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Qatar reported a robust growth in new registrations of trailers, motorcycles, heavy equipment and private vehicles as the country's automobile sector saw as many as 7,011 new registrations in April 2024, according to the National Planning Council (NPC) data.The new vehicles registered a 2.9% year-on-year growth, even as it declined 10.5% month-on-month in the review period, which saw a total of 6,188 driving licenses issued with non-Qatari males constituting 4,916 or 80% of the total, non-Qatari females 892 or 14%, Qatari males 275 or 4% and Qatari females 105 or 2%.As many as 43 trailers were registered in April 2024, which zoomed 186.7% and 16.2% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. These constituted 0.61% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new private motorcycles stood at 185 units, which increased 28.5% on an annualised basis but shrank 17.8% month-on-month in April 2024. These constituted 2.64% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new heavy equipment stood at 133, which constituted 1.9% of the total registrations this April. Their registrations had seen 17.7% and 46.2% surge year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.The registration of new private vehicles stood at 5,642; which shot up 9.9% on an annualised basis but declined 6.6% on monthly basis in April 2024. Such vehicles constituted 80.47% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration of new private transport vehicles stood at 951; which was up 6.1% on a yearly basis while it tanked 23.3% on monthly basis in April 2024. Such vehicles constituted 13.56% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The new registration of other non-specified vehicles stood at 57 units, which plummeted 89% and 71.9% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in April 2024. They constituted 0.81% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration was renewed in 66,924 vehicles, which saw a 16.7% jump on a yearly basis but shrank 10.8% month-on-month in April 2024. It constituted 56.28% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The transfer of ownership was reported in 28,247 vehicles in April 2024, which declined 2% and 15.4% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. It constituted 23.76% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The lost/damaged vehicles stood at 9,655 units, which shot up 200.6% and 0.6% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in April 2024. They constituted 8.12% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The modified vehicles’ registration stood at 3,237; which tanked 29.2% and 13.9% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in April 2024. They constituted 2.72% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of vehicles meant for exports stood at 2,061 units, which zoomed 56.7% year-on-year but fell 23.3% on a monthly basis in April 2024. It constituted 1.73% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of cancelled vehicles was 1,621; gaining 12.4% on an annualised basis but was down 8.7% on monthly basis this April. They constituted 1.36% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The re-registration was done in 111 vehicles, which shrank 53.9% and 9.8% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in April 2024. They constituted 0.9% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The clearing of vehicle-related processes stood at 118,907 units, which grew 14.8% year-on-year but contracted 11.5% on a monthly basis in the review period.

The Qatar Stock Exchange yesterday entered the 13th consecutive day of bullish run, having gained more than 15 points on the back of buying support from domestic institutions.The transport and industrials counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.16% to 9,702.17 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,730 points.The local retail investors were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated further to 10.42%.The Arab individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.3bn or 0.05% to QR563.01bn on the back of microcap segments.The foreign retail investors turned bullish in the main market, which saw 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.08mn trade across 11 deals.However, the foreign institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Total Return Index gained 0.16%, the All Share Index by 0.03% and the All Islamic Index by 0.03% in the main market.The transport sector index shot up 1.69% and industrials 0.59%; while consumer goods and services declined 1.68%, real estate (1.5%), insurance (1.05%), telecom (0.45%) and banks and financial services (0.03%).Major movers included Milaha, Al Khaleej Takaful, Doha Insurance, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Dlala, Qatari German Medial Devices, Industries Qatar and Estithmar Holding.Nevertheless, Al Meera, Zad Holding, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Insurance, United Development Company, Doha Bank, QIIB, Woqod, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Barwa, Vodafone Qatar and Nakilat were among the losers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased drastically to QR157.42mn compared to QR39.04mn on June 19.The Qatari individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR11.4mn against net sellers of QR2.9mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR5.67mn compared to QR2.98mn on Wednesday.The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.04mn against net sellers of QR1.27mn on June 19.However, the foreign institutions’ net selling grew substantially to QR172.74mn compared to QR37.06mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking expanded noticeably to QR3.07mn against QR0.5mn on Wednesday.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling increased marginally to QR0.7mn compared to QR0.29mn on June 19.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the 13th straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 82% to 169.03mn shares and value more than doubled to QR767.61mn on 19% jump in transactions to 16,029.

