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

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

The Qatar Stock Exchange Tuesday fell more than 46 points, mainly on the back of selling pressure in the transport, consumer goods and banking sectors.The domestic institutions were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index lost 0.46% to 9,952.49 points, amidst thin trade in view of the impending Eid al-Fitr holidays.“A close below 9,585 points would deepen the bearish tone and lead to 9,000 points,” a Kamco technical analysis had said.The market, which was skewed towards decliners, saw its index touch an intraday high of 10,027 points.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 6.82%.The Gulf individual investors were seen lowering their net buying in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.85bn or 0.15% to QR578.08bn, mainly on account of microcap segments.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw a total of 0.07mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.37mn changed hands across 17 deals.The foreign individuals were seen net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.46%, the All Share Index by 0.35% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.65% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The transport sector index tanked 1.14%, consumer goods and services (0.99%), banks and financial services (0.64%) and industrials (0.02%); while telecom gained 1.81%, insurance ()1.21%) and real estate (0.43%).More than 55% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Widam Food, Beema, QIIB, Zad Holding, Milaha, Qatar Islamic Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Inma Holding, Alijarah Holding and Vodafone Qatar. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Ooredoo, Lesha Bank, Commercial Bank, Dukhan Bank, Dlala, Baladna and United Development Company were among the movers in the main market.The domestic institutions’ net selling increased markedly to QR4.81mn compared to QR2.71mn on April 17.The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.02mn against net buyers of QR0.03mn the previous day.The local retail investors’ net buying decreased substantially to QR4.5mn compared to QR9.82mn on Monday.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR4.35mn against QR7.76mn on April 17.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying shrank marginally to QR0.32mn compared to QR0.88mn the previous day.However, the foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR2.4mn against net sellers of QR0.47mn on Monday.The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased considerably to QR2.39mn compared to QR10.3mn on April 17.The Arab individuals’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR4.35mn against QR5.02mn the previous day.In the main market, trade volumes rose 9% to 96.69mn shares, value by 10% to QR310.64mn and deals by 2% to 13,477.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Monday lost 57 points and its key index closed below 10,000 points, mainly dragged by telecom, insurance and industrials sectors.The domestic institutions were seen net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index declined 0.56% to 9,998.54 points.“A close below 9,585 points would deepen the bearish tone and lead to 9,000 points,” a Kamco technical analysis had said.The market, which was skewed towards decliners, saw its index recover from an intraday low of 9,942 points.The foreign individual investors were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 6.39%.However, the local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR5.01bn or 0.86% to QR578.93bn, mainly on account of small and microcap segments.The Gulf institutions were also increasingly into net buying in the main market, which saw a total of 0.04mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.33mn changed hands across 24 deals.The Gulf individuals were seen net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.56%, the All Share Index by 0.71% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.24% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The telecom sector index tanked 3.45%, insurance (1.98%), industrials (1.17%), and banks and financial services (0.61%); while transport gained 0.64%, consumer goods and services (0.5%) and real estate (0.1%).As much as 49% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Qatar Insurance, Mekdam Holding, Ooredoo, Mannai Corporation, Industries Qatar, QNB, Qatari German Medical Devices and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Widam Food, QIIB, Doha Insurance, Dukhan Bank, Baladna, Estithmar Holding and Nakilat were among the gainers in the main market.The domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.71mn compared with net buyers of QR15.61mn on April 16.The foreign individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR0.47mn against net buyers of QR2.27mn the previous day.However, the local retail investors’ net buying increased substantially to QR9.82mn compared to QR0.48mn on Sunday.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR7.76mn against QR5.99mn on April 16.The Gulf retail investors were net buyers to the tune of QR0.88mn compared with net sellers of QR0.68mn the previous day.The Arab institutions’ net buying amounted to QR0.03mn, same as that on Sunday.The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased perceptibly to QR10.3mn compared to QR12.58mn on April 16.The Arab individuals’ net profit booking weakened markedly to QR5.02mn against QR11.12mn the previous day.In the main market, trade volumes rose 4% to 88.41mn shares, value by 32% to QR283.5mn and deals by 44% to 13,208.

