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Market EyeAwaiting rate clues from Washington, DC, investors, especially foreign institutions, squared off their position in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Tuesday fell for the third straight session as its key barometer retreated below 11,500 levels.The telecom, consumer goods, insurance, industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 24 points or 0.21% to 11,491.59 points, even as it touched an intraday high of 11,524 points.The domestic institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 8.71%.More than 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1bn or 0.66% to QR683.51bn mainly on microcap segments.The foreign individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw as many as 761 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR1,936 trade across four deals.The Arab retail investors were seen increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab institutions were seen net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.21%, the All Share Index by 0.1% and the All Islamic Index by 0.38% in the main market.The telecom sector index tanked 1.98%, consumer goods and services (0.91%), insurance (0.66%), industrials (0.35%) and real estate (0.32%); while transport gained 0.27% and banks and financial services 0.25%.Major shakers in the main market included Ooredoo, Baladna, Mannai Corporation, Commercial Bank, Qatar German Medical Devices, QIIB, Alijarah Holding, Dlala, Salam International Investment, Woqod, Qatar Electricity and Water, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, Ezdan and Mazaya Qatar. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Widam Food, Medicare Group, QNB, Beema, Vodafone Qatar, Meeza and Mekdam Holding were among the movers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR18.03mn compared to QR11.75mn on August 18.The domestic institutions’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR12.7mn against QR9.54mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net selling expanded markedly to QR4.28mn compared to QR3.74mn on Monday.The Arab individual investors’ net profit booking strengthened considerably to QR2.05mn against QR0.22mn on August 18.The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.11mn compared with net buyers of QR0.09mn the previous day.The local individual investors’ net buying weakened notably to QR23.75mn against QR29.59mn on Monday.However, the Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR11.25mn compared with net sellers of QR3.67mnon August 18.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.17mn against net profit takers of QR0.78mn the previous day.The main market saw 16% contraction in trade volumes to 151.62mn shares, 3% in value to QR399.91mn and less than 1% in deals to 20,104.In the venture market, a total of 0.09mn equities valued at QR0.23mn changed hands across 24 transactions.

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is expected to make further inroads in Qatar’s financial landscape with more banks set to sign strategic pact with fintechs providing "growth enabling" services, according to experts."The lenders are seized of its (BNPL) opportunities in the banking space. Fintechs are enablers than competitors, there is a symbiotic relationship between the two," said a top official of a private sector bank, which is planning to enter in a strategic relationship with BNPL provider.This symbiotic relationship leverages the strengths of both entities, leading to a "win-win" situation, according to him.The streamlining and strengthening of operations at the Qatar Credit Bureau have also helped fintechs offering BNPL services to undertake quick due diligence regarding customers, the official said.Recently, Qatar Islamic Bank tied up with PayLater to deliver Shariah-compliant BNPL services to customers and merchants in Qatar, providing flexible financing solutions that promote financial inclusion and support the growth of the nation’s digital economy.BNPL, which is gaining momentum in the Middle East and North Africa region, is essentially a short term (no more than 12 months) interest free credit facility that allows a customer to split its transaction amount into instalment payments to allow repayment over a period of time.The maximum credit per customer at any point of time has been fixed at QR25,000, as per the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) regulations for the sector.The tech-savvy consumer base, the quest to explore the latest in online shopping and the alternative payment solutions with flexibility are giving the required thrust (for the BNPL segment), said the bank official.The QCB had approved five companies – Spendwisor; Qaiver FinTech; HSAB for Payment Solutions; Mihuru; and Pay Later Website Services – as a first cohort for the BNPL service; awarding entry into its exclusive sandbox programme.The banking regulator had in 2023 issued the BNPL regulations following the launch of its fintech strategy. The objectives of the BNPL regulations are to ensure that customers are provided with adequate protections without unduly impacting the availability and cost of BNPL products and services, to protect the rights of BNPL customers from unfair lending practices, and to encourage the development of the consumer credit industry.Terming that BNPL isn’t a trend — it’s a shift in mindset; Mohammed al-Delaimi, SkipCash’s founder and managing director, had said it introduces financial flexibility and responsible consumption, particularly in markets that have traditionally been underserved or cash-dependent.For small businesses, it means increased sales and better customer retention, while for consumers, it’s a lifeline to spread out essential purchases without falling into debt traps, he had said.The changing consumer preferences and the growing e-commerce market are paving the way for strong growth, the bank official said, adding the rise in e-commerce deals during the Covid-19 lockdowns led to a significant increase in the use of BNPL services.Snoonu had earlier this year joined forces with PayLater to enhance financial flexibility and reshape the digital shopping experience for consumers. Beema recently tied up with PayLater.LuLu AI, the investment arm of LuLu Financial Holdings, had announced a strategic investment in PayLater Qatar.

