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Rising oil prices, which have hovered around $120 a barrel on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, lifted the sentiments across the Gulf bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange, which yesterday gained 32 points to inch near 13,500 points. A higher than average demand, especially at the industrials and consumer goods counters, led the 20-stock Qatar Index to gain 0.24% to 13,463.02 points, recovering from an intraday low of 13,334 points. Foreign institutions were increasingly bullish in the market, whose year-to-date gains shot up to 15.8%. The Gulf institutions were also increasingly into net buying in the bourse, whose capitalisation saw more than QR2bn or 0.27% increase to QR768.58bn, mainly on the back of small cap segments. The foreign individuals were also seen increasingly bullish in the market, where the industrials, banking and realty sectors together accounted for more than 81% of the trading volume. The local retail investors’ net selling weakened marginally in the bourse, which saw a total of 30,450 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR347,980 changed hands across seven deals. Nevertheless, domestic funds were increasingly net sellers in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover declined amidst higher volumes in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 0.31 to 26,985.47 points, the All Share Index by 0.11% to 4,262.44 points and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.38% to 2,928.66 points. The industrials sector index shot up 1.69%, followed by consumer goods and services (0.59%) and real estate (0.12%); while transport declined 1.09%, banks and financial services (0.46%), insurance (0.2%) and telecom (0.08%). Major gainers in the main market included Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Baladna, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Ahlibank Qatar, Woqod and Qatar Industrial Manufacturing. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mekdam Holding saw their shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, about 64% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Investment Holding Group, Dlala, Doha Insurance, Qatari Investors Group, QNB, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatari German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Mannai Corporation, Qatar National Cement and Nakilat. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased markedly to QR374.76mn compared to QR348.34mn on March 2. The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened considerably to QR143.02mn against QR114mn the previous day. The foreign individuals’ net buying grew noticeably to QR9.18mn compared to QR0.22mn on Wednesday. Qatari individuals’ net profit booking fell marginally to QR140.38mn against QR142.18mn on March 2. However, the domestic funds’ net selling grew significantly to QR365.71mn compared to QR315.13mn the previous day. The Arab individuals’ net profit booking rose perceptibly to QR13.57mn against QR6.83mn on Wednesday. The Arab institutions’ net profit booking expanded influentially to QR6.63mn compared to QR1.59mn on March 2. The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.68mn against net buyers of QR3.17mn the previous day. Total trade volume in the main market rose 3% to 389.9mn shares, while value fell 6% to QR1.51bn and transactions by 5% to 26,133. The insurance sector’s trade volume surged 66% to 8.36mn equities and value by 31% to QR20.55mn, while deals shrank 59% to 263. The market witnessed a 62% surge in the real estate sector’s trade volume to 67.78mn stocks, 63% in value to QR92.31n and 14% in transactions to 1,632. The industrials sector’s trade volume zoomed 11% to 180.55mn shares, value by 15% to QR665.67mn and deals by 23% to 9,015. However, there was a 32% plunge in the transport sector’s trade volume to 9.54mn equities, 26% in value to QR43.64mn and a 38% in transactions to 861. The consumer goods and services sector’s trade volume plummeted 31% to 47.6mn stocks, value by 23% to QR86.93mn and deals by 33% to 1,666. The telecom sector reported a 31% shrinkage in trade volume to 8.25mn shares, 26% in value to QR32.52mn and 18% in transactions to 1,463. The banks and financial services sector’s trade volume was down 9% to 67.84mn equities, value by 24% to QR567.62mn and deals by 10% to 11,233. The venture market saw five-fold increase in volumes to 1.45mn stocks and more than five-fold in value to QR14.95mn on almost quadrupled in transactions to 247.    

Market heavyweight Industries Qatar (IQ) has earmarked QR11.1bn planned capital expenditure (capex) for 2022-26 and is currently evaluating the possibilities on constructing a new energy efficient ammonia plant. The base case business strategy of IQ – the holding entity of Qatar Petrochemicals, Qatar Fertilisers and Qatar Steel – will continue to focus on market development and efficiency gains, while extending its leaner cost base. These were outlined at the online annual general assembly, where shareholders approved the 2021 financial results and dividend distribution amounting to QR6.05bn or a payout of QR1 per share. "For the next five years (2022-2026), the group’s planned capital expenditure will be around QR11.1bn," said Mohamed Jaber al-Sulaiti, manager (Privatised Companies Affairs Department), QatarEnergy. The group will continue to focus on capital expenditure programme with a critical importance to asset integrity, operational efficiency, reliability improvements, cost optimisation and capacity de-bottlenecking, he added. During the financial year 2021, IQ spent QR1.3bn in capital expenditures, mainly related to turnaround, reliability, and health, safety and environmental (HSE) projects. The fertiliser segment is expected to incur QR8.8bn in various projects, including turnaround related capex and a new ammonia train. Qafco had seen QR444mn in capex in 2021, according to IQ board report. The petrochemical segment is expected to see capex of QR1.9bn in various projects. It had seen QR817mn capex in 2021. The steel segment is expected to incur QR0.5bn in various capital expenditure projects over the next five years including asset replacements, HSE and reliability improvement. The group is at present evaluating possible new energy efficient ammonia train investment that will replace a pair of existing ammonia trains, which were in operations over the last five decades. "The investment is currently being evaluated for its operational and financial merits," the board report said. Addressing the shareholders, IQ Chairman HE Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi said during 2021, the group remained successful in realising financial and operational benefits from all the strategic decisions taken last year in order to create and preserve long-term shareholder value. "Our strategic investment of $1bn to take full ownership in Qafco has served us well, with results in excess of our expectations. Similarly, mothballing certain steel facilities during 2020 allowed us to focus on more profitable domestic and selective international markets, and benefited the group with an improved profitability and better plant reliability," he said. On 2021 performance, he said the macroeconomic drivers remained" positive", supported by effective vaccination campaigns and progression of societal reopening, leading to a renewed demand for downstream products. On the other hand, supply constraints and logistical bottlenecks remained evident throughout the year, al-Kaabi said, adding this demand recovery along with limited supply allowed commodity prices to recover notably from last year’s troughs. Also, recent energy crisis and power rationing measures in key markets has supported elevated price trajectories for commodities, according to him. "In a year of solid macroeconomic tailwinds, we continue to thrive for operational excellence by focusing on our people, ensuring plant reliability and our commitment to HSE,” he said. Going forward, the board said the group will also continue to develop markets with best netbacks and enhanced profitability through arbitrage or output considerations, while remaining cost competitive, with an eye on HSE and operational excellence.    