Higher extraction of crude and natural gas as well as increased manufacturing, especially in refined petroleum products, helped Qatar's industrial production index shoot up 12.4% on an annualised basis in February 2023, according to the official statistics.However, the country’s IPI witnessed a 4.2% decline month-on-month in the review period, according to figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The PSA introduced IPI, a short-term quantitative index that measures the changes in the volume of production of a selected basket of industrial products over a given period, with respect to a base period 2013.The mining and quarrying index, which has a relative weight of 82.46%, saw a 14.3% surge on a yearly basis owing to a 14.3% increase in the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas and 9.3% in other mining and quarrying sectors.On a monthly basis, the index tanked 4.4% on account of a 4.4% contraction in the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas and 1.7% in other mining and quarrying sectors in the review period.The manufacturing index, with a relative weight of 15.85%, shot up 4.1% year-on-year this February as there was a 34.7% surge in the production of refined petroleum products, 7.6% in beverages, 4.5% in food products, 4.5% in basic metals, 1.2% in rubber and plastics products and 0.8% in chemicals and chemical products.Nevertheless, there was a 12.1% plunge in the production of cement and other non-metallic mineral products and 9.1% in printing and reproduction of recorded media in the review period.On a monthly basis, the manufacturing index shrank 3.3% owing to a 9.3% contraction in the production of refined petroleum products, 3.9% in chemicals and chemical products, 2.3% in beverages and 0.2% in food products in February 2023.However, there was a 2.9% increase in the production of basic metals, 1.4% in rubber and plastics products and 0.5% in cement and other non-metallic mineral products in the review period.Electricity, which has a 1.16% weight in the IPI basket, saw its index zoom 14.5% on an annualised basis but was down 1.9% month-on-month in February 2023.In the case of water, which has a 0.53% weight, the index was seen plummeting 10.7% and 17.9% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Sunday opened the week weak, mainly dragged by the real estate and industrials sectors.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 35 points or 0.35% to 10,055.11 points.The market, which was skewed towards decliners, saw its index touch an intraday high of 10,117 points.The Gulf individual investors were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 5.86%.The local retail investors’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR3.73bn or 0.63% to QR583.94bn, mainly on account of midcap segments.The domestic institutions’ lower net buying interests also had its role in dampening the sentiments in the main market, which saw a total of 0.05mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.42mn changed hands across 26 deals.The Gulf funds weakened bullish grip was seen in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.35%, All Share Index by 0.37% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.34% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The realty sector index tanked 1.59%, industrials (1.2%) and banks and financial services (0.24%); while transport gained 0.61%, insurance (0.5%), telecom (0.2%) and consumer goods and services (0.16%).About 74% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Mazaya Qatar, Qatari German Medical Devices, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Lesha Bank, Dukhan Bank, Baladna, Estithmar Holding, Qamco, Mazaya Qatar and Ezdan.Nevertheless, Qatar Insurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Milaha, Doha Insurance, Alijarah Holding and Vodafone Qatar were among the movers in the main market. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding’s shares appreciate in value.The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR11.12mn against net buyers of QR1.94mn on April 13.The Gulf retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.68mn compared with net buyers of QR1.18mn last Thursday.The local retail investors’ net buying declined substantially to QR0.48mn against QR38mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened significantly to QR15.61mn compared to QR25.39mn on April 13.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased markedly to QR5.99mn against QR14.66mn last Thursday.However, the foreign individuals’ net buying rose considerably to QR2.27mn compared to QR0.75mn the previous trading day.The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the extent of QR0.03mn against no major net exposure on April 13.The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased drastically to QR12.58mn compared to QR81.92mn last Thursday.In the main market, trade volumes shrank 45% to 84.9mn shares, value by 59% to QR214.17mn and deals by 53% to 9,199.

Qatar banks saw the strongest lending growth among the Gulf lenders during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022 despite hard interest rate regime, according to Kamco Invest, a regional economic think-tank.The GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) central banks data showed that after months of marginal activity, Qatari banks reported the biggest lending growth at 3.5% during Q4-2022 compared to a decline in lending during the previous quarter.Aggregate credit facilities in Qatar reached QR1.3tn at the end of Q4-2022 mainly backed by 9% growth in lending to the real estate, followed by 5.5% and 5.4% growth in lending to services and public sector. A decline in lending to industry (-4.4%) and consumption (-2.5%) partially offset the overall growth in domestic lending.Saudi Arabia continued to report strong growth at 1.4%, but the pace declined considerably and was the smallest since June-2019.The growth in the case of Kuwaiti banks was also modest at 0.9% quarter-on-quarter and was the smallest growth since Q4-2020, while credit growth reported by Oman central bank came in at 1.2% during Q4-2022.Banks in Saudi Arabia showed growth in lending to utilities and health services, transportation and communication, finance and real estate that was offset by a decline in lending to manufacturing and processing and agriculture and fishing industries.The trend in Oman was largely positive but a steep decline of 4.5% in lending to mining and quarrying partially offset the overall growth in lending.The report said Qatari-listed banks showed a strong deposit growth of 3.1% to $405bn. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, continued to boast the biggest share of GCC customer deposits at $691bn after recording a q-o-q growth of 0.2% during Q4-2022.The net impact of a stronger lending growth and a slightly smaller customer deposit growth was a marginal growth of 30 bps in the aggregate GCC loan-to-deposit ratio at the end of Q4-2022. Moreover, despite the growth, the ratio remained below the 80% level and at one of the lowest quarterly levels at 79.3%, led by a fall in the ratio in Kuwait and Qatar that was more than offset by growth in the rest of the markets.The report said aggregate return on equity (RoE) for the GCC banking sector continued to show improvement during Q4-2022 reaching one of the highest levels over the last few years at 12.3% compared to 11.8% at the end of Q3-2022.At the country level, UAE-listed banks once again topped in the region with the highest RoE at the end of Q4-2022 at 13.9% closely followed by Saudi and Qatari banks with RoE of 12.5% and 12.4%, respectively.On loan loss provisions (LLP), Kamco said Qatari banks reported the biggest provisions during 2022 at $3.9bn followed by the UAE and Saudi-listed banks with provisions of $3.5bn and $2.6bn respectively.