Market Eye Uncertainties encircling the US-Ukraine meet and Federal Reserve rate cuts played spoilsport in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Monday fell for the second straight session as its key barometer shed 72 points and capitalisation eroded in excess of QR4.5bn. The foreign funds were increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index declined 0.62% to 11,515.66 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,602 points. The telecom, transport and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 8.94%. More than 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR4.54bn or 0.66% to QR684.51bn mainly on midcap segments. The domestic institutions were increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 1,883 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR4,588 trade across five deals. The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf institutions were net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 0.38%, the All Share Index by 0.41% and the All Islamic Index by 0.65% in the main market. The telecom sector index tanked 1.21%, transport (0.74%), realty (0.68%), banks and financial services (0.48%), insurance (0.3%) and consumer goods and services (0.13%); while industrials were up 0.1%. Major shakers in the main market included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Mannai Corporation, Ooredoo, Qatar Oman Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Qatari Investors Group, Qatar Insurance, Barwa and Milaha. In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, QLM, Gulf International Services, Medicare Group, Vodafone Qatar, Lesha Bank, Meeza and Estithmar Holding were among the movers in the main market. The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR11.75mn compared to QR9.99mn the previous day. The domestic institutions’ net selling expanded significantly to QR9.54mn against QR2.84mn on August 17. The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.74mn compared with net buyers of QR0.72mn on Sunday. The Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR3.67mn against net buyers of QR16.54mn the previous day. The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking rose marginally to QR0.78mn compared to QR0.61mn on August 17. However, the local retail investors’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR29.59mn against QR1.91mn on Sunday. The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.09mn compared with no major net exposure the previous day. The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking decreased markedly to QR0.22mn against QR5.73mn on August 17. The main market saw 2% jump in trade volumes to 180.88mn shares, 17% in value to QR413.76mn and 34% in deals to 20,126. In the venture market, a total of 0.5mn equities valued at QR1.34mn changed hands across 31 transactions.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE)'s listed companies in the main market have earned total net profit of QR26.68bn in the first half (H1) of 2025 as the real estate and transport sectors witnessed stronger earnings growth.The pace of net profitability, however, slowed down as it grew by 2.31% year-on-year in H1-2025 compared to 5.51% the previous year period, reflecting slippage in net earnings expansion in the banking, insurance and consumer goods as well as overall decline in the industrials sector.The banking and industrials sectors together constituted more than 74% of the total net profits of main market listed companies in the review period.The main market listed entities' total net profits translate into more than 3% of the country's gross domestic product or GDP for the whole of 2024 (as per the National Planning Council data).The banks and financial services sector - which has as many as 13 listed constituents -reported 1.48% increase in net profit to QR15.13bn against 7.61% in the comparable period in 2024. The sector contributed 56.71% in H1-2025 compared to 57.17% in H1-2024."There has been measured balance sheet growth, given a cautious and more selective approach to lending, with net profit for the sector rising by 1.3% from the prior period; reflecting tight margins and cost control coupled with efficiencies and proactive balance sheet management," said Omar Mahmood, Head of Financial Services, KPMG in the Middle East, South Asia, Caucasus and Central Asia; and Partner, KPMG in Qatar, in reference to commercial banks' H1-2025 performance.The consumer goods and services sector, which has as many as 14 listed constituents, registered 17.05% year-on-year in net earnings to QR1.11bn in January-June 2025 compared to 22.78% the same period of 2024. The sector contributed 4.16% to total net profits of the listed companies in the main market against 3.6% the review period of 2024.The insurance sector, which as many as seven listed firms, saw its net earnings grow 5.76% to QR763.38mn in the first six months of 2025 compared to 14.66% the comparable period of 2024. The sector constituted 2.85% of total profits of the listed companies against 2.76% in January-June 2024.The telecom sector, which has two entities, recorded net profit of QR2.28bn in H1, registering 5.18% growth on an annualised basis compared to 5.35% the previous-year period. The sector contributed 8.55% of the total net earnings in January-June 2025 against 2.76% in the same period of 2024.The industrials sector, which has as many as 10 listed companies, registered 6.64% year-on-year growth to QR4.64bn in January-June 2025 compared to a 0.14% rise in the year-ago period. The sector constituted 17.39% of the total net profit of the listed companies against 19.06% the comparable period of 2024.However, the real estate sector - which has as many as four entities - witnessed a 45.21% year-on-year surge in net profit to QR1.17bn in the first half of 2025 compared with 12.32% shrinkage the year-ago period. The sector contributed 4.39% of total net earnings of the listed firms in January-June 2025 against 3.07% in the comparable period of 2024.The transport sector with three constituents saw net profit of QR1.59bn in H1-2025, registering 2.11% growth on an annualised basis compared to 1.36% in H1-2024. The sector contributed 5.96% to overall net profit of the listed companies in January-June 2025 against 5.98% the year-ago period.

