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The Qatar Stock Exchange on Monday closed five points higher despite strong buying interests from domestic funds. The insurance, consumer goods and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.05% to 10,610.47 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,579 points. More than 45% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.53bn or 0.09% to QR621.07bn on the back of microcap segments. The local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 5,389 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.01mn changed hands across four deals. The foreign individuals turned bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase. The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index was up 0.05%, the All Share Index by 0.04% and the All Islamic Index by 0.09% in the main market. The insurance sector index rose 0.5%, consumer goods and services (0.49%), telecom (0.39%) and industrials (0.06%); while transport declined 0.39%, real estate (0.17%) and banks and financial services (0.01%). Major gainers in the main market included Salam International Investment, Ahlibank Qatar, Zad Holding, Ezdan, QLM, Qatar Islamic Bank, Aamal Company, Estithmar Holding and Ooredoo. Nevertheless, Qamco, Dukhan Bank, Mekdam Holding, Baladna and United Development Company were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value. The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR45.6mn compared with net sellers of QR13.46mn on February 16. The Qatari individual investors’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR8.84mn against QR6.44mn the previous day. The foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR3.41mn compared with net sellers of QR1.59mn on Sunday. The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking weakened marginally to QR1.47mn against QR2.69mn on February 16. However, the foreign funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR48.59mn compared with net buyers of QR0.43mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR6.69mn against net buyers of QR0.78mn on Sunday. The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.09mn compared with net buyers of QR10.1mn on February 16. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session. Trade volumes in the main market soared 36% to 185.75mn shares, value by 25% to QR375.44mn and deals by 47% to 13,328. The venture market saw a 94% plunge in trade volumes to 0.26mn equities and 95% in value to QR0.64mn but on 14% jump in transactions to 24.

Ahead of the Web Summit, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has substantially reduced the application fee for licensing to $500 from as high as $5,000.The 90% cut in fee applies to all applicants seeking a license to conduct non-regulated activities in the QFC, except for the activities of single family offices.The decision to reduce the application fee aligns with QFC’s broader strategy to create an optimal environment for businesses of all sizes and reflects a commitment to simplifying business set-up to drive economic growth.By offering a more competitive fee, the QFC is making market entry easier for startups, SMEs or small and medium enterprises, and global companies seeking to expand into Qatar’s dynamic market."This significant reduction in our application fee is one of many steps we are taking to make the QFC an even more attractive platform for businesses looking to establish operations in Qatar and the region. We expect this initiative to further enhance Qatar’s position as a leading business destination and encourage more entrepreneurs to take the first step towards launching their ventures," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFC Authority.This pivotal initiative follows the previously implemented company-incorporation process that enables applicants to instantly establish an entity and obtain a licence to conduct non-regulated activities in the QFC, provided they meet the necessary requirements.By lowering financial barriers to entry, QFC is enabling more businesses to establish and operate with ease and confidence in a world-class jurisdiction.As a gateway for businesses to Qatar and the region, QFC continues to invest in strengthening its regulatory framework and support services.The platform offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including an onshore jurisdiction, legal and judicial frameworks based on common law, up to 100% foreign ownership, a competitive and transparent tax system, double taxation agreements with over 80 jurisdictions, a 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits, 100% repatriation of profits, the freedom to trade in any currency, and a streamlined licensing process.

Portugal is eyeing funding from Qatar for its lithium refinery and also looking at Doha as a strategic partner for its green hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, solar and wind, chemicals and petrochemicals and pharmaceutical sectors. In this regard, a delegation comprising nine companies will meet with potential investors, including the Qatar Investment Authority, starting today until February 18 at Sheraton Hotel. "The knowledge and confidence acquired on the Qatari market from lasting years, the amazing achievements and legacy from the Qatar 2022, and new projects, support our trust and confidence on dynamic and positive outlook on collaboration between the two countries," Nuno Anahory, executive board member and director (International Relations) of Arab Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAP) told Gulf Times. On lithium refinery, he said the objective is to raise funding for pre-construction and construction. With some 60,000 tonnes of known reserves, Portugal is already Europe's biggest producer of lithium, traditionally mined for ceramics. "I think Qatar can look to Portugal, and be a strategic partner in the extraction and processing of these raw materials," he said, adding besides lithium, there are opportunities in tin, niobium, tantalum, gold, silver, feldspar and quartz. Highlighting that Portugal and Qatar share complementary strengths in energy, petrochemicals, chemicals, and technology sectors, presenting significant investment opportunities for collaboration; he said, "There is strong potential for Qatari investment in green hydrogen production as Portugal aims to become a major European hub, and Doha's expertise in energy infrastructure could accelerate this." With its deep-water port and direct pipeline to Central Europe, Portugal offers a strategic entry point for Qatari LNG into the European market through its Port of Sines, which has a regasification terminal in Setubal District, and accounts for more than 55% of gas entering Portugal. It lies about 150km to the south of Lisbon. Qatar had delivered its first LNG cargo to Portugal in 2010. The cargo, sold on the spot market, was delivered to Galp Energia SGPS at the Sines LNG terminal. On the prospects in petrochemicals, Anahory said it include joint ventures in refining and petrochemical plants as Qatar’s expertise in hydrocarbons can strengthen Portugal’s industrial base and Qatar Inc. can invest in high-value petrochemicals, such as polymers and synthetic materials, for the European markets. Highlighting the plenty of opportunities to be explored between both countries; he said Portugal has ongoing projects open for investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, real estate, hospitality, football, sports, tourism, information technology, artificial intelligence and entertainment. Stressing that Portugal developers are actively seeking investments in the real estate sector; Anahory said partnerships with investors are welcomed because the European Central Bank rules limit the capacity of the local banks to finance the existing opportunities. The country has become a hotspot for international property investors due to its attractive combination of affordability, high quality of life, safety, and strong returns on investment, according to him. "The Portuguese real estate market has shown resilience and consistent growth, making it an appealing destination for foreign investors," he said, adding foreigners can hold equity in the Portuguese real estate sector under the same conditions as domestic buyers. Through CCIAP, he said, it is actively working to connect Qatari investors with Portugal’s AI and technology innovation ecosystem, ensuring both nations stay at the forefront of the global digital revolution.