Close on the heels of Qatar laying the foundation for the central bank digital currency (CBDC) regime, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) blog has said CBDC appears to be an important priority for oil exporters and the Gulf countries."CBDCs can potentially help improve the efficiency of cross-border payment services. This appears to be an important priority for oil exporters and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE," an IMF blog said, quoting a recent departmental paper 'Central Bank Digital Currencies in the Middle East and Central Asia.'Reasoning for the priority, the report said it was because cross-border payments tend to have frictions like varying data formats and operating rules across regions and complex compliance checks. CBDCs that can address these inefficiencies could significantly cut transaction costs.Some countries have already introduced cross-border technology platforms to address these issues and promote digital currency payments between countries, it said, highlighting the Buna cross-border payment system, created by the Arab Monetary Fund in 2020.The IMF blog said almost two-thirds of countries in the Middle East and Central Asia are exploring adopting a CBDC as a way to promote financial inclusion and improve the efficiency of cross-border payments.Many of the 19 countries currently exploring a CBDC are at the research stage. Bahrain, Georgia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have moved to the more advanced “proof-of-concept” stage. Kazakhstan is the most advanced after two pilot programmes for the digital tinge.The Qatar Central Bank recently said it has developed the infrastructure for the CBDC project, which will enter its first experimental phase extending to October 2024.It aims to achieve a set of primary objectives, including leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, distributed ledger technology, and emerging technologies and establish a strong foundation to enhance liquidity by expanding participation in financial market facilities, considering the aspects related to information security during project implementation.The IMF blog said CBDCs can advance financial inclusion by fostering competition in the payments market and allowing for transactions to be settled more directly and with less intermediation, in turn lowering the cost of financial services and making them more accessible.Highlighting that deposits make up a large share of bank funding in the region, about 83%; it said because a CBDC may compete with bank deposits, it could weigh on bank profits and lending and have implications for financial stability.However, lenders in the region generally have adequate capital levels, profit margins, and liquidity buffers, and their relatively high concentration may limit strains on deposits, it said, adding large banks are especially dominant in the GCC countries.In the GCC, financial systems are large, having grown in recent years thanks to buoyant economic activity fuelled by large hydrocarbon proceeds and abundant liquidity.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday reopened after the Eid holidays, with a 20-point gain, thus extending the bullish run for the 12th straight session..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[165545]**A higher than average demand, especially at the telecom, insurance and transport counters, led the 20-stock Qatar Index to settle 0.21% higher at 9,686.86 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,712 points.The Arab individual investors were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated further to 10.56%.The foreign institutions’ weakened net selling pressure had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.24bn or 0.22% to QR562.71bn on the back of small cap segments.The local retail investors’ lower net profit booking had its say on the main market, which saw 0.07mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.14mn trade across 11 deals.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The Total Return Index gained 0.21%, the All Share Index by 0.24% and the All Islamic Index by 0.57% in the main market.The telecom sector index shot up 2.1%, insurance (1.94%), transport (0.53%), industrials (0.22%) and real estate (0.03%); while consumer goods and services shrank 0.33% and banks and financial services 0.02%.Major movers included Milaha, Al Khaleej Takaful, Ooredoo, Qatar Insurance, QLM, Dukhan Bank, Qamco, Doha Insurance and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Nakilat, Ahlibank Qatar, Qatari Investors Group, Commercial Bank and Dlala were among the shakers in the main bourse.The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR2.98mn against net buyers of QR1.1mn on June 13.The foreign institutions’ net selling declined substantially to QR37.06mn compared to QR72.88mn last Thursday.The Qatari individuals’ net selling weakened significantly to QR2.9mn against QR21.49mn the previous trading day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking decreased noticeably to QR0.5mn compared to QR5.38mn on June 13.The foreign individual investors’ net selling shrank markedly to QR1.27mn against QR5.35mn the last Thursday.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.29mn compared to QR2.36mn the previous trading day.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying waned drastically to QR39.04mn against QR108.55mn on June 13.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the 12th straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 39% to 92.87mn shares, value by 37% to QR312.56mn and transactions by 27% to 13,526.

Qatar has ranked fourth among 67 countries in the world in terms of economic performance, according to The World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, issued by Switzerland-based the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).Overall, the country improved its position by one notch to 11th spot in 2024 compared to 12th position the previous year, said the assessment, which was based on the developments witnessed by a comprehensive set of data and indicators provided at the local level, along with the results of an opinion poll of a sample of company managers and businessmen on the business environment and the competitiveness of the Qatari economy, as well as comparing such data and indicators with counterparts from other reviewed countries.Qatar -- with a per capita income of $108,578 (in terms of purchasing power parity) in 2023 – was ranked high in the four main factors: economic performance (fourth), government efficiency (seventh), business efficiency (11th), and infrastructure (33rd), said the report."These outstanding results reflect the insight and wise vision of Qatar’s leadership. They also confirm that Qatar is on the right track towards achieving the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030 by implementing the contents of the Third National Development Strategy 2024-30," said Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, secretary general of the National Planning Council (NPC).Under the economic performance factor, the most prominent indicators were the unemployment rate, youth unemployment rate, and terms of trade index in which the country ranked first globally.Within the government efficiency factor, the Qatari economy ranked first in both the consumption tax rate and the personal income tax rate, while it ranked second in the public finance index.As for the business efficiency factor, Qatar ranked first globally in both the effectiveness of corporate boards and the migrant stock, while it came in second place globally in the working hours index.Under the infrastructure factor, Qatar ranked first in the sub-factors of energy infrastructure and the number of internet users per 1,000 people.Regarding the challenges in 2024, the report said Qatar needs to sustain investments in human capital formation and also sustain economic growth and continue economic diversification efforts, allowing for the private sector to play a greater role in the economy.Calling for efforts to manage a more balanced labour mix to boost productivity, it said there was a need to enhance governance structures and transparency to foster public trust and accountability and increase competitiveness and focus more on innovation.