Non-energy growth in Doha regained momentum this February, reflecting the impending FIFA World Cup as a source of strength, according to the Qatar Financial Centre's purchasing managers' index (PMI). The optimism comes mainly on the back of robust expansion in new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of purchases. The PMI rebounded from January's six-month low of 57.6 to 61.4 in February, indicating a rapid improvement in overall business conditions. The 3.8-point rise in the headline figure recovered all the loss registered in the opening month of 2021 and was the third-largest month-on-month gain in the survey history. Moreover, the latest reading was the joint-third highest since the series began in April 2017. Only October (62.2) and November (63.1) 2021 had seen stronger growth over the last five years. The Qatar PMI indices are compiled from survey responses from a panel of around 450 private sector companies. The panel covers the manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services sectors, and reflects the structure of the non-energy economy according to official national accounts data. The boost in the PMI in February was reflected in all five of the headline figure's components with the biggest directional influence coming from new orders (+1.8 points), followed by output (+1.4), employment (+0.3) and stocks of purchases (+0.2). Suppliers' delivery times had a fractionally positive influence compared with January. Growth quickened in the manufacturing, construction and services sectors, while wholesale and retail also registered a strong overall expansion in activity despite some loss of momentum since January. "Indicators for output, new business, purchasing, employment and backlogs, all signal marked rates of growth in the latest period, with survey respondents continuing to highlight the forthcoming FIFA World Cup as a source of business," QFC Authority chief executive Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida said. New business growth accelerated in February and was among the fastest recorded in almost five years of data collection. All four sectors posted stronger growth in new orders, led by manufacturing. With demand improving, backlogs of work increased for the seventeenth consecutive month and at a rate second only to last November in the survey's operation. Employment in the non-energy private sector continued to rise in February, extending the current series-record sequence of job creation to 17 months. Moreover, the rate of growth was among the strongest on record. Purchasing growth also accelerated in February to the second-strongest on record. Average input costs rose in February, linked to both purchase prices and wages. In contrast, prices charged for goods and services fell for the first time in five months, and at the fastest rate since January 2020. The latest PMI data on Qatar's financial services sector signalled burgeoning demand in February. New business received in the sector rose at the third-fastest rate on record in the near-five year series history, leading to the second-fastest rise in total business activity.    

* Qamco to remain focused on its five-year strategic plan to enhance shareholder value Qatar Aluminium Manufacturing Company (Qamco) Wednesday said it will remain focused on its five-year strategic plan to make its joint venture (JV) strengthen the market position and its funding strategy will not only strengthen shareholder value creation but also enable sustainable payouts amidst negative externalities. Moreover, Qamco's global marketing partnership with the other JV partner, provided access to strategically important markets, which makes it more competitive in comparison to other international players, despite supply chain challenges which remained evident throughout the year. This was underscored by the board members at the company's online general assembly meeting, where the shareholders approved the 2021 financial results and total dividend of QR446mn, equivalent to QR0.08 per share, representing a payout ratio of 53%. Incorporated as a joint venture in 2007, Qatalum is currently owned by Qamco (50%) and Hydro Aluminium Qatalum Holding (50%). "Going forward, Qamco’s JV will remain focused on its five-year strategic plan and is poised to strengthen its market position, while relentlessly working to enhance shareholder value, with a strategic intent to remain a cost competitive aluminium producer, while operational excellence coupled with higher safety and environmental standards remains a key to success," said Abdulrahman Ahmad al-Shaibi, chairman of Qamco. He said the main highlight of 2021 was a sequential macroeconomic recovery, which led to a solid primary aluminium demand coupled with supply constraints, resulting in strong price trajectories for primary aluminium. While macroeconomic sentiments remained positive, Qamco’s JV continued to focus on operational excellence, safety, growth and sustainability, he said, adding operational excellence was mainly driven by continuous optimisation of its processes, improved reliability and enhanced asset integrity. On sustainability front, Qamco continued to limit the environmental impacts of its businesses, while enhancing energy efficiency and conservation measures, he said. "Our funding strategy at the JV level would continue to support us in our continued progress in building shareholder value and would enable sustainable payouts, while safeguarding us in case of any future unprecedented external calamities," al-Shaibi said. Mohamed Jaber al-Sulaiti, Qamco board member and Manager (Privatised Companies Affairs Department), QatarEnergy, said the JV is capable of fast transitioning its product mix in line with market conditions, which provides an additional layer of flexibility to it in terms of production process and supply chain management, while ensuring products are produced and sold in line the market demand. "These competitive strengths have remained pivotal in enabling Qamco’s JV to improve its operating asset base along with a strong cash position," he said. About its strategies to lower carbon footprint, Qamco’s JV signed an agreement with the General Electric during 2021 for Advanced Gas Path (AGP) upgrade sets to generate more sustainable and secure power with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Highlighting that continued implementation of Qatalum Improvement Programme during 2021 resulted in cost savings in line with defined annual targets; the board said during the year, with the roll-out of innovative AGP project, it is expected that JV’s power output would enhance and improve overall plant efficiency, while increasing the availability of gas turbines and lowering operational expenses by increasing the interval between their planned maintenance cycles. The extraordinary general assembly approved an amendment to increase the non-Qatari ownership limit in the company’s share capital from 49% to 100%.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday surpassed 13,400 points, a multi-year high, reflecting higher oil prices, which have breached $110 a barrel on the simmering tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The industrials and transport counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index surged 159 points or 1.2% to 13,431.34 points, recovering from an intraday low of 12,244 points. Foreign institutions were increasingly bullish in the market, whose year-to-date gains shot up to 15.53%. The Gulf institutions were seen net buyers in the bourse, whose capitalisation saw a 1.5% increase to QR766.51bn, mainly on the back of small and midcap segments. The Gulf individuals were also seen bullish in the market, where the industrials and banking sectors together accounted for about 63% of the trading volume. The foreign retail investors turned net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the bourse, which saw a total of 41,988 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR258,748 changed hands across 15 deals. Nevertheless, local retail investors were increasingly net sellers in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 1.2% to 26,902.37 points, the All Share Index by 1.09% to 4,257.77 points and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.98% to 2,917.52 points. The industrials sector index shot up 2.08%, transport (1.94%), banks and financial services (0.95%) and real estate (0.23%); while insurance declined 0.25%, telecom (0.17%) and consumer goods and services (0.13%). Major gainers in the main market included Investment Holding Group, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qatari Investors Group, Ezdan, Nakilat, QNB, QIIB, Inma Holding, Industries Qatar, Qamco, QNB, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM and Mazaya Qatar. In the venture market, Mekdam Holding saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Qatar National Cement, Salam International Investment, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Dlala, Medicare Group, Al Khaleej Takaful, United Development Company, Barwa and Vodafone Qatar were among the losers in the main market. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased markedly to QR348.34mn compared to QR318.42mn on March 1. The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR114mn against net sellers of QR0.8mn the previous day. The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR3.17mn compared with net sellers of QR6.73mn on Tuesday. The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.22mn against net profit takers of QR0.58mn on March 1. However, the domestic funds’ net selling grew drastically to QR315.13mn compared to QR190.71mn the previous day. Qatari individuals’ net profit booking strengthened perceptibly to QR142.18mn against QR136.05mn on Tuesday. The Arab individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR6.83mn compared with net buyers of QR17.37mn on March 1. The Arab institutions’ net profit booking rose marginally to QR1.59mn against QR0.93mn the previous day. Total trade volume in the main market fell 14% to 379.16mn shares, while value was up 4% to QR1.61bn and transactions by 8% to 27,505. The consumer goods and services sector’s trade volume plummeted 49% to 68.86mn equities, value by 37% to QR113.52mn and deals by 7% to 2,486. The telecom sector reported a 33% plunge in trade volume to 12mn stocks and 47% in value to QR43.79mn but on a 17% growth in transactions to 1,784. The banks and financial services sector’s trade volume shrank 15% to 74.23mn shares, whereas value gained 13% to QR743.76mn and deals by 12% to 12,428. However, the market witnessed a 16% surge in the real estate sector’s trade volume to 41.96mn equities, 8% in value to QR56.8mn and 19% in transactions to 1,428. The industrials sector’s trade volume soared 12% to 163.07mn stocks, value by 13% to QR579.41mn and deals by 5% to 7,341. There was an 8% expansion in the transport sector’s trade volume to 14.01mn shares, 15% in value to QR59.31mn and 4% in transactions to 1,390. The insurance sector’s trade volume was up 2% to 5.03mn equities, value by 6% to QR15.71mn and deals by 9% to 648. The venture market saw 34.09% decrease in volumes to 0.29mn stocks, 33.8% in value to QR2.84mn and 68.02% in transactions to 63.