Global insurance rating agency A M Best has assigned a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and a long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent) to Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance Company with “stable” outlook.The ratings reflect the insurer’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as “very strong”, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.Al Khaleej is a takaful insurer and operates through a hybrid model, whereby the shareholders’ fund (SHF) charges the policyholders’ fund (PHF) a ‘Wakala’ fee based on gross written contributions (GWC) and a ‘Mudaraba’ fee based on investment income.The insurance company’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation comfortably above the threshold for a strongest assessment, as measured by Best’s capital adequacy ratio (BCAR).The rating agency considers the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation on a combined basis, including its policyholders’ and shareholders’ funds, due to the strength of domestic regulation and requirement that the shareholders’ fund would have to support the PHF if it were to fall into deficit.Despite its meaningful exposure to Qatari real estate, overall, the company has a conservative and liquid investment portfolio, with cash and sukuk holdings covering net technical reserves by 264.6% at the end of the third quarter of 2024. An offsetting factor to the balance sheet strength assessment is the company’s moderately high reliance on reinsurance, which is mitigated partially by a reinsurance panel of excellent credit quality.The rating agency assesses the insurer’s operating performance as strong. The company has reported robust underwriting performance consistently, with a five-year (2019-23) weighted average combined ratio (including short-term life results) of 83.6%.The company is expected to report similarly strong underwriting results in 2024. Earnings are balanced between SHF and PHF, with both funds achieving growth over recent years.Overall operating performance has been volatile in the past, driven by fluctuations in investment returns. Since 2020, it has taken actions to de-risk its investment portfolio, which has translated into progressive improvements in return on equity (ROE), with the company achieving double-digit ROEs since 2022.Al Khaleej holds a niche position within its domestic insurance market and has achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 4.5% over the five-year period between 2019 and 2023.The company is expected to announce material growth in GWC during 2024, in part as a result of a fronting arrangement signed with a leading international medical provider during the fourth quarter of 2023.Despite good growth, it has a relatively low product diversification, with its business mix mainly dominated by motor and medical lines on a net basis.

Uncertainties over the US’ tariff policy had its reflection in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which closed almost flat this week despite foreign institutions’ strong buying interests.The banks and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled mere three points or 0.03% higher this week which saw the International Monetary Fund (IMF) project 4.75% medium-term growth for Qatar.The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the bourse this week which saw the IMF find Qatar’s banks as highly capitalised and profitable.The foreign funds’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market this week which saw Ooredoo report net profit of QR3.44bn in 2024.The Arab institutions’ marginally higher net buying was seen in the main bourse this week which saw Barwa report net profit of QR1.24bn in 2024.However, the Gulf funds were increasingly net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.1mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.23mn trade across 26 deals.The Arab individuals were net profit takers in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.12mn change hands across 12 transactions.The local individuals were seen net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 0.11mn sovereign bonds worth QR1.06bn change hands across three deals.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the main barometer of the main market this week, which saw QNB’s shogun bond issuance for QR500mn.Market capitalisation melted QR0.97bn or 0.16% to QR620.3bn on the back of small and microcap segments this week which saw Estithmar Holding and United Development Company report net profit of QR404mn and QR426mn respectively in 2024.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main market; while it surged in junior bourse this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was up 0.03% and the All Islamic Index by 0.06%; while the All Share Index was down 0.04% this week which saw the industrials, banking and consumer goods sectors together constitute more than 68% of the total trade volumes.The banks and financial services sector index rose 0.24% and consumer goods and services 0.21%; while transport declined 0.98%, real estate (0.67%), telecom (0.46%), industrials (0.24%) and insurance (0.08%) this week which saw Al Faleh Educational Holding ink pact with Qatari Diar for a prime plot in Lusail.Major gainers in the main bourse included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Doha Bank, Gulf International Services, Qatar Islamic Bank, QLM, Qatar National Cement, Estithmar Holding and Vodafone Qatar. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value this week which saw Capital Intelligence assign ratings to Al Khaleej Takaful.Nevertheless, Widam Food, Gulf Warehousing, Qatar Oman Investment, Baladna, UDC, Dlala, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo, Nakilat and Milaha were among the shakers in the main bourse this week.The domestic funds’ net buying increased substantially to QR138.49mn against QR56.41mn the week ended February 6.The foreign individual investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR6.58mn compared to QR0.9mn the previous week.The Arab institutions’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR0.79mn against QR0.42mn a week ago.The foreign funds’ net selling declined significantly to QR15.02mn compared to QR56.24mn the week ended February 6.However, the Gulf funds’ net profit booking grew drastically to QR112.23mn against QR23.02nmn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling shot up noticeably to QR9.45mn compared to QR4.79mn a week ago.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR4.82mn against net buyers of QR3.67mn the week ended February 6.The local retail investors turned net profit takers to the extent of QR4.37mn compared with net buyers of QR22.82mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 45% plunge in trade volumes to 0.48bn shares, 35% in value to QR1.48bn and 36% in deals to 50,618 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes jumped more than five-fold to 4.9mn equities and value by more than six-fold to QR14.03mn but on 19% contraction in transactions to 136.