Qatar remains India's top LNG (liquefied natural gas) exporter, accounting for more than 48% of New Delhi's total LNG imports, according to Alpen Capital.Apart from LNG, Qatar exports ethylene, propylene, ammonia, urea, and polyethylene to India, which has become the fifth largest economy in the world with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $3.7tn.Qatar's imports from India have also increased significantly in recent years, thanks to the opening of direct shipping routes connecting Indian ports with Qatar, Alpen Capital said in a reportImport of commodities such as food, vegetables, medications, metals, and construction materials from India have all witnessed a surge in recent years, it added.Total bilateral trade (exports plus imports) between Qatar and India has progressively increased from $9.2bn in 2020-21 with exports at $7.9bn and imports at $1.3bn to $15.5bn in 2021-22 ($13bn and $1.8bn) and $18bn in 2022-23 ($16.8bn and $2bn).Qatar already has bilateral agreements on customs cooperation, and double tax and investment protection agreements with India.The country ranks among the top three exporting nations for India with the latter also being one of the top three import sources for Qatar alongside China and the US.In the case of foreign direct investment (FDI), the cumulative FDI inflows from India into Qatar were valued at $30.9mn between 2018 and 2022 compared to $64bn between 2013 and 2017, Alpen Capital said.Although GCC-India trade has flourished in recent years, when it comes to FDI, India’s share of total FDI into the GCC has been on a decline, it said, adding Indian FDI into the Gulf Cooperation Council manufacturing and financial and business services sectors has grown substantially since 2017, while investments in the construction activities have witnessed a decline.The cumulative FDI from India to the GCC fell 45.1% to $ 5.4bn during 2018-22 against $9.8bn during 2013-17.Highlighting that Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is actively scouting for investments in India’s infrastructure projects; the report said the Qatar Investment Authority, coupled with private investors from these nations, is looking at attractive investment options in infrastructural sectors in India, including roads/highways, airports, and ports among others.The cumulative FDI outflow from the GCC to India stood at $13.6bn during 2018-22.In 2023, the QIA invested $1bn in RRVL for 1% stake. This investment is the addition $600mn invested in 2020. In 2022, the QIA had invested $150mn in a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel for a 2.75% stake.The QIA holds stakes in several luxury hotels in India, including a significant stake in luxury hotel operator - The Leela Palaces. In 2023, the QIA had bought 2.7% stake in Adani Green Energy for $474mn, according to Alpen Capital.

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB)'s environment, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability strategy could pave way for ESG bonds and sukuk and the inclusion of sukuk within the strategy is a notable development, according to Fitch, a global credit rating agency."The strategy's emphasis on sustainable finance aligns with the increasing focus on ESG factors within the banking sector, reflecting a trend where stakeholders demand that banks integrate ESG into their corporate strategy and financing instruments, such as bonds and sukuk," Fitch said.The second pillar 'Capital mobilisation towards sustainable finance', aims to enhance the financial sector's role in supporting national sustainability objectives and in mobilising capital for sustainable finance.The strategy is broadly based on three main pillars with the first pillar focusing on managing climate, environmental, and social risks in the financial sector; the second encouraging capital investments in sustainable finance and the third pillar aiming at incorporating ESG and sustainability practices into the QCB's internal operations."The inclusion of sukuk within the strategy is indeed a noteworthy development. Sukuk financing for environmentally friendly projects introduces a vital element to the sustainable finance sector in the region, appealing to investors who are looking for Shariah-compliant options that also fulfil ecological goals," Fitch said.This could support Qatar's aspiration to become a leading hub for sustainable finance innovation and capital mobilisation, in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030 and the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan, according to the rating agency. "Through these targeted initiatives, the QCB aims to position Qatar at the forefront of sustainable finance, making it an attractive destination for investors seeking opportunities that align with ESG,’’ Fitch said."We recognise the importance of integrating sustainability into our financial activities and we believe that sustainable development can only be achieved through effective partnerships between financial institutions and the society," QCB Governor HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani had said in the strategy report.Calling for heightened transparency on the financial sector's contribution to national sustainability objectives, the QCB said to achieve this, the strategy includes the development of taxonomy of sustainable economic activities and guidelines for the issuance of sustainable products like loans, bonds, and sukuks.Outstanding ESG sukuk grew significantly reaching $40bn at the end of first quarter (Q1) of 2024 (all currencies). Fitch expects the ESG sukuk market to cross 7.5% of global outstanding sukuk in the coming years (at end of Q1-24: 4.6%), with growth likely to be supported by issuers’ funding diversification plans, to satisfy international ESG investors’ mandates, and by government sustainability initiatives.