Notwithstanding the strengthening oil prices, the Qatar Stock Exchange was gripped by profit booking pressure, which led its key index lose as much as 252 points and capitalisation erode QR14bn this week.A higher than average selling in the consumer goods and banking counters dragged the 20-stock Qatar Index 2.44% this week which saw QNB report net profit of QR3.88bn in the first quarter (Q1) of 2023.The domestic institutions were increasingly net sellers this week which saw Qatar Islamic Bank’s Q1 net profit at QR905.34mn.About 70% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week, which saw Barwa Real Estate register QR235.49mn net profit in Q1, 2023.The index recovered after approaching the strong support line at 9,585 points but remains within the descending trend line and below all MAs (moving averages) on the weekly chart; however, a close below 9,585 points would deepen the bearish tone and lead to 9,000 points," a technical analysis note of Kamco said.The foreign institutions were seen net profit takers in the main market this week which saw Woqod’s Q1 net profit at QR223.21mn.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market this week, which saw a total of 0.3mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.7mn trade across 16 deals.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the indices in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.65mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR6.53mn change hands across 371 transactions.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main market this week, which saw Estithmar Holding win MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) contract for three hotels in Red Sea, Saudi Arabia.Market capitalisation was seen eroding QR13.8bn or 2.29% to QR587.67bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw the industrials and banking sectors together constitute more than 66% of the total trade volume in the main market.The Total Return Index tanked 2.44%, the All Share Index by 2.52%, and the All Islamic Index by 1.94% this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The consumer goods and services sector index plunged 4.05%, banks and financial services (3.95%), realty (1.08%) and industrials (0.92%); even as insurance gained 1.24%, telecom (0.54%) and transport (0.16%) this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Major shakers in the main market included Gulf Warehousing, Zad Holding, Al Meera, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Woqod, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Salam International Investment, Mannai Corporation, Mekdam Holding, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company, Qatari Investors Group, Qamco, Mazaya Qatar and Barwa. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week which saw Lesha Bank report net profit of QR22.12mn in Q1, 2023.Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, QLM, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Ezdan, Inma Holding, Qatari German Medical Devices, Gulf International Services, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan and Nakilat were among the gainers in the main market this week which saw global credit rating agency Moody’s say that improved net interest margins and higher non-interest income led Qatar banks’ net earnings grow robustly in 2022.The domestic funds’ net profit booking increased perceptibly to QR76.09mn compared to QR74.84mn the week ended April 6.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR49.56mn against net buyers of QR29.76mn a week ago.The Gulf institutions' net buying decreased drastically to QR12.6mn compared to QR47.43mn the previous week.However, the local retail investors' net buying zoomed considerably to QR94.07mn against QR29.92mn the week ended April 6.The Arab individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR11.16mn compared with net sellers of QR8.09mn a week ago.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.36mn against net sellers of QR1.13mn the previous week.The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR2.26mn compared with net profit takers of QR14.73mn the week ended April 6.The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.19mn against net sellers of QR8.31mn a week ago.Total trade volume in the main market decreased 8% to 688.35mn shares, value by 3% to QR1.9bn, and deals by less than 1% to 68,842.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Wednesday lost 47 points, mainly dragged by the Gulf institutions’ net profit booking pressure.A higher than average selling in the banks and financial services led the 20-stock Qatar Index fall 0.46% to 10,225.58 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,195 points.The Arab retail investors were seen net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 4.26%.The foreign institutions were seen bearish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation shed QR0.93bn or 0.16% to QR596.52bn, mainly on account of microcap segments.The foreign individual investors turned net sellers in the main market, which saw a total of 0.24mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR1.38mn changed hands across 64 deals.The Gulf individuals were also seen bearish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.46%, All Share Index by 