Qatar’s environmental permits system simplified to foster business ecosystem while complying with regulationsQatar has simplified environmental permits for industrial facilities, exempting 86% of the industrial activities from the need of environmental permits.The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) jointly launched the new initiative, as part of efforts to foster the business ecosystem and facilitate industrial activities, while complying with environmental regulations.Through this initiative, as many as 861 industrial activities are exempted from environmental permits, and grants operating permits upon the completion of factory construction, benefiting investors in 66% of all industrial activities.As many as 257 industrial activities will be exempt from environmental and operational permits, benefiting 20% of all industrial activities. Only 182 industrial activities, accounting for 14% of industrial activities, will need prior environmental permission.Saleh Majid al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development at MoCI, stressed that the initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to foster the business environment and facilitate the practice of industrial activities, by reducing administrative burdens, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.“The initiative will accelerate the issuance of permits, enhance the sector’s competitiveness, and contribute to national development goals,” he said.Abdul Hadi Nasser al-Marri, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the MECC, said the procedure of granting environmental permits for industrial activities was reviewed and simplified to support responsible investments that observe environmental requirements while pursuing business development.“This initiative reflects our keenness to adopt international best practices to ensure shorter processes and less requirements for investors,” he said.This step enhances the ministry’s contribution to Qatar National Vision 2030, by creating an attractive investment climate that satisfies the principles of environmental sustainability and protection, according to him.The two ministries will continue co-ordination to improve procedures and lend necessary support to investors to ensure compatibility of business activities with environmental requirements.

Qatar is expected to see the lowest inflation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the wider Arab region this year with its consumer-price index (CPI) based inflation expected to average to 1.4% against 1.9% in the GCC and as high as 8.5% in the wider Arab world, according to Kamco Invest, a regional economic thinktank.Inflation in Bahrain is expected to average to 1.8% in 2025, Kuwait (2.4%), Oman (1.5%), Saudi Arabia (1.9%) and the UAE (2.1%), Kamco said in its latest report.In 2024 too, the same trend was seen with Qatar’s inflation projected at 1% compared to 1.4% in Bahrain, 3% in Kuwait, 1.3% in Oman, 1.7% in Saudi Arabia and 2.3% in the UAE. Overall, inflation was estimated to have risen by 1.8% in the GCC and a high of 11.9% in the Arab world.In the latest Article IV consultation report, the International Monetary Fund has forecasted Qatar’s inflation would converge to around 2% over the medium term compared to 1% in 2024.Inflation in the GCC countries continued to be subdued during 2024 against most other regions in the world where elevated prices and high inflation persisted despite a falling trajectory. Moreover, inflation in the wider Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region remained higher than that of the GCC region during 2024.According to the World Bank, inflation in the GCC region came in at 2.1% in 2024, kept down by subsidies, fuel price cap, and currency pegs. However, in certain sectors such as the housing sector, inflationary pressures remained in several of the six GCC nations.Qatar’s inflation was up 0.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) in December 2024, recording its second-lowest average yearly inflation rate growth in four years, according to Kamco report.Qatar’s moderate inflation rise came after four out of the eleven sub-indices recorded declines in December-2024, dragging down what could have been a greater inflation rate uptick in December2024.The food and beverages group, one of the largest weighted groups in Qatar’s CPI Index, witnessed a 2.2% y-o-y decline in December-2024, while the housing, water, electricity, and gas index, another majorly weighted sub-index of the general CPI, declined by 4.2% y-o-y in December 2024.The marginal yearly inflation uptick during the year was mainly driven by a moderate rise in prices in the communication group, which saw an increase of 4.4% y-o-y in December2024, followed by the recreation and culture and restaurants and hotels groups, with y-o-y increases of 2.5% and 1.7%, respectively.In terms of monthly performance, Qatar’s CPI increased by 0.87% in December-2024 over the previous month. The monthly inflation rate in Qatar averaged 0.09% during the period between 2009 and 2024, reaching an all-time high of 1.59% in December-2023 and a record low of -2.6% in January-2022.The moderate monthly inflation uptick was mainly due to the 8.8% month-on-month jump in the prices of the recreation and culture index, followed by the 1.5% m-o-m moderate gain in the restaurants and hotels index.