The compulsory health insurance law, which is expected to take effect in May 2022, could generate an additional QR1bn to QR1.5bn in gross written premiums (GWP) in Qatar in the coming years, according to Standard & Poor's (S&P). "We estimate that the (mandatory) scheme could generate QR1bn-QR1.5bn in additional GWP in the coming years," S&P said in a report. The Qatari government approved a compulsory health insurance law, expected to take effect in May 2022. Under the law, all foreign visitors, residents, and workers in the country will have to hold medical insurance for the entire duration of their stay, unless they are exempt. However, the rating agency has not incorporated the GWP growth forecast for 2022, since no details about the potential volume have been disclosed. In the meantime, the agency anticipates that higher public expenditure to diversify the Qatari economy and further preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup will contribute to GWP growth in 2022. "In 2021, we estimate combined ratios of 90%-92%, after just below 90% in 2020. We then expect combined ratios to converge closer to about 95%, potentially between 93%-96%, as the proportion of medical business increases, which tends to have lower profit margins," it said. The new scheme will replace an earlier scheme (SEHA) which was disbanded in 2015. The new system was promulgated under Law No. 22 of 2021 regulating the health services in Qatar. According to a law firm Clyde and Co, the new scheme appears to envisage private insurers that are approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) being authorised to offer prescribed minimum levels of cover as set out by the scheme. The MoPH is likely to play an additional role as a regulator of the health insurance services. All non-Qatari residents and visitors in Qatar must have private health insurance for the duration of their stay to receive basic medical services. The report also said profitable earnings and robust capital buffers continue to support rated Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) insurers’ credit profiles. However, potentially more volatile capital markets and ongoing intense competition will increase pressure on earnings in 2022. The region’s ongoing economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to higher oil prices, government spending, and increasing activity in the non-oil sector, will also boost insurers’ growth prospects, it said, estimating further capital build up in 2022, but at a slower pace than in previous years when insurers benefited from stronger earnings.    

The Qatar Stock Exchange Tuesday witnessed a huge 324-point gain in its key index and QR21bn in capitalisation, reflecting the sentiments in the regional market owing to higher energy prices. The banking counter witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index soared 2.5% to 13,272.4 points, although it touched an intraday high of 13,406 points. Foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the market, whose year-to-date gains shot up to 14.16%. More than 65% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the bourse, whose capitalisation saw 2.83% surge to QR755.19bn, mainly on the back of large and midcap segments. The Arab individuals were seen bullish in the market, where the industrials and consumer goods sectors together accounted for about 64% of the trading volume. The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence in the bourse, which saw a total of 401,712 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR4.4mn changed hands across 59 deals. There was weakened net selling pressure from foreign and Gulf individuals in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 2.69% to 26,584.02 points, the All Share Index by 2.92% to 4,211.95 points and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 1.37% to 2,889.3 points. The banks and financial services sector index soared 4.71%, followed by telecom (1.71%), industrials (1.45%) and transport (0.7%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.5%, real estate (0.09%) and insurance (0.05%). Major gainers in the main market included Investment Holding Group, QNB, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, Commercial Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar Oman Investment, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Qatar Electricity and Water, Ezdan, Ooredoo and Milaha. In the venture market, Mekdam Holding saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar National Cement, Nakilat, Vodafone Qatar, Doha Bank, Aamal Company, Mannai Corporation and Woqod were among the losers in the main market. The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR17.37mn compared with net sellers of QR29.18mn on February 28. Qatari individuals’ net profit booking fell markedly to QR136.05mn against QR184.17mn the previous day. The Gulf individuals’ net selling weakened perceptibly to QR6.73mn compared to QR9.71mn on Monday. The foreign individuals’ net selling declined noticeably to QR0.58mn against QR4.3mn on February 28. However, the domestic funds’ net selling rose notably to QR190.71mn compared to QR184.54mn the previous day. The Arab institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR0.93mn against net buyers of QR0.8mn on Monday. The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.8mn compared with net buyers of QR55.56mn on February 28. The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR318.42mn against QR355.53mn the previous day. Total trade volume in the main market fell 12% to 441.51mn shares and value by 10% to QR1.55bn, while transactions gained 2% to 25,460. The insurance sector’s trade volume plummeted 43% to 4.93mn equities and value by 34% to QR14.86mn, whereas deals shot up 33% to 594. The consumer goods and services sector reported a 19% plunge in trade volume to 135.9mn stocks, 26% in value to QR179.38mn and 18% in transactions to 2,660. The real estate sector’s trade volume tanked 14% to 36.17mn shares, value by 20% to QR52.74mn and deals by 1% to 1,199. There was an 11% shrinkage in the industrials sector’s trade volume to 145.88mn equities, 10% in value to QR512.44mn and 21% in transactions to 7,022. The banks and financial services sector’s trade volume was down 3% to 87.69mn stocks and value by 7% to QR658.84mn, whereas deals grew 20% by to 11,123. The market witnessed a 2% contraction in the transport sector’s trade volume to 13.01mn shares and 2% in value to QR51.51mn but on 42% surge in transactions to 1,338. However, the telecom sector saw a 15% expansion in trade volume to 17.94mn equities, 58% in value to QR82.2mn and 54% in deals to 1,524. The venture market saw 44.3% decrease in volumes to 0.44mn stocks, 36.35% in value to QR4.29mn and 7.94% in transactions to 197.    