0.43% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.03% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The banks and financial services sector index shrank 1.04%, consumer goods and services (0.37%), insurance (0.1%) and transport 90.03%); while telecom gained 1.5%, real estate (0.7%) and industrials (0.19%).Major losers in the main market included Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatar Islamic bank, Alijarah Holding, Medicare Group, Qatari Investors Group, Commercial Bank, Lesha Bank and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Beema, Qatari German Medical Devices, Estithmar Holding, Qatar Islamic Insurance, QIIB, Dlala, Qatar Electricity and Water, Ezdan Holding, United Development Company, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar were among the gainers in main market. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR15.65mn compared with net buyers of QR6.83mn on April 11.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR7.62mn against net buyers of QR3.14mn the previous day.The foreign institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR1.02mn compared with net buyers of QR13.54mn on Tuesday.The Gulf retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.45mn against net buyers of QR2.32mn on April 11.The foreign individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.05mn compared with net buyers of QR3.32mn the previous day.However, the local retail investors’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR42.67mn against QR3.91mn on Tuesday.The Arab institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.19mn compared with no major net exposure on April 11.The domestic institutions’ net selling decreased notably to QR18.08mn against QR33.06mn the previous day.In the main market, trade volumes jumped 18% to 173.8mn shares, value by 12% to QR435.92mn and deals by 24% to 17,602.

Qatari banks’ net earnings grew in 2022, driven by widening net interest margins and higher non-interest income, according to Moody's, an international credit rating agency.Moreover, the banks saw improved operating efficiency and their capital levels remain strong, even as loan-loss provisioning increased and is likely to remain elevated, Moody's said in a report.Qatari banks' combined net profit rose 8% for 2022 to QR23.4bn, as higher operating income more than offset a jump in provisioning costs. This performance factored in hyperinflationary accounting adjustments linked to Turkiye for two Qatari banks that have subsidiaries there."Net profit growth was consistent across the banks (except one bank) largely because of an 18% increase in net interest income and 11% growth in noninterest income such as fees and commissions," it said.Finding that Qatari banks' operating income grew by 13% during 2022, supported by a rise in both net interest income and noninterest income; Moody's said the interest rate environment reversed in 2022, driving aggregate growth of 18% in banks' net interest income.The growth reflected increasing asset yields, driven by rising interest rates, which more than offset higher funding costs, it said, adding while the banks' funding costs increased, they did not do so at the same rate. As a result, the banks' combined net interest margin rose to 2.3% from 2.1% a year earlier."We expect margins to face modest pressure particularly in a scenario of rising global rates and banks being unable to reprice loans. Despite margin pressure, likely modest credit growth in 2023 of around 5% would support net interest income," it said.Highlighting that cost efficiency is strength and improved further; the rating agency said the banks continued to improve their operating efficiency during 2022 as income growth surpassed expenses growth.While the benefits of the cost control measures initiated during the pandemic accrued fully in 2021, aggregate operating expenses for the Qatari banking sector increased by 6% during 2022 and were almost at the same level as in 2019.Despite the modest increase in aggregate costs, the cost-to-income ratio for the rated banks fell to 22% during 2022 from 24% a year earlier and 25% for 2020.Moody's said the banks maintained their capital buffers during the year, supported by strong earnings and solid profit retention.Their combined tangible common equity remained broadly stable at a high 16% of total risk-weighted assets as of December 2022. "We expect solid profitability and modest credit growth to support capital buffers at the current high levels during 2023," it said.On loan-loss provisioning, the rating agency said the provisioning charges increased by 13% during 2022 and consumed around 33.1% of pre-provision income, compared with 35% in 2021 and 20% in 2019.The increase was primarily because of a jump in both Stage 2 and 3 loan balances as the banks' domestic operations continued to feel the effects of the Covid-19 disruption.The increase in provisioning costs was driven by an increase in both the nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio and increase in Stage 2 balances, with the aggregate problem loans ratio rising to 2.9% of total loans as of December 2022 from 2.2% as of December 2021."We expect asset quality to weaken modestly as loans continue to migrate from Stage 1 to Stage 2 and to some extent Stage 3 during 2023," it said.