Reflecting the uncertainty over the US tariffs and the Federal Reserve's cautious path for rate cuts, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday lost 34 points to settle below 10,600 levels.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.32% to 10,595.24 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,618 points.As much as 62% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR2.1bn or 0.34% to QR619.3bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The Gulf retail investors were seen increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 1,810 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across four deals.The transport, consumer goods and industrials counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.32%, the All Share Index by 0.28% and the All Islamic Index by 0.22% in the main market.The transport sector index shrank 0.9%, consumer goods and services (0.67%), industrials (0.63%) and banks and financial services (0.1%); while telecom gained 0.34%, insurance (0.07%) and real estate (0.06%).Major shakers in the main bourse included Ezdan, Dlala, Zad Holding, QLM, Milaha, Mannai Corporation, Baladna, Qatar Electricity and Water and Nakilat.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Vodafone Qatar, Barwa, Qatar National Cement, Doha Insurance, Dukhan Bank, Aamal Company and Estithmar Holding were among the gainers in the main market.In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased substantially to QR68.16mn compared to QR17.56mn on February 10.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling expanded markedly to QR7.94mn against QR0.06mn the previous trading day.The foreign retail investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR0.33mn compared to QR2.4mn on Monday.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR50.58mn against QR47.66mn on February 10.The foreign funds were net buyers to the extent of QR32.6mn compared with net sellers of QR11.89mnthe previous trading day.The Qatari individual investors’ net profit booking shrank notably to QR6.45mn against QR14.29mn on Monday.The Arab retail investors’ net selling decreased markedly to QR1.45mn compared to QR6.26mn on February 10.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market rose 7% to 125.43mn shares, value by 42% to QR503.94mn and deals by 26% to 16,038.The venture market saw a 97% plunge in trade volumes to 0.14mn equities and 97% in value to QR0.41mn but on 26% surge in transactions to 39.

Qatar banks are well-capitalised, liquid, and profitable, with the capital adequacy ratio of close to 20% and return on equity of 14.5%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Since the implementation of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) measures to reduce banks’ net short-term foreign liabilities, banks’ non-resident deposits declined "significantly", and banks have lengthened the average maturity and diversified further the sources of foreign funding, IMF said in its Article IV consultation report.The sector-wide NPL (non-performing loans) ratio remained broadly unchanged at slightly below 4% and the provisioning coverage ratio is relatively high at above 80%, it said.The report highlighted that credit growth to the private sector is expected to improve to 6.1% in 2025 compared to 5.5% in 2024 and 4.9% in 2023.The IMF directors supported Qatar's efforts to maintain financial stability and deepen domestic financial markets, while encouraging them to consider undertaking a financial sector assessment programme update.They welcomed the newly introduced risk-based supervision and recommended formalising the financial safety net and continuing to adjust macro-prudential policies to mitigate potential macro-financial risks. They encouraged Qatar to sustain the progress in fighting financial crimes.The IMF directors also agreed that the exchange rate peg continues to serve Qatar well. They concurred that, as conditions allow, strengthening the operational framework would further enhance monetary policy transmission.The QCB has broadly maintained the monetary policy in line with the US Federal Reserve, consistent with the currency peg to the dollar.The central bank's reserves stood at $25.4bn in 2024, equivalent to cover 7.9 months of next year's imports; against $24.5bn in 2023 (8 months) and $24.2bn in 2022 (8.1 months).