Qatar witnessed an 11% month-on-month increase in transshipment containers in February 2022, hinting at the country's strengthening prospects of becoming a regional maritime hub, according to the figures of Mwani Qatar. The increase in transshipment in April 2021 comes amidst the government's plan to transform Qatar into a vibrant regional trading hub in the region, given its geographical proximity with the continents and attractive regulatory, legal environment as well as robust infrastructure. The container handling through the country's Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports stood at 113,957 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), which however declined 3.57% and 16.14% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in February 2022. The container handling stood at 232,130 TEUs in the first two months of this year. The Hamad Port, which is the largest eco-friendly project in the region and internationally recognised as one of the largest green ports in the world, alone saw 112,017 TEUs of containers handled in February 2022. The number of ships calling on Qatar's three ports stood at 213 in February 2022, which was 6.58% and 5.33% lower on both monthly and yearly basis respectively. As many as 441 ships had called on the ports during January-February this year. Hamad Port’s strategic geographical location offers opportunities to create cargo movement towards the upper Gulf, supporting countries such as Kuwait and Iraq and south towards Oman. The general cargo handled through the three ports stood at 125,341 tonnes in February 2022, which showed a 37.87% and 10.46% decline month-on-month and year-on-year respectively. Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock – alone handled 111,136 freight tonnes of break-bulk and 10,000 freight tonnes of bulk in February this year. On a cumulative basis, the general cargo movement through the three ports totalled 327,092 tonnes in the first two months of this year. The building materials handled amounted to 46,635 tonnes in February this year, which shrank 7.3% and 51.57% respectively on monthly and yearly basis respectively in the review period. A total of 50,306 tonnes of building materials had been handled by these three ports during January-February 2022. The three ports had handled 16,900 livestock in February, which plunged 45.79% and 15.5% on monthly and yearly basis respectively. Together they handled 48,076 heads during January-February this year. The three ports handled 4,992 vehicles (RORO) in February 2022, which was down 12.93% and 15.39% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively. They together handled 10,725 vehicles in January-February this year. Hamad Port alone handled 4,917 units in February this year.    

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Monday rebounded with a strong 289 points increase in its key index and QR18bn in capitalisation, reflecting an early optimism in view of the talks between Ukraine and Russia. The banking, transport and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index zoomed 2.28% to 12,948.75 points, recovering from an intraday low of 12,617 points. Foreign funds were seen extremely bullish in the market, whose year-to-date gains shot up to 11.38%. More than 74% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the bourse, whose capitalisation saw 2.57% surge to QR734.43bn, mainly on the back of large cap segments. The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net buying in the market, where the industrials and consumer goods sectors together accounted for more than 66% of the trading volume. The Arab funds were seen bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the bourse, which saw a total of 75,113 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR772,194 changed hands across 18 deals. The domestic institutions and local retail investors were however increasingly into net profit booking in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 2.5% to 25,887.43 points, All Share Index by 2.81% to 4,092.32 points and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 1.1% to 2,850.19 points. The banks and financial services sector index soared 3.88%, transport (2.4%), industrials (2.35%), real estate (1.62%) and insurance (0.42%); while telecom fell 0.39% and consumer goods and services 0.11%. Major gainers in the main market included QNB, Salam International Investment, Investment Holding Group, Qatar Oman Investment, Qamco, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Dlala, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, Mazaya Qatar, Barwa, Ezdan, Milaha and Nakilat. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Woqod, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Mannai Corporation, Inma Holding, Qatar National Cement and Ooredoo were among the losers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Mekdam Holding saw its shares weaken. The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR355.53mn against net sellers of QR0.41mn on February 27. The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased considerably to QR55.56mn compared to QR5.76mn the previous day. The Arab institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.8mn against no major net exposure on Sunday. However, the domestic funds’ net selling rose significantly to QR184.54mn compared to QR38.43mn on February 27. Qatari individuals’ net profit booking grew substantially to QR184.17mn against QR5.1mn the previous day. The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR29.18mn compared with net buyers of QR28.75mn on Sunday. The Gulf individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR9.71mn against net buyers of QR0.18mn on February 27. The foreign individuals turned net profit takers to the tune of QR4.3mn compared with net buyers of QR9.24mn the previous day. Total trade volume in the main market more than doubled to 502.26mn shares and value almost tripled to QR1.72bn on more than doubled transactions to 24,931. The insurance sector’s trade volume more than quadrupled to 8.63mn equities and value more than tripled to QR22.68mn on more than doubled deals to 446. The telecom sector’s volume almost quadrupled to 15.64mn stocks and value more than quadrupled to QR52.04mn on 48% increase in transactions to 991. The banks and financial services sector’s trade volume more than tripled to 90.78mn shares and value grew almost six-fold to QR708.42mn on more than tripled deals to 9,249. The consumer goods and services sector’s trade volume more than tripled to 168.48mn equities and value more than doubled to QR244mn on more than doubled transactions to 3,226. The industrials sector’s trade volume soared 72% to 163.36mn stocks and value more than doubled to QR571.71mn on more than doubled deals to 8,864. There was 25% surge in the real estate sector’s trade volume to 42.13mn shares, 4% in value to QR66.15mn and 33% in transactions to 1,211. However, the transport sector’s trade volume was down 7% to 13.25mn equities, value by 6% to QR52.44mn and deals by 36% to 944. The venture market saw 43.64% increase in volumes to 0.79mn stocks, 31.64% in value to QR6.74mn and 8.08% in transactions to 214.    