An across the board buying – especially in the insurance, telecom and consumer goods sectors – Tuesday lifted the Qatar Stock Exchange and its key index gained 44 points.The foreign institutions were increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.43% to 10,272.52 points.The market, which was skewed towards gainers, touched an intraday high of 10,316 points.The Gulf institutions were also increasingly into net buying in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed to 3.82%.The foreign individuals’ bullish grip strengthened in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.71bn or 0.12% to QR597.45bn, mainly on account of small cap segments.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, which saw a total of 0.1mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.68mn changed hands across 41 deals.The Gulf individuals were also bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.43%, the All Share Index by 0.37% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.47% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The insurance sector index shot up 1.47%, telecom (0.7%), consumer goods and services (0.49%), transport (0.35%), banks and financial services (0.33%), real estate (0.31%) and industrials (0.21%).More than 59% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market with major movers being Alijarah Holding, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, Qatari German Medical Devices, QIIB, Mannai Corporation, Baladna, Ezdan Holding, Mazaya Qatar and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Inma Holding, Zad Holding, Mekdam Holding, Doha Insurance and Gulf Warehousing were among the losers in the main market. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR13.54mn compared to QR12.09mn on April 10.The Gulf institutions’ net buying rose markedly to QR6.83mn against QR5.42mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying grew noticeably to QR3.32mn compared to QR0.97mn on Monday.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR3.14mn against net sellers of QR1.02mn on April 10.The Gulf retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.32mn compared with net sellers of QR0.13mn the previous day.However, the domestic institutions’ net selling increased notably to QR33.06mn against QR28.36mn on Monday.The local retail investors’ net buying weakened significantly to QR3.91mn compared to QR11.53mn on April 10.The Arab institutions continued to have no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.In the main market, trade volumes jumped 57% to 146.69mn shares, value by 47% to QR390.67mn and deals by 57% to 14,229.

The Qatar domestic institutions’ increased net profit booking Monday dragged the Qatar Stock Exchange more than 22 points.A higher than average selling pressure in the consumer goods, transport and banking counters led the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.22% to 10,228.84 points.The market, which was marginally skewed towards shakers, however touched an intraday high of 10,295 points.The Arab retail investors turned net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 4.23%.However, the foreign funds were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation lost QR1.04bn or 0.17% to QR596.74bn, mainly on account of microcap segments.The local retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, which saw a total of 0.17mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR1.02mn changed hands across 49 deals.The Gulf funds were seen increasingly into net buying in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.22%, All Share Index by 0.17% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.26% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The consumer goods and services sector index fell 0.49%, transport (0.3%), banks and financial services (0.22%), telecom (0.11%), real estate (0.09% and industrials (0.08%); while insurance gained 0.83%.About 67% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Gulf Warehousing, Al Meera, Beema, Widam Food, Qatar Islamic Insurance and Commercial Bank.Nevertheless, QLM, Ezdan, Vodafone Qatar, QNB and Qatar Electricity and Water were among the gainers in the main market.The domestic institutions’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR28.36mn compared to QR21.48mn on April 9.The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.02mn against net buyers of QR14.72mn the previous day.However, the foreign institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR12.09mn compared to QR7.75mn on Sunday.The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR11.53mn against net sellers of QR2.04mn on April 9.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR5.42mn compared to QR1.35mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying increased marginally to QR0.97mn against QR0.37mn on Sunday.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.13mn compared to QR0.66mn on April 9.The Arab institutions continued to have no major net exposure for the third straight session.In the main market, trade volumes shrank 21% to 93.7mn shares and value by 7% to QR266.2mn, while deals were up 8% to 9,038.