Qatar's medium-term growth is expected to strengthen to 4.75% on average, boosted by the significant LNG (liquefied natural gas) production expansion and initial gains from implementing reforms guided by the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Headline inflation will likely ease to 1% in 2024 and converge to around 2% over the medium term, the Bretton Woods institution said after its Article IV consultation with Qatar.Growth normalisation after the 2022 FIFA World Cup continued, with signs of strengthening activities more recently, it said, adding real GDP (gross domestic product) growth is projected to improve gradually to 2% in 2024–25 supported by public investment, spillovers from the ongoing LNG expansion project, and strong tourism.The IMF said with lower hydrocarbon prices, both the current account and fiscal surpluses narrowed in 2023, to 17% of GDP and 5.5% of GDP, respectively.Highlighting that the twin surpluses moderated further in 2024; it said "over the medium, as Qatar’s LNG production expands massively, both the current and fiscal accounts will likely remain in surpluses, albeit declining as a share of GDP, as hydrocarbon prices are projected to fall."Qatar has started to implement the ambitious NDS3 to build a more diversified, knowledge-based and private sector-driven economy.Guided by NDS3, reform momentum has strengthened significantly to attract and retain high-skilled expatriate workers, foster innovation, promote public-private partnerships, and further improve the business efficiency.Qatar is well positioned to leverage digitalisation and AI (artificial intelligence) for productivity gains, and the nation’s climate agenda is advancing, according to the report.Welcoming Qatar’s continued resilience to external shocks and its favourable medium-term outlook, driven by significant increases in LNG production and the reforms under NDS3; the IMF agreed that maintaining prudent macroeconomic policies and accelerating reform efforts would further solidify macroeconomic stability and resilience to shocks while boosting prosperity.In its executive board assessment, the IMF directors commended Qatar's continued fiscal prudence and called for accelerating fiscal reforms.They recommended adopting a medium-term fiscal anchor to help ensure intergenerational equity, and reiterated the need to accelerate revenue diversification, particularly by introducing the value-added tax. They highlighted the importance of improving spending efficiency and composition, particularly by enhancing public investment management.The IMF supported Qatar's strategy to build a more diversified, private sector-led and knowledge-based economy as it recommended fostering innovation and business efficiency and enhancing human capital by attracting and retaining more high-skilled expatriate workers, improving Qatari nationals’ employment in the private sector, and further increasing female labour force participation.

Expectations on corporate earnings masked concerns regarding the US trade policies that the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday gained more than 45 points and capitalisation added in excess of QR2bn.The domestic institutions were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.43% to 10,629.2 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,578 points.As much as 64% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.09bn or 0.34% to QR621.4bn on the back of midcap segments.The foreign retail investors were seen increasingly bullish in the main market, which saw as many as 0.05mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.11mn changed hands across 11 deals.However, the Gulf funds were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.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 investor turned net sellers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.11mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.06bn trade across three transactions.The Total Return Index gained 0.43%, the All Share Index by 0.39% and the All Islamic Index by 0.39% in the main market.The consumer goods and services sector index rose 0.79%, telecom (0.71%), transport (0.55%), banks and financial services (0.55%) and industrials (0.02%); while real estate declined 0.62% and insurance 0.51%.Major gainers in the main market included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Beema, Zad Holding, Milaha, Baladna, Qatar Islamic Bank, Mannai Corporation and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, United Development Company, Mazaya Qatar, Gulf Warehousing, Qatar Insurance, Ezdan and Vodafone Qatar were among the losers in the bourse. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR47.66mn compared to QR3.36mn on February 9.The foreign individual investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR2.4mn against QR1.95mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.06mn compared to QR2.71mn on Sunday.However, the Gulf institutions’ net selling shot up noticeably to QR17.56mn against QR3.13mn on February 9.The Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the extent of QR14.29mn compared with net buyers of QR6mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking strengthened marginally to QR11.89mn against QR10.92mn on Sunday.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the tune of QR6.26mn compared with net buyers of QR5.46mn on February 9.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 21% to 117.48mn shares, value by 61% to QR355.73mn and deals by 76% to 12,779.The venture market saw trade volumes jumped more than 11-fold to 4.28mn equities and value by more than 13-fold to QR12.4mn but on 11% shrinkage in transactions to 31.

The Qatar startup and venture ecosystem has leapt forward in the past few years and opportunities are aplenty as the country’s capital market is evolving quickly, according to a top official of Golden Gate Ventures. Highlighting that it has a global outreach and showcased Qatar’s development to global investors and founders; Golden Gate Ventures’ partner Michael Lints said the feedback across the board is similar; “there are plentiful opportunities for startups to land here as the capital market is evolving quickly, and the support for quality companies from business development to fundraising is becoming widely available.” The Qatar startup and venture ecosystem has leapt forward in the past few years, he said in a report prepared by MagniTT and sponsored by Qatar Development Bank (QDB). He said the increase in venture capital funds, the number of international founders considering Qatar as their base, and the quality of deal flow are the outcomes of continuous efforts from Qatar’s public and private sectors. Finding that the programmes initiated by QDB are giving local founders access to sophisticated capital and mentors; he said it also provides international founders with an access point to the Qatari market. QDB’s goal is to expand the base of investors and funds in Qatar. To this end, it has launched several pioneering regional initiatives, including the Startup Qatar Investment Programme under the umbrella of Startup Qatar, a platform unveiled by the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) last year, the Arab Entrepreneurs Investment Programme, and the Partial Guarantee programme, all aimed at boosting investment and supporting the private sector. QDB continued to be a key player in the Qatari VC space maintaining its growth in 2024, amidst regional investment slowdown. Over the past nine years, QDB has invested QR302.4mn and invested in eight funds. “Qatar’s infrastructure for founders and investors is not only of high quality, but it also fosters a sense of community and collaboration between corporations, startups, and the broader innovation ecosystem,” Lints said. Qatar has a lot of potential to become a hub for developing technologies across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and even globally, according to him. “This potential is largely due to the role of entrepreneurs, who are integral to Qatar’s robust business environment and will allow innovation to be fostered within traditional industries as they prepare for the next growth phase,” he said.

