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Market EyeDisplaying resilience, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Monday mirrored the regional trends, as its key index shot up more than 177 points and capitalisation added QR12bn on an across the board buying interests.The foreign institutions were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index zoomed 1.73% to 10,464.8 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,312 points, a day after the regional markets were rattled by fears of wider conflict after Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks.The telecom, real estate and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed to 1.01%.About 87% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added 1.99% to QR616.5bn mainly on account of large and midcap segments.The Arab individuals turned net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across eight deals.The Gulf institutions were seen bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.The Total Return Index gained 1.71%, the All Share Index by 1.78% and the All Islamic Index by 1.61% in the main market.The telecom sector index shot up 2.72%, realty (2.47%), banks and financial services (2.06%), transport (1.53%), consumer goods and services (1.49%), insurance (1.04%) and industrials (0.94%).Major movers in the main bourse included Medicare Group, Ezdan, Doha Bank, QNB, Dlala, Mannai Corporation, Commercial Bank, Lesha Bank, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Widam Food, Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Al Mahhar Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Estithmar Holding, Qamco, Mazaya Qatar and United Development Company.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Beema, Qatar Electricity and Water, Ahlibank Qatar and Mekdam Holding were the losers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR37.36mn compared to QR13.91mn on June 15.The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR8.89mn against net sellers of QR22.02mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR8.36mn compared with net buyers of QR12.31mn on Sunday.The foreign individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.78mn against net sellers of QR3.78mn on June 15.However, the domestic funds were net sellers to the extent of QR39.66mn compared with net buyers of QR0.8mn the previous day.The local retail investors turned net profit takers to the tune of QR16.87mn against net buyers of QR24.15mn on Sunday.The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking strengthened marginally to QR0.86mn compared to QR0.74mn on June 15.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second consecutive day.The main market saw an 8% contraction in trade volumes to 239.97mn shares but on 12% jump in value to QR566.45mn and 12% in deals to 32,908.In the venture market, a total of 0.01mn equities valued at QR0.03mn changed hands across eight transactions.

Doha's Islamic fintech market is expected to record a 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the years to 2028, reaching QR16.1bn in total transaction volumes, according to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) report."This robust growth is being driven by increasing consumer demand, favourable regulatory frameworks, and strategic investments in fintech infrastructure," said the report.Qatar’s Islamic fintech market has seen remarkable growth during the past five years, reflecting a CAGR of 26%.Total transaction volumes for Islamic fintechs based in Qatar more than tripled from QR3bn in 2020 to nearly QR10bn in 2024; it said quoting the latest Global Islamic Fintech (GIFT) report.Qatar remained in the top 10 countries in the GIFT Index, ranking eighth in 2024, supported by a strong overall ecosystem, regulatory environment, and infrastructure for Islamic fintech.New York-based Wahed, a digital Islamic investment platform and one of the world’s largest Islamic fintechs, set up a regional office at the QFC in 2024, expanding its presence in the region.By offering innovative Shariah-compliant investment solutions, Wahed aims to cater to the growing demand for Islamic and ethical investments in the region."This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Islamic fintech in Qatar, aligning with the country’s vision to become a leading Islamic finance hub," the report said.Payments and enabling technologies constitute the largest segments of Qatar’s Islamic fintech market, by number of companies, reflecting the region’s focus on modernising Islamic financial services.This aligns with the broader region, where the digital payments sector is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing adoption of e-commerce, mobile payments, and contactless payment solutions."Growing use of digital wallets and mobile payment apps highlights the region’s shift towards seamless and secure digital transactions," it said.Enabling technologies, which include innovations such as blockchain and AI (artificial intelligence), are crucial for modernising financial services in Qatar and enhancing the overall financial infrastructure, it said, adding they also support the development of more secure and efficient financial systems, which are essential for the growth of Islamic fintech.Meanwhile, the digital assets segment, encompassing digital currencies and tokenised assets, is growing in importance, reflecting the region’s efforts to integrate advanced financial instruments within the framework of Islamic finance, it said.The report highlighted that the transparency, security, and decentralisation provided by blockchain technology are particularly appealing in the context of Islamic finance, which emphasises ethical and transparent financial practices."This segment is poised for substantial growth, supported by the QFC’s increased regulatory and development focus on digital assets," it added.Highlighting that BNPL (Buy Now-Pay Later) solutions are rapidly gaining traction in the region, driven by increasing demand for flexible payment solutions and the rise of e-commerce; the report said the region has seen significant adoption of BNPL services, with companies like Tamara and Tabby leading the market and reshaping consumer behaviour."In Qatar, the potential for Islamic fintechs in this area is substantial," it said, adding by integrating BNPL services with Islamic finance, fintechs in Qatar can provide a value proposition that combines financial inclusivity with adherence to Shariah principles.Qatar has already taken significant steps to capitalise on this opportunity, with the QCB approving five companies, including Spendwisor and PayLater, to participate in a regulatory sandbox for BNPL services.