Qatar recorded increased output of beverages, refined petroleum products and rubber and plastics, even as the country's industrial production index (IPI) was on a decline in April 2024 compared to the previous month's levels, according to the official data.The country's IPI declined 3.1% and 5.9% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in the review period, according to the data released by the National Planning Council (NPC).The NPC 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%, shrank 3.3% on a monthly basis on a 3.3% decline in the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas and 5.7% in other mining and quarrying sectors.On a yearly basis, the sector index was seen declining 6.1% on a 6.1% fall in the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas and 5.5% in other mining and quarrying sectors in the review period.The manufacturing index, with a relative weight of 15.85%, tanked 2.5% month-on-month in April 2024 owing to a 7.4% fall in the production of cement and other non-metallic mineral products, 6.4% in basic metals, 5.6% in printing and reproduction of recorded media, 3% in food products and 1.8% in chemicals and chemical products.Nevertheless there was a 4.2% increase in the production of beverages, 1.2% in refined petroleum products and 0.3% in rubber and plastics products in the review period.On a yearly basis, the manufacturing index declined 5% on account of a 22.5% contraction in the production of basic metals, 9.1% in printing and reproduction of recorded media, 4.2% in cement and other non-metallic mineral products, 2% in refined petroleum products, 1.6% in chemicals and chemical products and 0.3% in rubber and plastics products; even as there was a 1.2% jump in the production of beverages in April 2024.Electricity, which has a 1.16% weight in the IPI basket, saw its index plummet 2.8% and 11.2% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in April 2024.In the case of water, which has a 0.53% weight, the index was seen declining 2.3% and 1.1% on monthly and annual basis respectively in the review period.

Qatar's foreign trade surplus amounted to QR17.4bn in May 2024 with as much as 60% of exports going to the Asian region, according to the official data.However, the country's trade surplus declined 1% and 20.8% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in the review period, according to the data released by the National Planning Council (NPC).Total exports (valued free on board) were QR27.48n, while the total imports (cost, insurance and freight) amounted to QR10.05bn at the end of May 2024.The country’s exports of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons were valued at QR15.79bn, crude at QR4.94bn, non-crude at QR2.33bn and other commodities at QR3.29bn in May this year.Petroleum gases accounted for 59.9% of the total exports in May 2024 compared to 62.19% a year-ago period, crude 18.74% (16.88%), non-crude 8.83% (8.74%) and others 12.48% (12.22%).The share of petroleum gases in the country's total export basket has been consistently declining on an annualised basis, while those of crude and non-crude were on the increase.The country's total exports shrank 3.6% on a monthly basis with those of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons declining 4.9%, crude by 1.3% and non-crude by 5.5%, while those of other commodities grew 6.8% in the review period.On a yearly basis, the country's overall exports declined 10.5% with those of petroleum gases plummeting 15%, crude by 1.8%, non-crude by 10.6% and other commodities by 9.8% in May 2024.Qatar's shipments to China were valued at QR5.18bn or 18.9% of the total exports of the country in May this year, followed by South Korea QR4.24bn (15.4%), India QR2.98bn (10.8%), Singapore QR2.15bn (7.8%) and Japan QR1.95bn (7.1%).On a monthly basis, the country's exports to India tanked 31.88%, Japan by 11.46% and China by 9.9%; while those to South Korea enhanced by 5.92% and Singapore by 0.37% in the review period.On a yearly basis, Qatar's exports to India were seen declining 15.14%, China by 7.84%, Japan by 4.84% and Singapore by 0.14%; whereas those to South Korea shot up 16.94% in May 2024.In the case of imports, Qatar witnessed an overall 7.8% contraction on a monthly basis; even as it surged 15.6% year-on-year this May.The country's imports from the US were valued at QR1.48bn or 14.8% of the total imports, China QR1.32bn (13.2%), Japan QR0.62bn (6.2%), India QR0.62bn (6.2%) and the UK QR0.59bn (5.9%) in the review period.On a monthly basis, the country's imports from China dipped 11.57%, India by 6.05% and the US by 0.8%; while those from Japan zoomed 45.22% and the UK by 2.7% in May 2024.On a yearly basis, Qatar's imports from the UK zoomed 160.09%, Japan by 51.21%, India by 17.61%, China by 17.41% and the US by 16.14% in the review period.In May 2024, the ‘Motor Cars and Other Motor Vehicles for The Transport of Persons’ group was at the top of the imported group of commodities, with QR0.7bn, showing an annual increase of 65.3%.In second place was “Electrical Apparatus for Line Telephony/Telegraphy, Telephone Sets Etc.; Parts Thereof” with QR0.35bn, showing an increase of 51.1% on a yearly basis.In third place was “Parts of Aeroplanes or Helicopters” with QR0.29bn, enhancing by 43.4% on an annualised basis.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) maintained a positive path throughout, gaining as much as 135 points in index and more than QR8bn in capitalisation this week which saw the.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[183041]**US Federal Reserve keep its reference rate unchanged.The transport, telecom and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index surged 1.41% this week which saw the Qatar Central Bank maintain status quo on its key rates, following the US monetary policy due to the fixed exchange rate parity.The domestic institutions were seen net buyers but with lesser intensity tin the main bourse this week which saw Alijarah Holding disclose it plans to expand operations into Saudi Arabia.The foreign funds’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market this week which saw Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Qatar Industrial Manufacturing join with QatarEnergy in a joint venture to establish QR1bn salt production plant.The Gulf institutions’ lower net profit booking had its say in the main bourse this week which saw GIS shareholders approve its subsidiary Gulf Drilling International to buy the remaining 50% stake in Gulfdrill from the US-based Seadrill.About 58% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main market this week which saw Mazaya Qatar disclose that it sold land in Dubai for QR24.3mn.The foreign individuals’ weakened net selling also had its say in the main bourse this week which saw soon to be listed Techno Q disclose its intention to be QR1bn turnover entity in five years.The Arab individuals’ lower net profit booking had its influence in the main market this week which saw a total of 0.08mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.17mn trade across 14 deals.However, the local retail investors were increasingly bearish in the main bourse which saw as many as 0.04mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.39mn change hands across 32 transactions.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the banks and industrials sectors together constitute more than 52% of the total trade volumes.Market capitalisation shot up QR8.44bn or 1.53% to QR561.47bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main market this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.In the case of venture market, trade turnover and volumes were also on an expansion this week, which saw the QCB unveil its environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy.The Total Return Index zoomed 1.41%, the All Share Index by 1.49% and the All Islamic Index by 0.39% this week.The transport sector index surged 3.61%, telecom (1.95%), banks and financial services (1.88%) and industrials (1.3%); while real estate declined 1.66%, consumer goods and services (0.64%) and insurance (0.6%) this week.Major gainers in the main market included Widam Food, Nakilat, Gulf International Services, Qatari Investors Group, Qatari German Medical Devices, QNB, Zad Holding, Industries Qatar, Ooredoo and Qatari Investors Group. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qamco, Qatar Oman Investment, Barwa, Ahlibank Qatar, Medicare Group, Salam International Investment, Meeza and Qatar Islamic Insurance were among the shakers in the main bourse this week.The foreign institutions’ net selling declined significantly to QR166.33mn compared to QR234.32mn the week ended June 6.The Gulf institutions’ net profit boking shrank substantially to QR36.56mn against QR81.77mn the previous week.The Arab retail investors’ net selling weakened drastically to QR2.06mn compared to QR21.71mn a week ago.The foreign individual investors’ net selling fell noticeably to QR5.62mn against QR10.66mn the week ended June 6.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking decreased perceptibly to QR2.11mn compared to QR5.34mn the previous week.However, the local individuals’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR85.99mn against QR48.32mn a week ago.The domestic funds’ net buying fell considerably to QR298.66mn compared to QR402.12mn the week ended June 6.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight week.The main market witnessed 11% jump in trade volumes to 810.67mn shares and 1% in value to QR2.23bn but on less than 1% decline in deals to 78,100 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes more than doubled to 0.69mn equities and value also more than doubled to QR1.11mn on more than doubled transactions to 109.

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) on Wednesday unveiled its environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainable strategy, which is aimed at making Doha a leading hub for sustainable finance innovation and capital mobilisation and ensuring financial sector resiliency to climate, environmental and social risks. The strategy, which is in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan and as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, suggests creating incentives for financial institutions and capital market participants to issue sustainable products and promoting fintechs with positive environmental or social impact. It is broadly based on three main pillars with the first pillar focusing on managing climate, environmental, and social risks in the financial sector; the second encouraging capital investments in sustainable finance and the third pillar aiming at incorporating ESG and sustainability practices into the QCB's internal operations. "We recognise the importance of integrating sustainability into our financial activities and we believe that sustainable development can only be achieved through effective partnerships between financial institutions and the society," HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saoud al-Thani, QCB governor said in the report. The outcome of the first pillar is to establish climate, environmental and social risks awareness and management among banks and insurance companies and enhance transparency on the exposure of banks and insurers to climate, environmental and social related risks and opportunities. For making Qatar a leading hub for sustainable finance and capital mobilisation, the strategy seeks to diversify innovative sustainable products including digital solutions (fintech); strengthen the contribution of the financial sector in mobilising capital towards sustainable finance and boost transparency on the contribution of the financial sector to national sustainability objectives. Highlighting that a sustainable, globally-connected, central bank is resilient to climate, environmental and social risks; the QCB's ESG strategy seeks to broaden incorporation of climate, environmental and social considerations across its functions, leveraging international collaboration. Stressing that the outcome of each pillar will be achieved through a set of strategic initiatives, it said under the first pillar, the QCB called for prudential regulation on climate, environmental and social risks management applicable to banks and insurance companies and stress-test to assess climate risk for the banking industry. The strategic initiative also suggested publishing a dashboard summarising the exposure of banks to climate and environmental and social risks and the contribution of banks to the national sustainability objectives. The transparency of financial sector contribution to national sustainability objectives will be achieved through guidelines on the issuance of sustainable products (loans, bonds and sukuks) applicable to financial institutions and capital market participants. Specific outcomes have also been defined for each cross-cutting theme, it said, adding there was a need to establish industry taskforces to bring forward selected topics (taxonomy and sustainable capital markets) and develop a data repository platform to collect and aggregate relevant data for climate, environmental and social risks assessments. There was also a need to create QCB and industry-wide programmes to foster the development of sustainable finance and climate, environmental and social risks management capability, knowledge and talent for financial institutions and capital markets.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday entered the ninth consecutive day of bull-run with its key index gaining more than 27 points, ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s .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[165545]** meeting this week to decide on its key reference rate. Buying interests, especially in the banking, telecom and insurance counters lifted the 20-stock Qatar Index 0.28% to 9,631.6 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,607 points. The Arab retail investors turned bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated further to 11.07%. As much as 55% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.63bn or 0.47% to QR560.05bn on the back of microcap segments. The foreign institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market, which saw 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR0.14mn trade across 10 deals. The Gulf institutions’ lower net profit booking also had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The domestic funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase. The Total Return Index gained 0.28% and the All Share Index by 0.36%, while the All Islamic Index was down 0.01% in the main market. The banks and financial services sector index rose 0.73%, telecom (0.41%), insurance (0.35%), industrials (0.13%) and consumer goods and services (0.02%); while transport and realty declined 0.58% and 0.22% respectively. Major movers included Widam Food, Qatari German Medical Devices, Ahlibank Qatar, Mannai Corporation, QNB and Ezdan. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Milaha, Qatari Investors Group, Al Khaleej Takaful, Al Meera, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Lesha Bank and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the losers in the main bourse. The Arab individuals were net buyers to the tune ofQR3.21mn compared with net sellers of QR7.03mn on June 11. The foreign institutions’ net selling declined noticeably to QR12.01mn against QR20.8mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking eased markedly to QR4.99mn compared to QR5.67mn on Monday. However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling grew perceptibly to QR14.12mn against QR12.02mn on June 10. The foreign individuals turned net sellers to the extent of QR0.31mn compared with net buyers of QR0.65mn the previous day. The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR0.14mn against QR0.01mn on Monday. The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased substantially to QR28.35mn compared to QR44.88mn on June 10. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the ninth straight session. Trade volumes in the main market were up 9% to 165.05mn shares, value by 4% to QR408.22mn and transactions by 2% to 14,943. In the venture market, trade volumes more than doubled to 0.13mn equities and value doubled to QR0.2mn on 77% jump in deals to 23.