The US’ tariff policy and proposal on Gaza had its influence on the sentiments in the regional bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which closed this week weak.The foreign institutions were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.48% this week which saw Industries Qatar report net profit of QR4.49bn in 2024.The insurance and industrials counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the bourse this week which saw Qatar Electricity and Water Company register net profit of QR1.42bn in 2024.As much as 69% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Milaha’s 2024 net profit at QR1.12bn.The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar Insurance report net profit of QR725.32mn in 2024.The Gulf funds continued to be bearish but with lesser intensity in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.09mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.21mn trade across 30 deals.The local retail investors turned bullish in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.09mn change hands across 16 transactions.The Arab individuals were seen net buyers in the main bourse this week which saw Gulf International Services record net profit of QR711mn in 2024.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market this week, which saw Qatar’s commercial banks’ assets reach QR2.05tn in 2024.Market capitalisation melted QR2.44bn or 0.39% to QR621.27bn on the back of small and microcap segments this week which saw Qatar's maritime sector begin 2025 on a solid note with Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports witnessing a robust year-on-year growth in ship arrivals, containers, cargoes, vehicles (RORO) and livestock in JanuaryTrade turnover and volumes were on the increase in both the main and junior markets this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign individual investors were seen bullish, albeit at lower levels, this week which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.48%, the All Share Index by 0.47% and the All Islamic Index by 0.5% this week which saw the industrials and banking sectors together constitute about 53% of the total trade volumes.The insurance sector index plunged 2.56%, industrials (2.17%), telecom (0.36%) and banks and financial services (0.07%); while transport gained 1.41%, consumer goods and services (0.33%) and real estate (0.23%) this week which saw the QSE sign pact with Arqaam Capital to provide sponsored research for listed companies.Major losers in the main market included Dlala, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Qatar Insurance, Alijarah Holding, Doha Bank, Commercial Bank, Baladna, Mekdam Holding, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, Mazaya Qatar and Milaha. In the juniour bourse, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Zad Holding, Nakilat, Ezdan, Qatari Investors Group, Meeza and Aamal Company were among the gainers in the main bourse this week.The foreign funds were net sellers to the tune of QR56.24mn against net buyers of QR68.15mn the week ended January 30.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased noticeably to QR56.41mn compared to QR68.54mn the previous week.However, the Qatari individuals turned net buyers to the extent of QR22.82mn against net sellers of QR75.16mn a week ago.The Arab retail investors were net buyers to the tune of QR3.67mn compared with net sellers of QR6.89mn the week ended January 30.The foreign individual investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR0.9mn against net sellers of QR20.21mn the previous week.The Arab institutions were net buyers to the tune of QR0.42mn compared with no major net exposure a week ago.The Gulf funds’ net profit booking declined perceptibly to QR23.02nmn against QR26.86mn the week ended January 30.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling weakened markedly to QR4.79mn compared to QR7.55mn the previous week.The main market saw a 4% jump in trade volumes to 0.88bn shares, 23% in value to QR2.27bn and 16% in deals to 79,030 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes soared 6% to 0.89mn equities, value by 8% to QR2.33mn and transactions by 17% to 168.