The prospects for the construction and realty sector seem to be brighter with Qatar reporting a robust double-digit month-on-month jump in the building permits issued this January, according to the official statistics. The total number of building permits issued in the country this January saw a monthly 13% growth, backed by expansion in six of the eight municipalities, said the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA). Al Khor saw a 57% jump, followed by Al Daayen (50%), Al Shamal (30%), Doha (23%), Al Rayyan (5%) and Umm Slal (2%). However, there was a 10% decline in the building permits issued in Al Wakra and 9% in Al Shahaniya. Qatar issued a total of 759 building permits in January 2022 with Al Rayyan constituting 196 permits or 26% of the total permits issued in January 2022, followed by Al Wakra 152 permits (20%), Al Daayen 150 permits (20%), Doha 137 permits (18%), Umm Slal 46 permits (6%), Al Khor 44 permits (6%), Al Shahaniya 21 permits (3%) and Al Shamal 13 permits (2%). On a yearly basis, there was a 45.1% decrease in the building permits issued with Umm Slal registering a 68.9% plunge, Al Shamal 63.9%, Al Shahaniya 62.5%, Doha 50.5%, Wakra 50%, Al Daayen 43.6%, Al Khor 33.3% and Al Rayyan 14.4%. The building permits data is of particular importance as it is considered an indicator of the performance of the construction sector which in turn occupies a significant position in the national economy. The new building permits (residential and non-residential) constituted 385 permits or 51% of the total issued in January 2022, with additions at 346 permits (46%) and fencing at 28 permits (4%). Of the new residential buildings permits, villas topped the list, accounting for 202 permits or 73% of the total, dwellings of housing loans 16% (44 permits) and apartments 9% (26 permits). Within the non-residential sector, commercial structures accounted for 64% or 69 permits, the industrial buildings as workshops and factories at 15% (16 permits) and mosques at 13% (14 permits). Qatar saw an overall 8% jump month-on-month in the total building completion certificates in January 2022 with Al Shahaniya reporting 1000% surge, followed by Al Wakra (28%), Umm Slal (7%) and Al Rayyan (4%); even as Doha declined 6%, Al Khor (13%) and Al Shamal (43%). Al Daayen witnessed a flat path. Qatar saw a total of 322 building completion certificates issued in January 2022, of which 257 or 80% was for the new buildings (residential and non-residential) and 65 or 20% for additions. Of the total number of new building completion certificates issued in January 2022, Al Wakra constituted 24% or 77 certificates, Al Rayyan 22% (71 certificates), Doha 20% (65 certificates), Al Daayen 17% (55 certificates), Umm Slal (10% (32 certificates), Al Shahaniya 3% (11 certificates), Al Khor 2% (seven certificates) and Al Shamal 1% (four certificates). On a yearly basis, the total number of building completion certificates issued in the country fell 8.5% with Umm Slal registering 50% plunge, Al Rayyan (28.3%), Al Wakra (9.4%), Al Shahaniya (8.3%) and Umm Slal (5.9%). On the other hand, Al Daayen saw 22.2% increase and Doha 10.2% in the review period. Of the 199 residential buildings completion certificates issued, as many as 122 or 61% were for villas, 59 or 30% for dwellings of housing loans and 17 or 9% for the apartments. Of the 122 villas completion certificates issued this January, as many as 29 were in Al Wakra, 28 in Al Daayen, 25 in Umm Slal, 18 in Al Rayyan, 12 in Doha, seven in Al Khor, two in Al Shamal and one in Al Shahaniya. Of the 59 dwellings of housing loans completion certificates issued, Al Rayyan saw 26, Al Daayen (14), Al Wakra (nine), Al Shahaniya (four), Umm Slal (three) and Doha (two). In the case of 17 apartments, Doha issued nine completion certificates, Al Daayen (five) and Al Wakra (two) and Al Rayyan (one).    

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Sunday opened the week on a stronger note as its key index gained 0.16% on an across the board buying, particularly in the insurance, transport and consumer goods sectors. The Arab and foreign individuals were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 21 points to 12,659.49 points, although it touched an intraday high of 12,794.59 points. The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices in the market, whose year-to-date gains increased to 8.89%. About 72% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the bourse, whose capitalisation saw QR41mn or 0.06% increase to QR716.01bn, mainly on the back of microcap segments. The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence in the market, where the industrials and consumer goods sectors together accounted for more than 65% of the trading volume. The Gulf individuals were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels in the bourse, which saw a total of 41,545 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR368,396 changed hands across 10 deals. The domestic institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 0.16% to 25,255.04 points, All Share Index by 0.04% to 3,980.55 points and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.44% to 2,819.08 points. The insurance sector index shot up 1.05%, transport (0.83%), consumer goods and services (0.71%), real estate (0.59%), industrials (0.58%) and telecom (0.06%); while banks and financial services declined 0.48%. Major gainers in the main market included Investment Holding Group, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Oman Investment, Salam International Investment, Al Khaleej Takaful, Alijarah Holding, Dlala, Baladna, Qamco, Qatar Insurance, Mazaya Qatar, Ezdan, Vodafone Qatar and Nakilat. In the venture market, Mekdam Holding saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, QNB, Milaha, QLM and Doha Insurance were among the losers in the main market. In the juniour bourse, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its equities weaken. The Arab individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR28.75mn compared with net sellers of QR38.39mn on February 24. The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the extent of QR9.24mn against net sellers of QR9.16mn last Thursday. The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR0.18mn compared with net sellers of QR1.44mn the previous day. Qatari individuals’ net profit booking declined significantly to QR5.1mn against QR143.42mn on February 24. However, the domestic funds’ net selling rose noticeably to QR38.43mn compared to QR9.12mn last Thursday. The foreign institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR0.41mn against net buyers of QR185.83mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened markedly to QR5.76mn compared to QR15.26mn on February 24. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.44mn last Thursday. Total trade volume in the main market fell 10% to 227.39mn shares, value by 31% to QR591.13mn and transactions by 38% to 10,628. The insurance sector’s trade volume plummeted 70% to 2.13mn equities, value by 71% to QR6.13mn and deals by 51% to 184. The banks and financial services sector reported 55% plunge in trade volume to 25.11mn stocks, 70% in value to QR120.92mn and 63% in transactions to 2,672. The telecom sector’s volume tanked 49% to 4.01mn shares, value by 52% to QR11.46mn and deals by 40% to 669. The industrials sector reported 8% shrinkage in trade volume to 94.77mn equities, 14% in value to QR233.26mn and 32% in transactions to 3,296. However, the transport sector’s trade volume almost doubled to 14.2mn stocks and value more than doubled to QR55.91mn on more than doubled deals to 1,483. The market witnessed 27% surge in the consumer goods and services sector’s trade volume to 53.34mn shares and 49% in value to QR99.88mn but on 13% contraction in transactions to 1,414. The real estate sector’s trade volume shot up 14% to 33.83mn equities and value by 55% to QR63.58mn, while deals shrank 33% to 910. The venture market saw 12.7% decrease in volumes to 0.55mn stocks and 14.52% in value to QR5.12mn but on 10% jump in transactions to 198.    