Market Eye The US-Russia talks’ failure to yield any tangible agreement to resolve the Ukraine conflict had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which Sunday opened the week weak. The foreign funds turned net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 61 points or 0.52% to 11,588.02 points, after touching an intraday high of 11,655 points. The industrials, insurance and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 9.62%. About 68% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.79bn or 0.55% to QR689.05bn mainly on small and microcap segments. The Arab individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw as many as 4,105 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across six deals. The Gulf retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The domestic institutions continued to be net sellers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 0.48%, the All Share Index by 0.4% and the All Islamic Index by 0.57% in the main market. The industrials sector index declined 0.93%, insurance (0.78%), banks and financial services (0.54%), transport (0.51%), consumer goods and services (0.48%) and telecom (0.15%); while real estate gained 0.28%. Major shakers in the main market included Qamco, Gulf International Services, Doha Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Mannai Corporation, QNB, Mekdam Holding, Meeza, Industries Qatar, Estithmar Holding and Mazaya Qatar. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Ezdan, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Islamic Bank and Al Mahhar Holding were among the gainers in the main market. The foreign institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR9.99mn compared with net buyers of QR6.2mn last Thursday. The Arab retail investors’ net selling increased noticeably to QR5.73mn against QR2.09mn the previous trading day. The Gulf retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.61mn compared with net buyers of QR0.25mn on August 14. The local individual investors’ net buying declined substantially to QR1.91mn against QR15.26mn last Thursday. However, the Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR16.54mn compared to QR15.07mn the previous trading day. The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.72mn against net sellers of QR3.38mn on August 14. The domestic funds’ net profit booking weakened drastically to QR2.84mn compared to QR31.05mn last Thursday. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the extent of QR0.25mn the previous trading day. The main market saw 22% contraction in trade volumes to 176.73mn shares, 43% in value to QR352.91mn and 49% in deals to 15,013. In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.08mn changed hands across seven transactions.

The Gulf central banks are likely to cut rates from December, which ought to support lending, consumer spending, and private investment, thus feeding into non-energy growth, according to Oxford Economics.Highlighting that the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) banks kept the interest rates on hold this week, in line with the US Federal Reserve; Oxford Economics said it still sees rates being cut this year, likely from December and through 2026."In the GCC, these cuts should support lending, consumer spending, and private investment, feeding into our constructive outlook for regional non-energy growth, which we see remaining above 4% next year," it said in a latest report.Ernst and Young had said in a report that interest rate cuts, together with further investment and structural reform initiatives, would translate as non-oil growth of more than 3.4% in the (Gulf) region’s two largest economies – Saudi Arabia and the UAE.The Qatar Central Bank had last week decided to maintain the current interest rates for deposits, lending, and repo rates, following an assessment of the current monetary policy of the country.The deposit rate has been maintained at 4.60%, lending rate at 5.10% and repo rate at 4.85%.S&P Global Ratings analysts said in an outlook report had said loan growth is slated to remain strong for the remainder of the year in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the countries are expected to reduce their interest rates in step with the US Fed, which is expected to cut rates in the second half.According to Oxford Economics projection, the GCC inflation is expected to be 0.4% in 2025 compared to the GCC average of 2.1%.Kamco Invest, a regional non-banking finance entity, had in its report said despite the heightened geopolitical instability in Q2-2025, driven by the geopolitical tensions in Middle East and the ongoing war on Gaza, the inflation rate across the GCC region "remained stable" throughout the period.

Market EyeStrengthened oil prices and brighter prospects of rate cut in the US were seen lifting the sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), resulting in key index gain as much as 285 points to touch the highest level since December 2022.The banks, transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index zoomed 2.51% this week which saw the QSE index committee undertake review in its quarterly exercise and decide to maintain status quo in the components.The foreign individuals were seen net buyers this week which saw Gulf International Services generate a net profit of QR408m in the first half of 2025.As much as 65% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market this week which saw AlRayan Bank go live with Finastra corporate channels, enhancing and streamlining its corporate digital banking services.The Gulf retail investors turned bearish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw Apex Health, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding, obtain an investment license to develop a comprehensive private hospital with 400 beds in Baghdad, the Iraqi capital.The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main market this week which saw Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) disclose that it is in the process of acquiring a 16.15% equity stake in Germany's ANCLA Logistik for a total consideration of 8.2mn euro, funded entirely from the group’s internal resources.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse this week which saw Mannai Corporation report net profit of QR69.91mn in H1-2025.The Gulf institutions also continued to be net profit takers but with lesser vigour in the main market this week which saw Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding's (MPHC) Q1-2025 net profit at QR378.71mn.The domestic funds were seen increasingly bearish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.05mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.11mn trade across 33 deals.The Arab individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market this week which saw 0.02mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.31mn change hands across 34 transactions.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Market capitalisation added QR16.56bn or 2.45% to QR692.84bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main and venture markets this week which saw the consumer goods and realty sectors together constitute about 64% of the total trade volumes.The Total Return Index shot up 2.56%, the All Islamic Index by 1.96% and the All Share Index by 2.53% this week which saw Qatar Insurance earn net profit of QR374.78mn in January-June 2025.The banks and financial services sector index soared 3.54%, transport (2.87%), telecom (2.81%), consumer goods and services (2.08%), real estate (0.92%), insurance (0.43%) and industrials (0.26%) this week which saw QLM's H1-2025 net profit at QR42.6mn.The market was skewed towards movers with 35 constituents extending gains, while 18 declined this week which saw Commercial Bank participate in the recent rights issue of United Arab Bank, subscribing to 409.73mn new shares at 1AED per share.Major gainers in the main market included Baladna, Estithmar Holding, Salam International Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Milaha, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, AlRayan Bank, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar and Ooredoo. In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Doha Insurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Al Mahhar Holding, MPHC, Widam Food, Vodafone Qatar and GWC were among the shakers in the main market this week.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.02mn compared with net sellers of QR5.26mn the previous week.The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR0.25mn against net profit takers of QR0.25mn the week ended August 7.The local individual investors’ net selling weakened drastically to QR70.65mn compared to QR214.55mn a week ago.However, the domestic funds’ net profit booking expanded considerably to QR88.49mn against QR27.97mn the previous week.The Arab retail investors’ net selling strengthened perceptibly to QR8.57mn compared to QR8.03mn the week ended August 7.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking increased marginally to QR0.68mn against QR0.28mn a week ago.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased substantially to QR130.78mn compared to QR204.91mn the previous week.The Gulf institutions’ net buying shrank significantly to QR36.34mn against QR51.45mn the week ended August 7.The main market saw 38% surge in trade volumes to 1.44bn shares, 30% in value to QR2.91bn and 2% in deals to 116,920 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes grew more than five-fold to 0.58mn equities and value also rose more than five-fold to QR1.58mn on more than doubled transactions to 89.