Qatar’s VC (venture capital) funding reported a remarkable 135% year-on-year rise to an all-time high of QR115mn in 2024, defying 19% and 29% decline globally and in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region respectively, according to Qatar Venture Investment Report, sponsored by Qatar Development Bank (QDB).“Qatar now ranks the fourth most transacted country in the region, capturing 5% of the region’s total deals. Additionally, Qatar has climbed to sixth place in terms of total funding of Mena’s venture capital funding in 2024, four times of it share in 2023,” Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi, QDB chief executive officer, said in the report, which has been made in collaboration with MAGNiTT, a leading platform for research.QDB continued to be a key player in the Qatari VC space maintaining its growth in 2024, amidst regional investment slowdown. Over the past nine years, QDB has invested QR302.4mn, and invested in eight funds.Despite regional VC contractions, Qatar secured QR115mn in funding in 2024, recording a five-year compound annual growth rate of 32%. At the same time, deals rose by 24% year-on-year in 2024, surpassing Mena’s average growth of deals of 7%.Similar to the performance across the overall Mena region, the $1mn-$5mn rounds size saw a 19% increase, accounting for 35% of total deals in Qatar, a record high share, planting the seeds for future deal flow.Fintech retained dominance as most transacted industry, securing 29% of Qatar’s deals in 2024, up from 12% in 2023, it said, the share of fintech to total funding in Qatar improved from 14% in 2023 to 41% in 2024.Fintech captured QR46mn in funding, three times more than aerospace and defence and healthtech, the second and third ranked industries. This was attributed to the sector capturing three of the top five deals in the country.Meanwhile, aerospace and defence, and transport and logistics, each saw their funding entirely driven by one standout deal, which was EMMA Systems in aerospace and defence and Pass Delivery in transport and logistics.Finding that the top five deals accounted for 48% of Qatar’s 2024 funding, highlighting a lower concentration of capital in larger deals; it said the deals secured QR55mn, twice the total of top five deals in 2023, reflecting a growing maturity of investments in the Qatar venture space.Emma Solutions led with QR15mn, representing the largest disclosed deal, while QDB invested in two of the top five deals, it said.QDB-backed deals underscore its pivotal role in strengthening Qatar’s funding ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Startup Qatar Investment Programme and pacts with Global Ventures and Raed Ventures in 2024, QDB provided startups with essential financing, training, and international exposure, fuelling Qatar’s record-breaking funding growth.QDB was the biggest contributor to deals in the Qatari VC space in 2024, backing 20 of the 31 deals closed. Corporates including holding companies continued solidifying their participation in the Qatari VC space (63% of total investors).While Qatari investors accounted for the biggest share of investors in 2024, the ecosystem saw global participation from Singapore’s Fingular and US-based Vertex Energy and Trading.Highlighting that the participation of the private sector and local and international investment funds has witnessed “exceptional” growth in the venture investment ecosystem in Qatar; it said 2024 was an exceptional year as the total investments of the private sector and investment funds in Qatari startups reached 57% of the total investments for the year, recording a growth of more than three times against 2020.This major development in the ecosystem supports the achievement of the 2030 goals for Qatar. The VC ecosystem aspires to increase the participation of the private sector and investment funds in the space to 70%.

Mirroring the weak sentiments in the region, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday fell 42 points as foreign funds hurriedly squared off their position.The real estate, telecom, industrials, banks and insurance sectors witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.39% to 10,615.75 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,671 points.As much as 64% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.13bn or 0.5% to QR621.27bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The Gulf retail investors were seen net profit takers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.07mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.16mn changed hands across 16 deals.The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on 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.However, the local retail investors were seen bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.39%, the All Share Index by 0.42% and the All Islamic Index by 0.33% in the main market.The telecom sector index declined 0.94%, realty (0.63%), industrials (0.54%), insurance (0.47%) and banks and financial services (0.45%); while consumer goods and services gained 0.23% and transport (0.06%).Major shakers in the main bourse included Mekdam Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, Doha Bank, Qamco, Ezdan, Qatar German Medical Devices, Al Faleh Educational Holding, QLM, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar.In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Al Meera, Meeza, Widam Food, Beema and Zad Holding were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened substantially to QR27.68mn compared to QR7.8mn on February 5.The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.87mn against net buyers of QR0.14mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened significantly to QR15.01mn compared to QR33.6mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions’ net buying declined marginally to QR0.08mn against QR0.12mn on February 5.However, the Qatari individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR17.83mn compared with net sellers of QR11.97mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR3.06mn against net profit takers of QR1.52mn on Wednesday.The Arab individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.26mn compared with net sellers of QR2.87mn on February 5.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking shrank noticeably to QR4.7mn against QR9.71mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market tanked 42% to 126.63mn shares, value by 33% to QR377.69mn and deals by 22% to 15,144.The venture market saw an 85% jump in trade volumes to 0.24mn equities and 94% in value to QR0.68mn on more than doubled transactions to 64.