Qatar’s merchandise trade began 2022 on a solid note as the country report a 91.3% surge in surplus to QR25.9bn in January 2022, helped by a strong double-digit expansion in the shipments of hydrocarbons, according to the official statistics. The rebound in the country's trade surplus came amidst robust jump in shipments to Asian countries, amidst the scare of Omicron variant of the Covid-19 pandemic, during the period in review, said the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority. Qatar's trade surplus showed a marginal 0.8% month-on-month increase in the review period as crude exports faster than the other commodities. The country's total exports of goods (including exports of goods of domestic origin and re-exports) surged 66.9% year-on-year to QR35.5bn. However, it was down 0.2% compared to December 2021. In January 2022, Qatar's shipments to China amounted to QR6.87bn or 19.3% of the total exports of the country, followed by India QR4.18bn (11.8%), South Korea QR4.16bn (11.7%), Japan QR4bn (11.3%) and Singapore QR2.12bn (6%). On a yearly basis, Qatar's exports to Singapore soared 76.67%, India 62.02%, China 50%, South Korea 31.23% and Japan 11.11% this January. On a monthly basis, Qatar's exports to Singapore expanded 21.84%; whereas those to South Korea declined 18.91%, India 15.56%, China 3.91% and Japan 3.61% in January 2022. The exports of crude shot up 81.3% to QR5.55bn, non-crude by 68.9% to QR2.89bn, petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons by 68% to QR22bn and other commodities by 67.8% to QR4.29bn in January this year. On a monthly basis, the exports of petroleum gases were seen declining 5.2%, while those of crude expanded 25%, non-crude by 5.9% and other non-specified commodities by 1.3% in January 2022. Petroleum gases constituted 63.34% of the exports of domestic products in January 2022 compared to 64.1% a year ago period; followed by crude 15.98% (14.98%), non-crude 8.32% (8.37%) and other commodities 12.35% (12.54%). Qatar's total imports (valued at cost insurance and freight) amounted to QR9.65bn, which showed a 24.3% growth year-on-year but fell 2.3% month-on-month this January. The country's imports from China stood at QR2.33bn, which accounted for 24.2% of the total imports; followed by the US at QR1.08bn (11.2%), India 0.71bn (7.3%), the UK QR0.62bn (6.4%) and Germany QR0.44bn (4.6%). On a yearly basis, Qatar's imports from China more than doubled; those from India grew 38.24%, the US by 6.93% and Germany by 3.5%; whereas those from the UK were down 0.32% in the review period. On a monthly basis, the country's imports from the US and Germany dipped 19.4% and 1.77% respectively; while those from China zoomed 33.14%, India by 20.31% and the UK by 1.64% in January 2022. In January this year, the group "Turbojets, Turbo propellers and Other Gas Turbines; Parts Thereof" was at the top of the imported group of commodities, with QR0.6bn, showing an increase of 3%. The import of "Motor Cars and Other Motor Vehicles for The Transport of Persons" was valued QR0.37bn, which however decreased 7.7%. The import of "Electrical Apparatus for Line Telephony/Telegraphy, Telephone Sets Etc.; Parts Thereof" was QR0.35bn, which grew 27.6%.    

Qatar has strengthened its single window system by launching a new service to issue online establishment registrations and commercial licences; a move ought to enhance the country's appeal in attracting both domestic and overseas investments. Efforts are also underway to include more services into the single window system, through which as many as 800 international companies had registered in 2021, said Mohamed Hamad al-Nuaimi, director of the Single Window, in the presence of officials from the ministries of Interior and Labour. The new service has been launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in co-operation with the Ministry of Interior (MoI). The establishment registration is issued automatically along with a new commercial licence for a fee of QR200, which can be paid through the single window website. When applying for a comprehensive incorporation service or for the commercial licence issuance, citizens and residents can now obtain their establishment registration through the General Directorate of Passports, unified MoI centres, or the single window platform website. "It (considerably) shortens the time taken for the companies (to register)," al-Nuaimi told reporters on the sidelines of a function organised to unveil the new service. Earlier the computer code had to be taken from the Ministry of Interior and now it can be downloaded online through Metrash2, he said. The single window system, which was started in 2019, had conducted more than 26,000 transactions and issued over 7,000 documents during 2021. The system has also adopted the use of electronic signatures and signed as many as 19,000 e-contracts with the Ministry of Justice, and completed about 29,000 payments. The streamlining of the operations through single window system is expected to give a fillip to the local economy, which has rebounded from the shocks created by the Covid-19 pandemic. The rollout comes as part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s efforts to continuously improve and develop its services, in an effort to upgrade and streamline the business service system in Qatar. The new service also aims to encourage the country’s investment and trade environment, al-Nuaimi said. The ministry had previously launched a package of 12 e-services, which have improved its dealing with the public. These smart e-services cover the setup of: comprehensive establishment, comprehensive renewal, requesting a replacement for a lost commercial licence, printing a commercial register extract, factory establishment, foreign companies’ branch management, comprehensive incorporation completion, factory establishment completion, branch addition, sub-licence addition, and commercial licence issuance and renewal. The establishment of single window is one of the most important efforts to enhance the operational efficiency in service delivery, thereby saving time and costs for investors. This national initiative aims at facilitating the procedures of starting a business in the country and directing investments to the priority sectors identified in the National Development Strategy 2018-22.    

Reflecting the weak global market sentiments over the volatile situation in Ukraine, strengthened global oil prices, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday lost more than 110 points in key index and QR6bn in capitalisation. An across the board selling – particularly in insurance, real estate, consumer goods and industrials – led the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.87% to 12,638.8 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 12,527 points. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the market, whose year-to-date gains increased to 8.71%. More than 91% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the bourse, whose capitalisation saw 0.89% decrease to QR715.6bn, mainly on the back of midcap segments. The local retail investors’ increased net selling had its influence on the market, where the industrials and banking sectors together accounted for about 63% of the trading volume. The Arab individuals turned net sellers in the bourse, which saw a total of 62,753 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR342,798 changed hands across 22 deals. The foreign individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index shed 0.87% to 25,213.77 points, the All Share Index by 0.9% to 3,978.98 points and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 1.15% to 2,806.74 points. The insurance sector index tanked 2.66%, real estate (1.45%), consumer goods and services (1.27%), industrials (0.98%), telecom (0.86%), banks and financial services (0.74%) and transport (0.18%). Major losers in the main market included Widam Food, Qatar Oman Investment, Inma Holding, Alijarah Holding, Mannai Corporation, Commercial Bank, QIIB, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar First Bank, Baladna, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco, Qatar Insurance, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Vodafone Qatar and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mekdam Holding saw their shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Nakilat, Qatar Islamic Bank and Al Meera Consumer Goods were among gainers in the main market. Qatari individuals’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR143.42mn compared to QR60.02mn on February 23. The Arab individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR38.39mn against net buyers of QR0.85mn the previous day. The foreign individuals’ net profit booking grew markedly to QR9.16mn compared to QR2.31mn on Wednesday. The Gulf individuals’ net selling strengthened perceptibly to QR1.44mn against QR0.13mn on February 23. The Gulf institutions’ net buying eased marginally to QR15.26mn compared to QR15.56mn the previous day. However, the foreign institutions’ net buying rose considerably to QR185.83mn against QR63.73mn on Wednesday. The domestic funds’ net selling declined noticeably to QR9.12mn compared to QR17.7mn on February 23. The Arab institutions were net buyers to the tune of QR0.44mn against no major net exposure the previous day. Total trade volume in the main market rose 30% to 252.88mn shares, value by 48% to QR853.16mn and transactions by 23% to 17,194. The insurance sector’s trade volume more than doubled to 7.12mn equities and value also more than doubled to QR21.11mn on a 64% jump in deals to 377. The banks and financial services sector reported an 81% surge in trade volume to 55.67mn stocks, 99% in value to QR400.27mn and 37% in transactions to 7,243. The telecom sector’s volume soared 65% to 7.79mn shares, value by 30% to QR24.1mn and deals by 40% to 1,110. There was a 57% expansion in the transport sector’s trade volume to 7.27mn equities and 38% in value to QR27.8mn but on a 13% decline in transactions to 664. The real estate sector’s trade volume shot up 26% to 29.74mn stocks, value by 15% to QR41.04mn and deals by 63% to 1,353. The industrials sector reported a 22% jump in trade volume to 103.14mn shares, 20% in value to QR271.75mn and 6% in transactions to 4,828. However, the consumer goods and services sector’s trade volume was down 3% to 42.15mn equities and value by less than 1% to QR67.09mn, while deals were up 8% to 1,619. The venture market saw 23.53% increase in volumes to 0.63mn stocks and 24.79% in value to QR5.99mn but on 41.37% contraction in transactions to 180.    