Qatar Electronic Systems Company (Techno Q), which will soon be listed on the venture market of the Qatar Stock Exchange, is aiming to be QR1bn turnover entity as it seeks to expand domestic operations in cloud migration and cyber security; while planning foray into emerging markets and strengthening operations in Saudi Arabia as well as exploring options on joint ventures and acquisitions.The company, which seeks to maintain its position as leading ICT (information, communication and technology) solutions in the Middle East, has already initiated discussions with liquidity providers as it gets listed on June 26 and is open to seek credit rating as it has also got long term plans to get listed in Saudi Arabia, where it finds immense potential."We are expanding our operations in Qatar into other (related) services as well into IT (information technology), cloud migration and cybersecurity," Zeyad al-Jaidah, Techno Q managing director and one of the founder members, told Gulf Times.It is increasing efforts on the group’s expansion strategy to neighbouring markets, mainly Saudi Arabia, where the group established a 100% owned subsidiary at the beginning of 2023 to focus on AV, ELV and hospitality related projects, as well as Oman, where the group holds 98% equity interest in QIS to focus on similar projects in this neighbouring country.On the expected turnover in the medium to long term, Abdulla al-Ansari, Techno Q executive director and co-founder, confirmed that the company is eyeing QR1bn in the next five years."If we expand service-wise and geographically, hopefully we can reach our aspiration (of QR1bn turnover)," he said.In 2023, the company reported revenues of QR269.4mn at a compound annual growth rate of 17.1% over the past three years, and net income of QR19.7mn. As per its listing prospectus, revenues were QR330.92mn in 2022 with a vast majority of it coming from projects.Over its 28 years of operations, the group’s portfolio include the design and execution of cutting-edge race electronics for a premier international racing competition in Qatar, the creation and setup of sophisticated security access control systems for a number of football stadiums for a globally recognized sporting event, and the supply and installation of a comprehensive CCTV and Access Control Systems for Qatar’s largest hospital."The growth is in technology because it must be upgraded every five years roughly. So this is going to be continuous," al-Jaidah said.Highlighting its plans to expand into cloud migration, al-Ansari said the trend now is that first move to the cloud, then once you are on the cloud, there are lots of associated services in terms of security, in terms of applications and so on."Asked whether the company has inorganic plans to grow; al-Jaidah said "we are actually now, as we speak, also looking into this possibility in order to grow a little bit faster, to try to acquire small companies and make a jump."Asked about the potential acquisition, he said it has hired a consultant to start looking at acquisition in the region. He said the company is also open to forming a joint venture with companies that are not small."So, we are looking at all possibilities to jumpstart our expansion... These will jumpstart our presence in the market instead of starting from scratch, hiring a team and doing that, these services from scratch," he said.Asked how the potential acquisition would be funded, he said "we have cash reserves as well. So, we can utilise part of that for acquisitions."On listing, al-Jaidah said it will help enhance its visibility in the corporate world and "we don't need the money to expand... So we are not under that pressure."