Qatar reported a modest 3% month-on-month increase in building permits issued in March this year with as much as three-fourth of the eight municipalities registering growth in permits, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).Qatar saw as many as 666 building permits issued in March 2023, which however declined 32.6% on an annualised basis, said the PSA data.Al Rayyan, Doha and Al Daayen municipalities together constituted 67% of the total building permit issued in March 2023.The building permits data is of particular importance as it is considered an indicator for the performance of the construction sector which in turn occupies a significant position in the national economy.On a monthly basis, total building permits issued in Al Shahaniya reported a 140% surge, Al Shamal (25%), Al Khor (24%), Al Rayyan (18%), Al Wakra (3%) and Al Daayen (2%); even as those in Umm Slal and Doha declined 29% and 15% respectively in the review period.Of the total number of new building permits issued, Al Rayyan constituted 184 permits or 28% of the total, followed by Al Wakra 131 (20%), Al Daayen 126 (19%), Doha 115 (17%), Umm Slal 40 (6%), Al Khor 36 (5%), Al Shahaniya 24 (4%) and Al Shamal 10 (2%).On an annualised basis, total building permits issued in Doha plummeted 50.2%, Al Wakra (38.8%), Al Shamal (37.5%), Al Daayen (30%), Umm Slal (28.6%) and Al Rayyan (24.3%); while those in Al Shahaniya and Al Khor grew 41.2% and 16.1% respectively.The new building permits (residential and non-residential) constituted 240 permits or 36% of the total issued in February 2023, followed by additions 402 (60%) and fencing 24 (4%).Of the new residential buildings permits, villas topped the list, accounting for 80% or 153 permits, apartments 12% (23), and dwellings of housing loans 6% (11) in the review period.Among the non-residential sector, commercial structures accounted for 41% or 20 permits, the industrial buildings as workshops and factories 41% (20 permits), the governmental buildings 8% (four) and mosques 6% (three permits).Qatar saw a total of 401 building completion certificates issued in March 2023, of which 313 or 78% was for the new buildings (residential and non-residential) and 88 or 22% for additions.On an annualised basis, total building completion certificates issued in the country saw 5.9% fall with Umm Slal reporting 36.2% decline, Doha (18.2%), Al Wakra (12%), Al Rayyan (3%) and Al Daayen (1.1%); whereas those in Al Shamal shot up 350%, Al Shahaniya by 60% and Al Khor by 28.6% in the review period.Qatar saw a 17% month-on-month expansion in the total building completion certificates issued in March 2023 with Al Shamal registering a 500% surge, Al Daayen (30%), Al Rayyan (22%), Doha (11%), Al Khor (6%) and Umm Slal (3%); while Al Wakra saw 2% decline. The Al Shahaniya municipality maintained a flat path in the review period.Al Rayyan constituted 96 or 24% of the total number of building completion certificates issued in the review period, Al Daayen 22% or 87, Al Wakra 20% or 81, Doha 16% or 63, Umm Slal 7% or 30, Al Khor 4% or 18, Al Shamal 4% or 18; and Al Shahaniya 2% or eight in March 2023.Of the 241 residential buildings completion certificates issued, as many as 203 or 84% were for villas, 17 or 7% for dwellings of housing loans and 14 or 6% for apartments.Of the 203 villas completion certificates issued in March 2023, as many as 58 were in Al Rayyan, 43 in Al Daayen, 29 in Al Wakra, 24 in Doha, 21 in Umm Slal, 17 in Al Shamal, nine in Al Khor and two in Al Shahaniya.In the case of 14 apartments, Doha issued 10 completion certificates, two in Al Rayyan and one each in Al Daayen and Al Khor.

The used vehicles market in Qatar saw a positive course this February on an annual basis, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The transfer of ownership was reported in 32,553 vehicles in February 2023, which grew 7.1% year-on-year but fell 1.8% month-on-month. It constituted 26% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.In contrast, new vehicle registrations registered a 15% and 8.2% decline on a yearly and monthly basis, respectively, in February 2023.The country saw as many as 5,862 new vehicles registered in February 2023, of which as much as 90% was for private use.The registration of new private vehicles stood at 4,286, which declined 1.5% and 14.1% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in February 2023. Such vehicles constituted 73% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration of new private transport vehicles stood at 983, which fell 22.5% on an annualised basis but shot up 7.1% on a monthly basis in February 2023. Such vehicles constituted 17% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new private motorcycles stood at 277 units, which plunged 72.6% year-on-year but zoomed 30.1% month-on-month in February 2023. These constituted 5% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The new registration of other non-specified vehicles stood at 153 units, which grew almost 13-fold and three-fold year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in February 2023. It constituted 3% of the total new vehicles in February 2023.The registration of new heavy equipment stood at 132, which constituted 2% of the total registrations in February 2023. Their registrations had seen 31.6% and 18.5% contractions year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.The registration of trailers amounted to 31 units, which reported 51.6% plunge on an annualised and monthly basis respectively in the review period.The renewal of registration was reported in 70,871 units, which was up 4.7% year-on-year but declined 14.5% month-on-month in February 2023. It constituted 57% of the clearing of vehicle-related process in the review period.The number of lost/damaged vehicles stood at 6,060 units, which shrank 28.4% and 23.8% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in February 2023.The modified vehicles’ registration amounted to 5,482, which expanded 33.7% year-on-year but declined 10.4% month-on-month in February 2023.The cancelled vehicles stood at 2,082 units, which declined 17.5% and 31.5% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in the review period.The number of vehicles meant for exports stood at 1,545 units, which reported 11.3% shrinkage on an annualised basis but rose 2.7% month-on-month in February 2023.The re-registration of vehicles stood at 73, which plummeted 42.5% and 27% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in February 2023.The clearing of vehicle-related processes stood at 124,643 units, which grew 2.3% year-on-year but tanked 11.6% month-on-month in the review period.Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports had handled 5,665 RORO (vehicles) in February 2023, which registered a 13.48% jump on an annualised basis but was down 0.75% on monthly basis. Hamad Port alone handled 5,653 units in February 2023.