Digital platforms leveraging blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) are broadening access to alternative investments, attracting a more diverse range of investors, according to a top official of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA)."As public markets become more volatile due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and rising debt levels, investors are increasingly diversifying into alternative investments, such as private equity and credit, to hedge against financial uncertainty while seeking higher returns and reduced exposure to market fluctuations," QFCA chief executive officer Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida told Qatar Financial Market Forum 2025.Additionally, sustainability concerns are shifting focus towards ESG (environment, social and governance) investments, which are influencing asset valuations and investment flows, he said at the forum themed ‘Public Growth and Private Capital’, in collaboration with Bloomberg Intelligence (BI).As private credit and private equity play an increasingly prominent role, he said there was a need to explore the implications for investors seeking opportunities beyond traditional markets.He said the financial markets are influenced by a number of trends such as rapid digitalisation, disruptive technologies like AI and blockchain, evolving sustainability priorities, rising global debt, and geopolitical tensions.Digital advancements are enhancing efficiency and aiding the creation of new financial products, he said, adding sustainability goals are influencing asset valuations and mounting debts are challenging financial stability and monetary policies.Geopolitical shifts and protectionist policies are disrupting global supply chains and investment flows, according to him.Highlighting that navigating these changes requires adaptability to manage risks, seize opportunities, and sustain long-term resilience; he said these factors reshaping the financial markets are driving significant shifts in investment strategies."Advances in AI and data analytics are enhancing private lending efficiency, improving risk assessments, and opening new opportunities for private credit providers," al-Jaida said.Stressing that emerging technologies are evolving at an unprecedented pace, he also said climate change is reshaping economies and geopolitical shifts are redefining global markets.Stressing that no industry is untouched, least of all financial markets; al-Jaida said in this ever-changing landscape, the need for meaningful dialogue has never been greater. Addressing challenges and seizing opportunities requires continuous engagements, fresh insights, and strategic thinking.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), in association with Bloomberg Intelligence (BI), Wednesday hosted the third edition of Qatar Financial Market Forum, focusing on regional trends, alternative assets and sustainability, in view of rapid changes reshaping the regional investment landscape.The event, themed ‘Public Growth and Private Capital’, gathered leaders and key stakeholders from private companies, government entities, and financial institutions in Qatar and across the world, and offered an opportunity to explore the latest advancements and trends in regional markets, alternative assets, and sustainable investments.The forum served as a vibrant hub for insight and collaboration.Industry experts, including analysts from BI and the QFC, delivered engaging presentations and participated in insightful panel discussions, shedding light on the evolution of regional public and private markets."Our recent analysis shows foreign investors' purchases of listed equities in the three largest GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) countries (Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar) accounted for $750mn of average daily value trading (ADVT) in 2024 up 57% on 2023. This trading activity translates into 30% of ADVT of the three countries with a total ADVT of $2.5bn in 2024,” said Nicholas Philips, Market Structure Research, Analyst, BI.The sessions highlighted advancements in trading infrastructure, the rapid growth of private markets and alternative assets, and insights into the growing regional carbon and climate investment segment.The opening panel, titled ‘Middle East Capital Markets: Evolving Flows, Strategies, and Structures’, explored the interplay between capital flows, trading infrastructure, and financial institution resilience, offering valuable insights into the region’s evolving financial ecosystem.The second panel, titled ‘Unlocking Alternative Investments: The Rise of Private Credit and Private Equity’, shifted the focus to the booming private markets sector.The panellists examined the expanding role of private credit, venture capital, and private equity in reshaping the regional investment landscape.A special interview on ‘Investing in Carbon’ with Dr Alexandra Soezer, Director and Partner at Rasmal Ventures Climate Fund, discussed the critical importance of climate-related strategies, showcasing their transformative potential in redefining investment strategies while also achieving climate targets.This session highlighted Qatar’s commitment to fostering sustainability, emphasising the nation’s progress in creating a business-friendly environment aligned with its Third National Development Strategy (NDS3).The forum included a fireside chat with Doha Bank Group chief executive officer Sheikh Adulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al-Thani, titled “Doha Bank’s Transformation Strategy and Vision 2030”, and another one titled "Leadership Perspectives on Innovation and Resilience” featuring Mark Coombs, chief executive officer of UK-based Ashmore Group.The forum explored sports investments, in a virtual interview with David Sugden, chief executive officer of Premier Padel and Legal and Communications Director at Qatar Sports Investments.

The Qatar Stock Exchange, which was initially on a slippery path, treaded a flat path finally despite strong buying interests especially in the transport and telecom sectors.The 20-stock Qatar Index was down mere 0.01% to 10,657.44 points, although regional bourses were on the downswing. The market touched an intraday low of 10,618 points.As much as 49% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.33bn or 0.05% to QR624.4bn on the back of microcap segments.The local retail investors were seen net profit takers in the main market, which saw a meagre 78 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR264 changed hands across three deals.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net sellers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen gaining vis-à-vis declines in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab individuals were increasingly bearish 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 0.07%; while the All Islamic Index was up 0.04% in the main market.The insurance sector index declined 1.25%, consumer goods and services (0.41%), banks and financial services (0.21%) and industrials (0.15%); while transport gained 1.04%, telecom (0.9%) and real estate (0.16%).Major shakers in the main bourse included Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, Ezdan, QLM, Dukhan Bank, Meeza, Qatar Islamic Insurance and Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qamco, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Nakilat, Ooredoo, Lesha Bank and Vodafone Qatar were among the gainers in the main market.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The local retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR11.97mn compared with net buyers of QR5.03mn on February 4.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR9.71mn against QR0.26mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened marginally to QR7.8mn compared to QR7.79mn on Tuesday.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR2.87mn against net buyers of QR3.83mn on February 4.The foreign retail investors’ net profit booking rose marginally to QR1.52mn compared to QR1.38mn the previous day.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying grew substantially to QR33.6mn against QR0.9mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.14mn compared with net sellers of QR0.36mn on February 4.The Arab institutions’ net buying expanded marginally to QR0.12mn against QR0.05mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market soared 15% to 219.2mn shares, value by 9% to QR562.11mn and deals by 3% to 19,301.The venture market saw an 8% jump in trade volumes to 0.13mn equities, 13% in value to QR0.35mn and 47% in transactions to 28.