Market EyeStrengthened oil prices had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange, which Thursday gained more than 14 points as local retail investors turned bullish.The transport, industrials and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.12% to 11,643.31 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,742 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 10.19%.More than 46% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.76bn or 0.11% to QR692.84bn mainly on microcap segments.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.12mn trade across 22 deals.The domestic institutions were seen net profit takers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.12%, the All Share Index by 0.11% and the All Islamic Index by 0.01% in the main market.The transport sector index shot up 1.45%, industrials (0.34%), consumer goods and services (0.31%) and telecom (0.04%); while real estate declined 0.42%, insurance (0.15%) and banks and financial services (0.12%).Major movers in the main market included Doha Bank, Baladna, Milaha, Estithmar Holding, Salam International Investment, Meeza, Industries Qatar, and Nakilat.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Mannai Corporation, QIIB, Inma Holding, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qamco and Mazaya Qatar were among the shakers in the main market.The local individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR15.26mn compared with net sellers of QR63.9mn on August 13.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR15.07mn against QR13.59mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net selling decreased noticeably to QR2.09mn compared to QR3.92mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking weakened marginally to QR0.25mn against QR0.26mn on August 13.However, the domestic funds were net sellers to the extent of QR31.05mn compared with net buyers of QR0.91mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.38mn against net buyers of QR1.01mn on Wednesday.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased substantially to QR6.2mn compared to QR52.08mn on August 13.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.25mn against QR0.48mn the previous day.The main market saw a 25% contraction in trade volumes to 227.57mn shares and 7% jump in value to QR621.38mn but on 13% jump in deals to 29,636.In the venture market, a total of 0.09mn equities valued at QR0.26mn changed hands across 24 transactions.

Qatar is updating its sovereign green assets register as it strengthens sustainable transformation by pioneering innovative financing solutions and championing investment in green projects, according to the Ministry of Finance."The Ministry of Finance is driving Qatar's sustainable transformation by pioneering innovative financing solutions and championing investment in green projects. These strategic initiatives underscore Qatar's unwavering commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Qatar National Vision 2030," the Government Communication Office said in its social medial handle X.Outlining its sustainability initiatives to drive development; the ministry said it issued Qatar's first sovereign green bonds in the second quarter of 2024. Qatar had set a regional benchmark by issuing $2.5bn in green bonds to fund environmentally friendly projects, marking a new era for sustainable finance.The bonds were divided into two tranches: a $1bn tranche with a five-year maturity priced at a 30 basis point spread over the US treasuries and a $1.5bn tranche with a 10-year maturity priced at a 40 basis point spread over the US treasuries. The country achieved the lowest spread ever recorded by any bond-issuing country in the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa.The Ministry of Finance had revealed that the coverage ratio exceeded 5.6 times the total issuance size, with peak subscription demand reaching more than $14bn, confirming that the issuance enjoyed broad and diversified geographic and institutional investor interest from around the world.Qatar was awarded “Deal of the Year” as part of the Global Banking and Markets: Middle East Awards 2025, in recognition of its landmark inaugural sovereign green bond issuance.The ministry is "currently updating the sovereign green assets register", it said, adding the ministry had also published its first sovereign green bond allocation report.The green assets register - which lists and tracks assets that are considered environmentally friendly or contribute to a sustainable environment - is a crucial tool for transparency and accountability in the growing field of green finance and sustainable investing.The ministry also highlighted that it participated in the development of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), a strategic framework designed to address vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change.The development of NAP enables the country to identify and address its medium- and long-term priorities for adapting to climate change as part of Qatar’s broader development strategy and green economy transition.By focusing on the most vulnerable sectors, the project aims to safeguard the nation’s economy, population, and coastal regions, while contributing significantly to global climate resilience and sustainability efforts.The ministry’s drive was further reinforced by the Qatar Central Bank's sustainable finance framework guidelines, which are strategically developed to regulate sustainable finance and sustainability-linked finance, unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation and provide market guidance on how these instruments can be channelled and adopted within the country.