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Sunday opened the week weak with its key index down more than 91 points and its key index settled below 10,300 levels.A higher than average selling pressure in the consumer goods and transport sectors led the 20-stock Qatar Index to settle 0.88% lower at 10,250.99 points.The market, which was marginally skewed towards shakers, however touched an intraday high of 10,340 points.The local retail investors turned net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 4.03%.The Gulf individual investors were also seen bearish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR3.69bn or 0.61% to QR597.78bn, mainly on account of midcap segments.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying has its influence on the main market, which saw a total of 0.31mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR3.14mn changed hands across 172 deals.The Gulf funds’ lower net buying also had its say in dampening the sentiments in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the key barometer in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.88%, the All Share Index by 0.81% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.82% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The consumer goods and services sector index tanked 1.43%, transport (1%), industrials (0.82%), banks and financial services (0.78%), real estate (0.75%) and telecom (0.64%); while insurance gained 0.44%.More than 72% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Dlala, Mannai Corporation, Qatar National Cement, Gulf International Services, Woqod, Commercial Bank, Industries Qatar, Mazaya Qatar, Gulf Warehousing and Milaha. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Inma Holding, Ahlibank Qatar, Doha Insurance, Al Khaleej Takaful and Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance were among the gainers in the main market.The local retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.04mn compared with net buyers of QR11.45mn on April 6.The Gulf individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.66mn against net buyers of QR0.44mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying declined substantially to QR7.75mn compared to QR31.4mn last Thursday.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased perceptibly to QR1.35mn against QR8.67mn on April 6.However, the Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR14.72mn compared with net sellers of QR2.02mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.37mn against net profit takers of QR1.62mn last Thursday.The domestic institutions’ net selling weakened substantially to QR21.48mn compared to QR48.32mn on April 6.The Arab institutions continued to have no major net exposure for the second straight session.In the main market, trade volumes shrank 32% to 119.04mn shares, value by 31% to QR285.69mn and deals by 44% to 8,345.

The Gulf institutions' increased buying interests led the Qatar Stock Exchange gain as much as 130 points in key index and QR9bn in capitalisation this week. .text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[15551]**The telecom, insurance, real estate and industrials sectors witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 1.27% this week which saw the Planning and Statistics Authority’s data suggest FIFA World Cop provided strong force multiplier to the local economy in the fourth quarter of 2022.The foreign funds were bullish this week, which saw the Qatar Financial Centre’s purchasing managers’ index suggest that demand gained momentum in the non-energy private sector, leading to a positive outlook for the economy in the next12 months.About 76% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market this week, which saw the positive outlook for the country’s logistics and allied sectors with Hamad Port registering the highest-ever volume of breakbulk in March.The Arab institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market this week which saw the Group Securities announce market making for as many as 12 listed entities.However, the domestic institutions turned net profit takers in the main market this week, which saw a total of 0.47mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR1.12mn trade across 30 deals.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the indices in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.15mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR1.6mn change hands across 85 transactions.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main market this week, which saw a global insurance rating agency A M Best assign a financial strength rating of A- (excellent) and a long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (excellent) to Damaan Islamic Insurance Company (Beema) with a "stable" outlook.Market capitalisation was seen gaining QR8.98bn or 1.52% to QR601.47bn on the back of small and midcap segments this week which saw the industrials and banking sectors together constitute more than 61% of the total trade volume in the main market.The Total Return Index gained 1.27%, the All Share Index by 1.37%, and the All Islamic Index by 1.06% this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The transport sector index shot up 5.47%, telecom (3.46%), insurance (3.4%), realty (2.96%), industrials (1.5%), consumer goods and services (0.72%) and banks and financial services (0.45%) this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Major gainers in the main market included Dlala, Widam, Al Khaleej Takaful, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, Qatar Islamic Bank, Salam International Investment, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Aamal Company, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, United Development Company, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo, Milaha and Nakilat this week.Nevertheless, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, QLM, Mekdam Holding, Vodafone Qatar and Qatar National Cement were among the losers in the main market. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week.The Gulf institutions' net buying increased drastically to QR47.43mn compared to QR6.68mn the week ended March 30.The foreign funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR29.76mn against net profit takers of QR86.29mn the previous week.The Arab individual investors’ net selling declined substantially to QR8.09mn compared to QR23.45mn a week ago.The Arab funds' net profit booking shrank considerably to QR8.31mn against QR20.84mn the week ended March 30.However, the domestic funds turned net sellers to the extent of QR74.84mn compared with net buyers of QR74.81mn the previous week.The Gulf individuals' net profit booking shot up markedly to QR14.73mn against QR1.25mn a week ago.The foreign individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR1.13mn compared with net buyers of QR8.61mn the week ended March 30.The local retail investors' net buying weakened perceptibly to QR29.92mn against QR41.74mn the previous week.Total trade volume in the main market decreased 24% to 744.68mn shares, value by 22% to QR1.96bn, and deals by 21% to 69,158.