Islamic finance assets in Qatar grew 3.3% year-on-year to QR656bn in 2023, of which Islamic banks accounted for 87.6 % of the total and sukuk for 11.1%, according to Bait Al Mashura, a leading domestic Shariah-principled financial consultancy firm.The assets of Islamic banks grew 3.6% on an annualised basis to QR563.7bn in 2023 with financing witnessing a marginal increase of 0.6% to QR382.7bn, the firm said in its latest report."The Islamic finance has several promising prospects for the growth that are underlying in its continuous expansion, and accelerated development in terms of environment and penetration of new ecosystems," Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, the vice-chairman of Bait Al Mashura, said in the report.Islamic financial sector in Qatar is diverse, and comprises Islamic banks, takaful companies, Islamic finance firms and Islamic investment companies, in addition to Islamic finance products represented in Islamic sukuk, investment funds, and indices.Total deposits declined 1.4% year-on-year to QR313.4bn in 2023 with private sector deposits constituting 59% of the total in the review period.In the takaful sector, the assets of insurers reached QR4.2bn, which however fell 5.9% year-on-year; policyholders’ assets were valued at QR2.2bn (a decline of 3.6%). Insurance subscriptions exceeded QR1.4bn, an increase of 8.8% on an annualised basis.In the case of Islamic finance companies, their assets were QR2.5bn, a marginal increase by 0.8%. Financing provided by these companies increased by 4.8% to QR1.8bn, and revenues reached QR241.8bn, increasing by 7.7%.In Islamic investment companies, the assets of the two such companies grew by 2.7% to QR522.3mn, and their revenues were QR41.4mn, which fell 33.5%, and their profits reached QR5.9mn in the review period.Sukuk issued by Islamic banks increased by 86.6% to QR4.2bn; while those issued by Qatar Central Bank was valued at QR7.7bn, which showed an increase of 42.8% year-on-year.The assets of Islamic investment funds exceeded QR942mn, increasing by 4.1%, and their performance varied during the year, the report said.In Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), the Al Rayan Islamic index increased by 3.76%, and the performance of the shares of listed Islamic finance companies varied between an increase of 29% and a decrease of 16%.At the macroeconomic level, the growth returned to its norm during 2023 leveraging from the event legacy resulting in modern infrastructure and tourism, it said, highlighting that as per estimation, Qatari economy grew by 1.8%.Expansion in North Field resulted in a financial surplus, in addition to enhancing services, logistic, industrial, and trade and finance sectors as indirect results, it added.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week on a stronger note for the seventh straight session with its key index gaining more than 38 points on buying interests,.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[165545]**especially in the transport, industrials and telecom sectors.The Arab individuals were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.4% to 9,570.69 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,576 points.The Gulf retail investors turned bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 11.63%.About 52% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.19bn or 0.4% to QR555.22bn on the back of microcap segments.The foreign institutions’ substantially lower net profit booking had its influence in the main market, which saw 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.16mn trade across 18 deals.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The local retail investors were seen increasingly into net profit booking in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover declined amidst higher volumes.The Total Return Index gained 0.4%, the All Share Index by 0.35% and the All Islamic Index by 0.27% in the main market.The transport sector index shot up 1.54%, industrials (0.62%), telecom (0.51%), real estate (0.18%) and banks and financial services (0.14%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.35% and insurance 0.05%.Major movers included Doha Insurance, Widam Food, Nakilat, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Gulf Warehousing, Mekdam Holding and Industries Qatar.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, QLM, Beema and Salam International Investment were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.35mn against net sellers of QR5.64mn on June 6.The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR0.41mn compared with net profit takers of QR4.81mn last Thursday.The Gulf funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.69mn against net sellers of QR12.65mn the previous trading day.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking declined significantly to QR10.3mn compared to QR60.22mn on June 6.The foreign individual investors’ net selling weakened noticeably to QR3.58mn against QR9.24mn last Thursday.However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR25.96mn compared to QR2.12mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased substantially to QR37.4mn against QR94.67mn on June 6.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the sixth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were up 4% to 162.93mn shares, while value shrank 9% to QR386.7mn and transactions by 15% to 12,226.In the venture market, trade volumes jumped almost six-fold to 0.11mn equities and value grew six-fold to QR0.18mn on almost six-fold growth in deals to 17.

Qatar Electronic Systems Company (Techno Q) – a leading systems integrator specialising in audiovisual, lighting systems and business solutions – is all set to start trading.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[165545]**on the Qatar Stock Exchange’s Venture Market (QEVM) from June 26.The listing, which comes as part of the group’s strategic growth plans and to enhance its brand and market position, has received confirmation from the QSE.With the listing of Techno Q, the number of companies listed on the QEVM will become two. Since its inception, the junior bourse has seen listing of three entities, the two of which later got shifted to the main market."As a homegrown Qatari company, we are pleased to be a fixture on the country’s dynamic and evolving economic landscape, one which embraces innovation and recognises the value of digitisation. Our core values and commitment to excellence remain steadfast and we look forward to strengthening our legacy right across the region,” said Zeyad al-Jaidah, managing director and co-founder of Techno Q.As many as 84.5mn shares will be listed through direct listing (without offering shares for public subscription). The shares of Techno Q will be listed with the symbol "TQES".The reference price for the share has been set at QR2.9 (including premium of QR1.9), based on the documents submitted by the company. Market capitalisation is QR245.05mn at listing valuation.On the first day of listing, the company’s price will be floated, while from the second day, the price will be allowed to fluctuate by 10%, up or down, as is the case for other companies listed on the market.On the date of listing and up to one year post listing, the founders are allowed to trade no more than 30% of their shares so that the tradable shares in the first year after listing shall not exceed 40% of the total issued and paid-up capital."As the country experiences rapid growth and digital transformation, Techno Q is also expanding and developing its offering as we look to serve world-class clients right across the Middle East and beyond. We are looking forward to a bright future as a publicly owned entity which operates with integrity and agility,” said Abdulla al-Ansari, executive director and co-founder of Techno Q.The listing advisor was Consulting Haus, the domestic legal adviser Sharq Law Firm, global legal adviser Eversheds Sutherland (International) and financial evaluator Deloitte and Touche, Qatar branch.Techno Q was established in Qatar in 1996 operating in the AV, hospitality and lighting segment through its own operation and in the ELV and security systems segment through its fully owned subsidiary Techno Q Security Systems.