Market EyeSofter US inflation data and the resultant expectations of cut in the interest rates brightened the prospects in the Qatar Stock Exchange, which Wednesday soared 213 points and its key index surpassed 11,600 points with ease.The banks and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index shot up 1.87% to 11,634.75 points, its highest level since December 2022. The market recovered from an intraday low of 11,439 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 10.06%.About 55% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation zoomed QR11.5bn or 1.69% to QR692.08bn mainly on large and midcap segments.The Gulf retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.12mn trade across 17 deals.The foreign funds continued to bet net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 1.87% and the All Share Index by 1.75% and the All Islamic Index by 1.34% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index soared 2.72%, telecom (2.37%), transport (0.88%), industrials (0.53%) and real estate (0.08%); while insurance declined 0.98% and consumer goods and services 0.12%.Major movers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Ooredoo, QNB, Commercial Bank, Dukhan Bank, QIIB, Inma Holding, Estithmar Holding and Milaha.Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Baladna, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Salam International Investment, Meeza, Qatar Oman Investment and Salam International Investment were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased significantly to QR13.59mn compared to QR7.48mn the previous day.The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.91mn against net sellers of QR33.73mn on August 12.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR0.48mn compared to QR0.03mn on Tuesday.However, the local individuals’ net selling strengthened substantially to QR63.9mn against QR30.63mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net selling increased noticeably to QR3.92mn compared to QR3.18mn on August 12.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR0.26mn against QR0.09mn on Tuesday.The foreign funds’ net buying decreased markedly to QR52.08mn compared to QR56.14mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying declined notably to QR1.01mn against QR3.97mn on August 12.The main market saw a 10% contraction in trade volumes to 303.36mn shares but on 15% jump in value to QR667.29mn and 19% in deals to 26,184.In the venture market, a total of 0.1mn equities valued at QR0.28mn changed hands across 16 transactions.

Market EyeThe foreign institutions’ increased net buying interests Tuesday lifted the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) by as much as 50 points and its key index surpassed the 11,400 levels.The telecom, transport, banking and insurance counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.44% to 11,421.38 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,350 points.The Gulf institutions were seen bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 8.04%.More than 67% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.6bn or 0.38% to QR680.58bn mainly on mid and small cap segments.The foreign retail investors were net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 2,295 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across four deals.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the domestic institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.49% and the All Share Index by 0.5% and the All Islamic Index by 0.51% in the main market.The telecom sector index shot up 1.18%, transport (0.75%), banks and financial services (0.69%), insurance (0.47%), real estate (0.44%) and consumer goods and services (0.41%); while industrials declined 0.26%.Major movers in the main market included Qatar Oman Investment, Salam International Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding, AlRayan Bank, Milaha, QIIB, Baladna, Meeza, Mazaya Qatar, Barwa and Ooredoo. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar Electricity and Water, QLM, Ezdan, Qamco, Zad Holding and Nakilat were among the shakers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR56.14mn compared to QR3.71mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR7.48mn against net sellers of QR0.51mn on August 11.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR3.97mn compared with net sellers of QR2.01mn on Monday.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.03mn against net profit takers of QR0.42mn the previous day.However, the domestic institutions’ net selling expanded significantly to QR33.73mn compared to QR3.66mn on August 11.The local individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR30.63mn against net buyers of QR3.31mn on Monday.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking strengthened perceptibly to QR3.18mn compared to QR0.36mn the previous day.The Arab institutions’ net selling increased marginally to QR0.09mn against QR0.08mn on August 11.The main market saw 1% rise in trade volumes to 337.82mn shares but on 2% fall in value to QR580.32mn amidst 4% jump in deals to 21,915.In the venture market, a total of 0.01mn equities valued at QR0.04mn changed hands across five transactions.