Reflecting the strengthened global oil prices, sentiments brightened up in the Qatar Stock Exchange Wednesday and its key index gained more than 58 points to inch near 17,500 levels. An across the board buying – especially in the real estate, insurance and transport counters – lifted the 20-stock Qatar Index by 0.46% to 12,749.24 points, recovering from an intraday low of 12,624 points. The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the main barometer in the market, whose year-to-date gains increased to 9.66%. About 76% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the bourse, whose capitalisation saw more than QR3bn or 0.47% increase to QR722.04bn, mainly on the back of small and microcap segments. The domestic funds’ weakened net selling had its influence in the market, where the industrials and consumer goods sectors together accounted for about 66% of the trading volume. The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking eased marginally in the bourse, which saw a total of 71,179 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR393,828 changed hands across 17 deals. However, the local retail investors were increasingly into net selling in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 0.85% to 25,434.09 points, All Share Index by 0.8% to 4,015.25 points and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.62% to 2,839.42 points. The realty sector index shot up 1.46%, insurance (1.09%), transport (1.03%), banks and financial services (0.86%), consumer goods and services (0.77%), telecom (0.67%) and industrials (0.47%). Major movers in the main market included Investment Holding Group, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatar Insurance, Alijarah Holding, QNB, Salam International Investment, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatari German Medical Devices, Baladna, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Barwa, Ooredoo, Doha Insurance, Investment Holding Group, Ahlibank Qatar, Ooredoo, Milaha and Nakilat. In the venture market, Mekdam Holding shares appreciated in value. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Commercial Bank, Widam Food, Inma Holding and Doha Insurance were among the losers in the main market. The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR15.56mn compared with net sellers of QR16.77mn on February 22. The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR0.85mn against net sellers of QR15.71mn the previous day. The domestic funds’ net selling declined substantially to QR17.7mn compared to QR42.03mn on Tuesday. The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking declined perceptibly to QR0.13mn against QR1.48mn on February 22. However, Qatari individuals’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR60.02mn compared to QR6.18mn the previous day. The foreign individuals’ net profit booking grew markedly to QR2.31mn against QR0.58mn on Tuesday. The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened considerably to QR63.73mn compared to QR82.67mn on February 22. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.08mn the previous day. Total trade volume in the main market rose 7% to 194.17mn shares, value by 6% to QR577.43mn and transactions by 21% to 13,955. The real estate sector’s trade volume soared 85% to 23.65mn equities, value by 97% to QR35.7mn and deals by 57% to 829. The banks and financial services sector reported 20% surge in trade volume to 30.71mn stocks, 17% in value to QR200.79mn and 29% in transactions to 5,304. The industrials sector’s trade volume was up 3% to 84.24mn shares, value by 1% to QR226.97mn and deals by 24% to 4,537. However, there was 41% plunge in the telecom sector’s volume to 4.71mn equities, 22% in value to QR18.57mn and 1% in transactions to 795. The transport sector’s trade volume plummeted 23% to 4.64mn stocks, value by 10% to QR20.2mn and deals by 8% to 763. The market witnessed 4% shrinkage in the insurance sector’s trade volume to 2.78mn shares but on 8% jump in value to QR7.96mn and 4% in transactions to 230. The consumer goods and services sector’s trade volume was down 3% to 43.44mn equities and value by 13% to QR67.24mn, while deals expanded 12% to 1,497. The venture market saw 8.93% contraction in volumes to 0.51mn stocks and 11.6% in value to QR4.8mn but on more than doubled transactions to 307.

Strong buying, especially in the telecom, transport and banking sectors on Tuesday lifted the sentiments on the Qatar Stock Exchange, which inched near 12,700 levels. Foreign institutions were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled 21 points or 0.16% higher at 12,690.8 points, recovering from an intraday low of 12,592 points. The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices in the market, which was up 9.16% year-to-date. The weakened net selling pressure from the domestic funds had its role in the bourse, whose capitalisation saw more than QR1bn or 0.2% increase to QR718.69bn, mainly on the back of midcap segments. The local retail investors’ lower net profit booking also played it part in the market, where the industrials and consumer goods sectors together accounted for about 70% of the trading volume. The Arab individuals were nevertheless net sellers in the bourse, which saw a total of 26,638 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR277,570 changed hands across eight deals. The Gulf individuals were seen increasingly into net selling in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 0.16% to 25,218.89 points and the All Share Index by 0.15% to 3,983.45 points, while the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) was down 0.1% to 2,821.87 points. The telecom sector index gained 0.66%, transport (0.65%) and banks and financial services (0.29%); whereas realty declined 0.52%, consumer goods and services (0.43%), insurance (0.21%) and industrials (0.02%). Major movers in the main market included Doha Insurance, Investment Holding Group, Ahlibank Qatar, Ooredoo, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QNB, Aamal Company, Nakilat and Milaha. However, Medicare Group, Dlala, QLM, Vodafone Qatar, Mazaya Qatar, Alijarah Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Al Khaleej Takaful were among the losers in the main market. In the venture market, Mekdam Holding saw its shares depreciate in value. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased significantly to QR82.67mn compared to QR39.95mn on February 21. The domestic funds’ net selling declined markedly to QR42.03mn against QR46.96mn the previous day. Qatari individuals’ net profit booking weakened noticeably to QR6.18mn compared to QR16.86mn on Monday. However, the Gulf institutions’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR16.77mn against QR10.77mn on February 21. The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR15.71mn compared with net buyers of QR16.36mn the previous day. The Gulf individuals were net profit takers to the extent of QR1.48mn against net buyers of QR4.81mn on Monday. The foreign individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.58mn compared with net buyers of QR6.38mn on February 21. The Arab institutions’ net buying shrank significantly to QR0.08mn against QR7.03mn the previous day. Total trade volume in the main market fell 37% to 181.63mn shares, value by 25% to QR545.58mn and transactions by 23% to 11,503. The consumer goods and services sector’s trade volume plummeted 46% to 44.87mn equities, value by 35% to QR77.12mn and deals by 30% to 1,334. The market witnessed 40% plunge in the industrials sector’s trade volume to 81.57mn stocks, 34% in value to QR225.3mn and 27% in transactions to 3,669. The real estate sector’s trade volume tanked 38% to 12.77mn shares, value by 42% to QR18.12mn and deals by 46% to 527. The banks and financial services sector reported 31% shrinkage in trade volume to 25.54mn equities, 16% in value to QR171.37mn and 26% in transactions to 4,119. The insurance sector’s trade volume dipped 30% to 2.91mn stocks, value by 43% to QR7.4mn and deals by 25% to 222. However, the telecom sector’s volume more than doubled to 7.97mn shares, value soared 89% to QR23.8mn and transactions by 2% to 804. The transport sector’s trade volume more than doubled to 6.01mn equities and value more than doubled to QR22.48mn on more than doubled deals to 828. The venture market saw 71.13% contraction in volumes to 0.56mn stocks, 71.5% in value to QR5.43mn and 85.57% in transactions to 153.    