International insurance rating agency AM Best has affirmed Qatar Islamic Insurance Group's financial strength rating at 'A- (Excellent)' and the long-term issuer credit rating at “a-” (Excellent) with "stable" outlook.The ratings reflect the insurer's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as "very strong", as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.Qatar Islamic Insurance is a takaful insurer and operates through a hybrid model, whereby the shareholders’ fund charges the policyholders’ fund (PHF) a Wakala fee based on gross written contributions (GWC) and a Mudaraba fee based on investment income.The insurance company’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).The rating agency assesses the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation on a combined basis, including its policyholders’ and shareholders’ funds, due to the strength of domestic regulation and requirement that the shareholders’ fund would have to support the PHF.Other positive factors include the company’s track record of internal capital generation through the retention of earnings and its ability to accumulate surpluses within the PHF whilst distributing surplus back to policyholders.In 2023, it saw capital and surplus of QR702.8mn (including QR173mn of accumulated policyholder surplus), a 0.3% year-on-year increase.While maintaining sufficient liquidity to support its insurance operations, Qatar Islamic Insurance's investment portfolio carries exposure to higher risk real estate assets and investments in associates, which accounted for 37.8% of its total investments as at year-end 2023.The insurer's operating performance as strong on robust consistent technical performance with a five-year (2019-23) weighted average combined ratio of 72%, AM Best said.Whilst a small component of overall earnings, investment returns have continued to be positive in each of the past five years, it added.The company has good diversification by line of business, offering a range of Shariah-compliant insurance products. In 2023, Qatar Islamic Insurance wrote GWC of QR523.5mn.

Expectations of rate cut by Federal Reserve as well as the Bank of Canada, the European Central Bank, and the Central Bank of Denmark's decision to cut the policy rates .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[183041]** had their reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which saw its index gain 213 points and capitalisation enhance in excess of QR11bn this week. The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index surged 2.29% this week which saw Qatar's purchasing managers’ index in May 2024 find that non-energy private sector signalled strongest improvement since September 2023. The consumer goods and transport counters witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw Nakilat to up its stake in Qatar Shipyard Technologies by 20%. The Gulf institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market this week which saw Moody's, an international credit rating agency, affirm Qatar Electricity & Water Company's 'A1' long-term issuer ratings. More than 67% of the traded constituents extend gains in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar's maritime sector saw brisk business year-on-year this May with more vessels calling on Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports, leading to higher cargoes, container handling, vehicles and livestock through the three ports. The foreign institutions’ lower net selling had its say in the main market this week which saw strong inflows of visitors -- especially from the Americas, Europe and the Gulf regions – reflect in an overall improved room yield in the country's hospitality sector as average room rate and occupancy grew this April. However, the local retail investors were seen net sellers this week which saw a total of 1.46mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR3.16mn trade across 120 deals. The Arab individuals turned bearish in the main bourse which saw as many as 0.03mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.28mn change hands across 41 transactions. The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the consumer goods and banks together constitute about 57% of the total trade volumes. Market capitalisation shot up QR11.19bn or 2.07% to QR553.03bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main market this week which saw no trading of treasury bills. In the case of venture market, trade turnover and volumes were also on the decrease this week, which saw Techno Q announce its listing date as June 26. The Total Return Index zoomed 2.29%, the All Share Index by 2.07% and the All Islamic Index by 1.81% this week. The consumer goods and sector index soared 7.68%, transport (3.79%), industrials (1.7%), banks and financial services (1.51%), realty (1%) and telecom (0.97%); while insurance declined 0.49% this week. Major gainers in the main market this week included Al Meera, Ahlibank Qatar, Woqod, Medicare Group, Nakilat, Qatar Islamic Bank, QNB, Dlala, Salam International Investments, Industries Qatar, Qamco and Ooredoo. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Gulf Warehousing, Doha Insurance, Estithmar Holding, Qatari Investors Group, Qatar Oman Investment and Milaha were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week. The domestic funds’ net buying grew considerably to QR402.12mn compared to QR228.37mn the week ended May 30. The foreign institutions’ net selling declined significantly to QR234.32mn against QR351.1mn the previous week. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking shrank perceptibly to QR81.77mn compared to QR88.89mn a week ago. However, the local individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR48.32mn against net buyers of QR168.32mn the week ended May 30. The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR21.71mn compared with net buyers of QR27.09mn the previous week. The foreign individual investors were net profit takers to the tune of QR10.66mn against net buyers of QR10.66mn a week ago. The Gulf retail investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR5.34mn compared with net buyers of QR4.35mn the week ended May 30. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR1.21mn the previous week. The main market witnessed 17% contraction in trade volumes to 728.37mn shares, 30% in value to QR2.2bn and 15% in deals to 78,572 this week. In the venture market, trade volumes zoomed plummeted 69% to 0.3mn equities, value by 70% to QR0.48mn and transactions by 41% to 44.