The Middle East and North Africa or Mena - which saw 14 IPOs (initial public offerings) during the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, raising $2.5bn in proceeds - is expected to see another 14 planned listings during the second half (H2) of this year, according to Ernst and Young (EY)."The outlook for Mena IPOs in H2-2025 remains strong, supported by a healthy pipeline of 14 planned listings across a range of sectors," EY said in its latest report.Saudi Arabia continues to lead with 10 anticipated offerings, while upcoming activity from Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco highlights the region’s expanding market depth and diversification.The IPOs in Q2-2025 marks a 4% increase in capital raised compared with the first quarter (Q1) of this year, demonstrating sustained investor appetite and the resilience of regional capital markets, EY said.“The Q2 of this year has reinforced the Mena region’s position as a resilient and dynamic IPO market. In spite of investors practising caution, we have seen strong growth. The diversity of sectors represented, along with milestone listings such as Dubai Residential REIT, highlights the depth of opportunities across the region. With a healthy pipeline for the remainder of 2025, we expect this momentum to continue,” said Brad Watson, Mena EY‑Parthenon Leader.While after‑market performance varied, with 10 of the 14 IPOs closing below their offer price on debut, five listings recorded gains, reflecting a cautious investor sentiment, it said, adding companies are increasingly strategic about market timing, carefully assessing investor sentiment and macroeconomic conditions before going public.In terms of equity market performance, the Boursa Kuwait Premier Market Index led regional gains in Q2-2025, rising 17.2%, while other markets posted mixed results.The nature of IPO proceeds in Q2-2025 reflects a notable shift, with secondary listings accounting for 64.3% of all IPOs, up from 35.7% in Q1-2025. This suggests a preference among issuers for shareholder exits over new capital raising, further demonstrating a more cautious approach amid ongoing market uncertainty.Saudi Arabia continues to set the pace for IPO activity in the Mena region, attracting strong interest across multiple sectors. At the same time, landmark transactions in the UAE show how regional exchanges are evolving to meet the needs of a broadening investor base, according to Gregory Hughes, Mena EY-Parthenon IPO Leader.“This diversity, combined with continued enhancements in market governance, is a key to sustaining long‑term growth,” he said.In Saudi Arabia, the second quarter’s largest IPO was flynas, which debuted on the Tadawul main market and accounted for 44% of Q2’s total proceeds. This was followed by Specialised Medical Company, which raised $500mn; and United Carton Industries Company $160mn.In the UAE, the Dubai Financial Market welcomed Dubai Residential REIT, which raised $584mn. The listing marks a significant milestone as the largest real estate investment trust (REIT) by market capitalisation in the GCC and the first pure‑play residential leasing REIT in the region.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Monday edged up nine points, even as the international investors await US inflation data.The real estate, insurance, consumer goods and industrials sectors saw higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index was up 0.08% to 11,371.49 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,321 points.The domestic institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved marginally to 7.57%.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.62bn or 0.24% to QR677.98bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The local retail investors also continued to be bullish but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw as many as 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.11mn trade across 16 deals.The foreign individuals were seen net sellers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen flat vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions turned net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.08% and the All Share Index by 0.12%, while the All Islamic Index was unchanged in the main market.The realty sector index gained 1.02%, insurance (0.6%), consumer goods and services (0.53%), industrials (0.39%) and banks and financial services (0.1%); while telecom and transport declined 1.24% and 0.32% respectively.Major movers in the main market included Baladna, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatar Electricity and Water, QLM, Salam International Investment and Qatar Insurance. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, about 53% of the traded constituents were in the red with major shakers being Estithmar Holding, Medicare Group, Widam Food, Ooredoo, Mannai Corporation and Qamco.The domestic institutions’ net selling decreased substantially to QR3.66mn compared to QR20.97mn the previous day.However, the foreign individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.01mn against net buyers of QR1.43mn on August 10.The Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR0.51mn compared with net buyers of QR0.7mn on Sunday.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR0.42mn against QR0.09mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.36mn compared with net buyers of QR0.97mn on August 10.The Arab institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.08mn against no major net exposure on Sunday.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased markedly to QR3.71mn compared to QR12.65mn the previous day.The local individual investors’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR3.31mn against QR5.31mn on August 10.The main market saw 39% surge in trade volumes to 333.77mn shares, 32% in value to QR593.4mn and 17% in deals to 21,101.In the venture market, a total of 0.11mn equities valued at QR0.29mn changed hands across 14 transactions.

With complexities adding to the cross-jurisdictional mergers and acquisitions (M&As) involving mainland and the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) entities, Sharq Law Firm has made a seven-point suggestion to unlock the strategic advantages of each domain, while mitigating associated risks.Qatar presents a dual legal landscape, comprising mainland and the QFC, each with own rules on corporate law, taxation, and business operations, said Rashid al-Saad, founder, Sharq Law Firm, in 'A Comprehensive Study of M&As: Types, Effects, and the Dual Dynamics in Qatar'.The mainland’s regulatory framework, built on civil law, has evolved to permit 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, subject to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry approval, thereby broadening access to the local markets and public sector projects.The QFC provides a standalone common law framework with guaranteed foreign ownership, tax incentives and unrestricted profit repatriation; but the QFC entities face restrictions on doing business directly in the local market without intermediaries or approvals."These jurisdictional differences create both challenges and opportunities for cross-border transaction. Successfully operating in this environment requires detailed due diligence, customised deal structuring, and a strategic understanding of both legal frameworks," al-Saad said.In this regard, the law firm recommends structuring deals with ownership rules in mind, implying that it should account for sector-specific restrictions on foreign ownership and explore alternatives such as joint ventures or strategic asset acquisitions to navigate regulatory limits.The law firms suggests prioritising integration planning by developing detailed integration roadmaps that address cultural address alignment, employment harmonisation, governance differences, and operational continuity from day one.Stressing the need to conduct comprehensive and context-specific due diligence, the law house said it would go beyond legal and financial checks to examine IT systems, HR structures, customer impact, and cross-jurisdictional regulatory obligations.Finding it necessary to engage regulators proactively, it said discussions should begin early with MoCI, the Qatar Financial Market Authority, the Qatar Central Bank, the Qatar Financial Centre Authority, the QFC Regulatory Authority, and the Competition Protection Department to clarify approval requirements and avoid delay.While M&A in Qatar is increasingly driven by strategic goals such as market expansion, diversification, and improved operational efficiency, it also brings inherent risks, which extend beyond financial considerations, impacting shareholders, employees, and customers.Highlighting that issues such as value dilution, loss of trust, and cultural misalignment can significantly affect integration success; it said at the macro level, M&A can enhance market competition, but also risks market concentration, prompting regulatory scrutiny.Several key factors are currently fueling M&A growth in Qatar, reflecting both internal reforms and broader global positioning, it said, adding the government’s commitment to economic diversification has led to increased restructuring across industries, creating significant deal opportunities.Highlighting that outbound investment remains robust, particularly in logistics and transportation; it said recent examples include QTerminals’ acquisition of the Kramer Group in the Netherlands, and Qatar Airways' stakes in Airlink and Virgin Australia.The study stressed on the need to engage specialist advisors early for structuring compliant and efficient transactions as well as to align the M&A activity with national development goals.