The Qatar Stock Exchange Monday witnessed violent gyrations for most part of the session as it finally closed marginally higher, mainly on the back of insurance, real estate and banking sectors. Foreign institutions were seen increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled mere two points or 0.02% lower at 12,670.1 points, recovering from an intraday low of 12,637 points. The Islamic index was seen treading almost a flat path in the market, whose year-to-date gains were at 8.98%. The Arab funds were seen bullish in the bourse, whose capitalisation nevertheless saw about QR2bn or 0.25% decrease to QR717.23bn, mainly on the back of midcap segments. The foreign retail investors were also seen net buyers in the market, where the industrials and consumer goods sectors together accounted for more than 76% of the trading volume. The Gulf individuals were increasingly net buyers in the bourse, which saw a total of 32,333 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR344,071 changed hands across 10 deals. The Gulf funds were seen bullish in the market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Total trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index was up 0.02% to 25,177.74 points, while All Share Index fell 0.02% to 3,977.64 points. The Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) was rather unchanged at 2,824.77 points. The insurance sector index gained 0.78%, realty (0.23%) and banks and financial services (0.17%); whereas transport declined 0.73%, consumer goods and services (0.37%), industrials (0.33%) and telecom (0.09%). Major movers in the main market included Dlala, Inma Holding, Investment Holding Group, Al Khaleej Takaful, Doha Insurance, Masraf Al Rayan, Mannai Corporation, Qatari Investors Group, Gulf International Services, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and QLM. Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Salam International Investment, Milaha, Widam Food, Al Meera Consumer Goods, Baladna, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Ezdan were among the losers in the main market. In the venture market, Mekdam, Holding saw its shares depreciate in value. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased significantly to QR39.95mn compared to QR1.96mn on February 20. The Arab individuals’ net buying grew considerably to QR16.36mn against QR1.73mn the previous day. The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR7.03mn compared with no major net exposure on Sunday. The foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR6.38mn against net sellers of QR13.48mn on February 20. The Gulf individuals’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR4.81mn compared to QR0.27mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined noticeably to QR10.77mn against QR16.26mn on Sunday. However, the domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR46.96mn compared with net buyers of QR24.34mn on February 20. Qatari individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR16.86mn against net buyers of QR1.43mn the previous day. Total trade volume in the main market rose 50% to 286.07mn shares, value by 68% to QR728.22mn and transactions by 70% to 14,955. The transport sector’s trade volume more than doubled to 2.63mn equities and value more than doubled to QR10.87mn on almost tripled deals to 372. The banks and financial services sector’s volume soared 86% to 36.94mn stocks and value more than doubled to QR203.5mn on more than doubled transactions to 5,557. The real estate sector reported 65% surge in trade volume to 20.68mn shares, 67% in value to QR31.21mn and 51% in deals to 980. The consumer goods and services sector’s trade volume zoomed 51% to 83.05mn equities, value by 62% to QR117.79mn and transactions by 75% to 1,904. There was 51% expansion in the telecom sector’s volume to 3.02mn stocks, 48% in value to QR12.6mn and 57% in deals to 788. The industrials sector’s trade volume shot up 42% to 135.61mn shares, value by 53% to QR339.28mn and transactions by 45% to 5,058. However, the insurance sector saw 13% shrinkage in trade volume to 4.14mn equities, 21% in value to QR12.97mn and 11% in deals to 296. In the venture market, volumes dipped 37.22% to 1.94mn stocks and value by 37.34% to QR19.05mn, whereas transactions were up 8.5% to 1,060.    

Qatar's trade surplus soared 130.4% year-on-year to QR215.25bn in 2021 as the country's exports grew much faster than the imports, according to the official statistics. In the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021, the trade surplus was seen expanding 189% year-on-year to QR71.38bn, said the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA). The trade surplus growth was 19% during the first quarter, which then jumped to 196.6% during the second quarter and 194.8% during the third quarter of 2021. Asia remained the principal destination of Qatar’s exports and the first origin of imports as the country saw QR58.76bn trade surplus on trade volumes of QR83.75bn during Q4, 2021. In Q4, 2021, the value of Qatar’s total exports (including exports of domestic goods and re-exports) amounted to QR100bn, which increased 103.8% and 21.1% year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter respectively. The yearly jump in total exports was mainly due to a 116.1% surge in exports of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (QR46.1bn), 64.3% in chemicals and related products (QR1.2bn), 88% in manufactured goods classified chiefly by material (QR0.7bn) and 52.3% in machinery and transport equipment (QR0.7bn). On the other hand, there was a 76.2% decline in the exports of miscellaneous manufactured products (QR0.9bn). The value of Qatar’s imports during Q4, 2021 was QR28.6bn; which increased 17.4% and 15.5% on a yearly and monthly basis respectively. The Q4, 2021 year-on-year jump in imports is due to 14.9% increase in the imports of machinery and transport equipment (QR1.5bn), 18.5% in miscellaneous manufactured articles (QR0.8bn), 75.5% in crude materials, inedible except fuels (QR0.5bn) and 8.8% in manufactured goods classified chiefly by material (QR0.3bn). The Asian region was the principal destination of Qatar’s exports and the first origin of Qatar’s imports, representing 71.3% and 43.7% respectively; followed by the European Union, accounting for 18% and 27.9% respectively; and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), with 5% and 3.5% respectively. The trade volume and balance with European Union were QR25.98bn and QR10.04bn during Q4, 2021, the GCC (QR6.01bn and QR4bn) and the US (QR5.18bn and -QR1.66bn) in the review period. In Q4, 2021, the trade volume and balance with Oceania were QR1.09bn and -QR0.17bn; Africa (except Arab countries) were QR0.62bn and QR0.26bn; other American countries were QR2.15bn and QR0.85bn); and other Arab countries were QR1.01bn and QR0.14bn. The trade balance and volume of Qatar with other countries not specified amounted to QR0.55bn respectively in the review period. Market sources said Qatar’s trade volume with the GCC region has been on the increase, and there is room for improvement with the inoculation drive gathering pace across the region. An International Monetary Fund paper had earlier said given that low intra-GCC trade is mostly due to similar economic structures of the member countries, the greater regional trade can be boosted by diversifying the economy toward tradables.