded substantially to QR17.82mn compared to QR4.5mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR0.47mn against QR0.32mn on Tuesday.The Arab individuals’ net profit booking fell substantially to QR0.4mn compared to QR4.35mn on April 18.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the tune of QR0.02mn the previous day.The main market saw 17% shrinkage in trade volumes to 80.48mn shares, 10% in value to QR279.78mn and 5% in deals to 12,832.