Having hit multi-year high in the previous sessions, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Sunday opened the week on a flat note despite buying interests in five of the seven sectors.The domestic institutions were increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index remained at 11,362 points, even as it touched an intraday low of 11,336 points.The industrials and real estate counters saw higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains were at 7.49%.The Gulf retail investors were seen bearish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.08bn or 0.01% to QR676.36bn mainly on microcap segments.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, which saw as many as 4,690 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn trade across eight deals.The Gulf funds’ lower net buying also had its impact on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen making gains vis-à-vis declines in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors were seen net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was down 0.01% and the All Share Index by 0.02%, while the All Islamic Index rose 0.09% in the main market.The industrials and realty sectors index declined 0.74% and 0.2% respectively; while consumer goods and services gained 0.94%, insurance (0.5%), telecom (0.48%), banks and financial services (0.12%) and transport (0.09%).Major shakers in the main market include Industries Qatar, Doha Insurance, Al Mahhar Holding, Beema, Qatar German Medical Devices, Widam Food, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Mazaya Qatar and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, about 51% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse with major movers being Estithmar Holding, Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Alijarah Holding, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QIIB, Dlala and Qamco. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR20.97mn compared to QR17.1mn last Thursday.The Gulf individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.09mn against net buyers of QR2.38mn on August 7.The foreign funds’ net buying decreased substantially to QR12.65mn compared to QR61.14mn the previous trading day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened significantly to QR0.7mn against QR30.84mn last Thursday.However, the local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR5.31mn compared with net sellers of QR75.63mn on August 7.The foreign individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.43mn against net sellers of QR1.6mn the previous trading day.The Arab retail investors’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR0.97mn compared to QR0.02mn last Thursday.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the extent of QR0.05mn on August 7.The main market saw 2% fall in trade volumes to 240.68mn shares, 16% in value to QR450.48mn and 23% in deals to 18,084.In the venture market, a total of 0.26mn equities valued at QR0.71mn changed hands across 30 transactions.

The US Federal Reserve rate cut prospects and domestic earnings expectations masked the concerns regarding the impact of Washington's tariff on several trading nations that the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) surged 102 points to touch a fresh multi-year high and capitalisation add QR8bn this week.The foreign funds were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index gain 0.91% this week which saw Industries Qatar report net profit of QR2bn in the first half (H1) of 2025.The transport, industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw Qatar Electricity & Water Company generate a net profit of QR662m in H1-2025.More than 62% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market this week which saw Qamco, a 50% joint venture partner in Qatar Aluminum Company (Qatalum), report H1-2025 net profit at QR342mn.The Gulf institutions’ increased net buying had its influence on the main bourse this week which saw Al Mahhar Holding Company earn net profit of QR26.7mn in H1-2025.The Arab retail investors’ weakened net selling had its impact on the main market this week which saw Forbes Middle East find that Qatar’s top 20 companies dominate the market with them accounting for more than 89% of total market capitalisation.The Arab funds’ lower net profit booking had its marginal effect on the main bourse this week which saw Doha Bank enhance the digital payroll solutions for government entities through the expansion of its secured "Tadbeer" platform.However, the local retail investors were increasingly net sellers in the main market this week which saw the Ministry of Commerce and Industry launch a dedicated digital platform under the public-private partnership programme to showcase investment opportunities and projects available to private investors.The domestic funds were seen increasingly bearish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.04mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.1mn trade across 18 deals.The foreign individuals turned net profit takers in the main market this week which saw 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.02mn change hands across five transactions.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market this week, which saw as many as 0.03mn sovereign bonds valued at QR344.07mn change hands across five deals.Market capitalisation added QR7.98bn or 1.19% to QR676.28bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main market; while the junior bourse saw lower trade turnover and volumes this week which saw the consumer goods, industrials and realty sectors together constitute more than 79% of the total trade volumes.The Total Return Index shot up 0.99%, the All Islamic Index by 1.11% and the All Share Index by 0.97% this week which saw Qatar's maritime sector display solid performance in July 2025 with Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports witnessing a robust year-on-year growth in ship arrivals, cargoes, livestock, building materials and vehicles.The transport sector index soared 2.27%, industrials (1.68%), real estate (0.92%), banks and financial services (0.88%) and consumer goods and services (0.66%); while insurance and telecom declined 2.02% and 0.33% respectively this week.The market was skewed towards movers with 33 constituents extending gains, while 20 declined this week which saw Doha Insurance reveal net profit of QR116.58mn in H1-2025.Major gainers in the main market included Estithmar Holding, Baladna, Mazaya Qatar, Milaha, Qatar Electricity and Water, QNB, Doha Bank, AlRayan Bank, Alijarah Holding, Dlala, Qatar German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Medicare Group, Aamal Company, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Ezdan. In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Insurance, Ahlibank Qatar, Inma Holding, Commercial Bank and Qatar Islamic Insurance were among the shakers in the main market this week.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR204.91mn compared to QR121.36mn the previous week.The Gulf institutions’ net buying expanded significantly to QR51.45mn against QR36.61mn the week ended July 31.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking decreased perceptibly to QR8.03mn compared to QR10.32mn a week ago.The Arab institutions’ net selling weakened marginally to QR0.28mn against QR0.86mn the previous week.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking shrank markedly to QR0.25mn compared to QR1.14mn the week ended July 31.However, the local individuals’ net selling strengthened drastically to QR214.55mn against QR143.58mn a week ago.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking grew considerably to QR27.97mn compared to QR3.24mn the previous week.The foreign individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR5.26mn against net buyers of QR1.16mn the week ended July 31.The main market saw 43% surge in trade volumes to 1.04bn shares, 13% in value to QR2.23bn and 29% in deals to 115,170 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes were down 15% to 0.11mn equities, value by 14% to QR0.3mn and transactions by 2% to 41.