The domestic funds were seen increasingly into profit booking as the Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday lost 17 points.Higher than average selling pressure at the transport, banking and insurance sectors led the 20-stock Qatar Index to shed 0.16% to 10,342.43 points.The market, which was marginally skewed towards gainers, however touched an intraday high of 10,374 points.The Arab retail investors were net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 3.17%.The foreign individual investors turned bearish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR0.43bn or 0.07% to QR601.47bn, mainly on account of microcap segments.The local retail investors’ marginally weakened net buying had its say on the main market, which saw a total of 0.18mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR1.1mn changed hands across 53 deals.However, the foreign institutions were net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining vis-a-vis declines in the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.16% and the All Share Index by 0.18%, while the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) was up 0.05% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the incline.The transport sector index lost 0.93%, banks and financial services (0.72%) and insurance (0.44%); while telecom gained 2.58%, consumer goods and services (1.55%), real estate (0.63%) and industrials (0.09%).Major losers in the main market included QLM, Beema, Mekdam Holding, Milaha, Qatar Islamic Bank, Masraf Al Rayan and Al Khaleej Takaful. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Widam Food, Gulf Warehousing, Ooredoo, Woqod, Estithmar Holding, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Doha Insurance, Barwa, Mazaya Qatar and Vodafone Qatar were among the gainers in the main market.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking increased substantially to QR48.32mn compared to QR27.04mn on April 5.The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.02mn against net buyers of QR2.58mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR1.62mn compared with net buyers of QR1.52mn on Wednesday.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased considerably to QR8.67mn against QR13.71mn on April 5.The local retail investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR11.45mn compared to QR11.49mn the previous day.However, the foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR31.4mn against net sellers of QR0.06mn on Wednesday.The Gulf individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.44mn compared with net profit takers of QR0.12mn on April 5.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the extent of QR2.05mn the previous day.In the main market, trade volumes expanded 28% to 175.61mn shares, value by 24% to QR416.63mn and deals by 17% to 14,920.

The Middle East and Asia are slated to see the fastest annual growth in merchandise exports in 2024, in line with the positive trend in the macroeconomic growth prospects in the regions, according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).In its Global Trade Outlook and Statistics, WTO said the Middle East region is expected to see 4.7% growth in 2024 compared to mere 0.9% in 2023. This year's growth is substantially lower than 9.9% estimated in 2022.The Middle East is expected to witness a 3.1% gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2024 compared to 2.9% in 2023, higher than the world average of 2.6% and 2.4% respectively in the said periods.The Asia region's merchandise exports are slated to grow 4.7% in 2024 against 2.5% in 2023. The North America would see a growth of 3.1% in 2024 compared to 3.3% the previous year, CIS (The Commonwealth of Independent States) 2.2% (2.8%), Europe 2% (1.8%), Africa 1.4% (-1.4%) and South America 0.6% (0.3%).In terms of exports of digitally delivered services, WTO said Central and South America and the Caribbean as well as the Middle East saw an acceleration in growth in 2022, eve as Europe accounts for more than half of global exports of such services.According to the WTO estimates, global exports of digitally delivered services recorded an almost fourfold increase in value since 2005, rising 8.1% on average per year in 2005-2022, outpacing goods (5.6%) and other services exports (4.2%).Africa is slated to see fastest growth in imports at 5.5% in 2024 compared to 5.6% the previous year, Asia 5.2% (2.6%), South America 2.3% (-1.6%), Europe 1.8% (-0.6%), North America 1.4% (-0.1%) and CIS 0.8% (14.9%).The report highlighted that high prices for wheat and other grains were keenly felt in the Middle Eastern and African countries that relied heavily on imports from Ukraine and Russia before the war.