Amidst global apprehensions over the impact of the US tariffs on several trading partners, the Qatar Stock Exchange Thursday entered the fourth day of bull-run with its key index inching towards 11,400 levels and capitalisation add about QR3bn.Foreign funds were seen increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained as much as 38 points or 0.33% to a new multi-year high of 11,363.71 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,307 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 7.5%.About 55% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.9bn or 0.43% to QR676.28bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across eight deals.The foreign individuals’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab retail investors were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.03mn sovereign bonds valued at QR344.07mn change hands across five transactions.The Total Return Index gained 0.42%, the All Islamic Index by 0.34% and the All Share Index by 0.41% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index rose 0.52%, transport (0.47%), telecom (0.41%), industrials (0.36%) and real estate (0.32%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.29% and insurance 0.02%.Major movers in the main market included Estithmar Holding, Qamco, Dlala, Barwa, Baladna, QNB, Medicare Group, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Ahlibank Qatar, Meeza, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatari Investors Group and Woqod were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR61.14% compared to QR28.66mn on August 6.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR30.84mn against QR8.39mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.38mn compared with net sellers of QR1.48mn on Wednesday.The Arab retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.02mn against net profit takers of QR2.49mn on August 6.The foreign individual investors’ net selling decreased markedly to QR1.6mn compared to QR3.99mn the previous day.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking weakened marginally to QR0.05mn against QR0.24mn on Wednesday.However, the local retail investors’ net selling expanded noticeably to QR75.63mn compared to QR54.44mn on August 6.The domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR17.1mn against net buyers of QR25.59mn the previous day.The main market saw a 2% jump in trade volumes to 245.26mn shares but on less than 1% fall in value to QR538.01mn and 9% in deals to 23,561.In the venture market, a total of 0.04mn equities valued at QR0.1mn changed hands across 17 transactions.

With expectations running high on interest rate cut in the US, investors, especially domestic funds, increasingly bought equities as the Qatar Stock Exchange Wednesday gained as much as 42 points to touch a multi-year high.The industrials, consumer goods and transport counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.37% to 11,325.92 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,253 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net buying in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 7.14%.About 62% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.38bn or 0.35% to QR673.38bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The Arab retail investors’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main market, which saw no trading of exchange traded funds.The foreign funds continued to be bullish but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.37%, the All Islamic Index by 0.71% and the All Share Index by 0.34% in the main market.The industrials sector shot up 1.37%, consumer goods and services (0.44%), transport (0.44%), banks and financial services (0.14%) and real estate (0.09%); while telecom declined 1.04% and insurance 0.5%.Major movers in the main market included Estithmar Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, AlRayan Bank, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ahlibank Qatar, Doha Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Industries Qatar, Mazaya Qatar, Milaha and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ooredoo, Qatar Insurance, Ezdan, Commercial Bank and Vodafone Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR25.59mn against net sellers of QR36.54mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR8.39mn compared to QR4.96mn on August 5.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking weakened markedly to QR2.49mn compared to QR5.82mn on Tuesday.However, the local retail investors’ net selling expanded noticeably to QR54.44mn against QR48.59mn the previous day.The foreign individuals’ net profit booking increased considerably to QR3.99mn compared to QR0.81mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling grew marginally to QR1.48mn against QR1.1mn on August 5.The Arab institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.24mn compared with no major net exposure the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying shrank substantially to QR28.66mn against QR87.91mn on Tuesday.The main market saw a 2% gain in trade volumes to 240.59mn shares, 10% in value to QR540.03mn and 10% in deals to 26,010.In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.08mn changed hands across four transactions.