Market EyeEarly indications of the US-China trade talks had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) as its key index gained as much as 68 points and capitalisation added about QR3bn this week.The foreign funds were seen bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.65% this week which saw the Qatar Financial Markets Authority’s 2024 annual report disclose that the QSE-listed firms undertook five indirect acquisitions valued at QR583mn during 2024.The banking counter witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw Doha Bank disclose that a leading domestic investor acquired a portion of Qatar Investment Authority’s stake in it.However, the local retail investors turned net profit takers in the main market this week which saw a Qatar Financial Centre report suggest that Doha can leverage its robust financial infrastructure to develop and list more sector-specific exchange traded funds or ETFs such as those focused on energy, financial service, and construction and real estate.The Arab individuals were seen increasingly bearish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 10,112 AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.02mn trade across nine deals.More than 51% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw as many as 1,569 Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.02mn change hands across four transactions.The Gulf retail investors turned net profit takers in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 0.1mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.04bn change hands across three transactions.The domestic funds were seen net sellers in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign individuals turned bearish in the main bourse this week which saw Bait Al Mashura Finance Consultations -- the country's first certified entity authorised to provide Shariah audit, investment advisory, and financial consulting services to Islamic financial institutions – disclose that Qatar’s Islamic finance sector saw a 4.1% year-on-year growth in assets to QR683bn during 2024.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market this week, which saw A M Best, a global insurance rating agency, confirm ‘A-(Excellent)’ rating on Qatar Islamic Insurance with a “stable” outlook.Market capitalisation added QR2.74bn or 0.43% to QR627.07bn on the back of mid and small cap segments this week which saw the industrials and banks together constitute more than 50% of the total trade volumes.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main bourse; while it was on the rise in the venture market this week which saw Fitch, a global credit rating agency, confirm 'A' rating in Qatar Islamic Bank with a "stable" outlook.The Total Return Index gained 0.65%, the All Islamic Index by 0.28% and the All Share Index by 0.65% this week.The banks and financial services sector index shot up 1.41%, transport (0.45%), consumer goods and services (0.44%, insurance (0.43%) and telecom (0.05%); while industrials and real estate declined 0.94% and 0.32% respectively this week.Major movers in the main bourse included Beema, Commercial Bank, AlRayan Bank, Ahlibank Qatar, QIIB, QNB, Estithmar Holding, Qamco, Qatar Insurance, QLM and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Gulf International Services, Qatar German Medical Devices, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Ezdan, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Lesha Bank, Mannai Corporation, Industries Qatar and Mazaya Qatar were among the shakers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value this week.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR124.23mn compared with net sellers of QR92.16mn the previous week.However, the local individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR69.77mn against net buyers of QR30.35mn the week ended June 4.The Arab retail investors’ net selling increased substantially to QR33.12mn compared to QR10.92mn a week ago.The Gulf individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR6.51mn against net buyers of QR5.09mn the previous week.The domestic funds were net sellers to the extent of QR6.21mn compared with net buyers of QR57.72mn the week ended June 4.The Gulf institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR4.88mn against net buyers of QR6.47mn a week ago.The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR3.64mn compared with net buyers of QR3.14mn the previous week.The Arab institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR0.1mn against net buyers of QR0.32mn the week ended June 4.The main market saw an 8% plunge in trade volumes to 626.46mn shares, 14% in value to QR1.4bn and 31% in deals to 73,657 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes more than quadrupled to 0.18mn equities and value also more than quadrupled to QR0.48mn on more than tripled transactions to 44.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday saw losers outnumber gainers, but settled 16 points higher, even as capitalisation stayed largely flat.The transport and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.15% to 10,713.35 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,665 points.The Gulf institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 1.35%.The Arab individuals turned bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up mere 0.02% to QR631.71bn mainly on account of microcap segments.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across eight deals.The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic institutions’ lower net profit booking had its effect on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.The Total Return Index was up 0.15% and the All Share Index by 0.09%, while the All Islamic Index was down 0.02% in the main market.The transport sector index shot up 2.41%, consumer goods and services (0.73%) and industrials (0.04%); whereas telecom declined 1.02%, real estate (0.54%), banks and financial services (0.16%) and insurance (0.07%).Major movers in the main bourse included Nakilat, Milaha, Medicare Group, Qatar Electricity and Water, AlRayan Bank and Estithmar Holding. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Vodafone Qatar, Ezdan, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Islamic Bank, Lesha Bank, QNB, Gulf International Services and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the shakers in the main market.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR9.74mn compared with net sellers of QR14.75mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.79mn against net sellers of QR10.55mn on Tuesday.The local retail investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR43.77mn compared to QR45.68mn on June 10.The domestic institutions’ net selling weakened perceptibly to QR6.72mn against QR10.18mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net selling shrank noticeably to QR2.66mn compared to QR3.98mn on Tuesday.However, the Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking strengthened markedly to QR5.6mn against QR2.47mn on June 10.The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.1mn compared with no major net exposure the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR48.32mn against QR87.62mn on Tuesday.The main market saw a 20% contraction in trade volumes to 187.04mn shares and 8% in value to QR454.63mn but on 4% jump in deals to 25,156.In the venture market, a total of 0.06mn equities valued at QR0.17mn changed hands across 17 transactions.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is creating an ecosystem for tokenised carbon markets, which will not only facilitate cross-border carbon credit movements but also enable tokens produced in various countries to be easily exchanged.“The carbon markets ecosystem will be tested within the lab environment to validate its functionality, efficiency, and potential impact on carbon offset initiatives,” the QFC said.Developing carbon markets ecosystem was in the first wave of the innovation challenge of the QFC Digital Assets Lab, which is powered by the Qatar Central Bank and will foster open innovation in Qatar through ‘proof-of-concept and proof-of-value’, accelerating the growth of Qatar’s digital sector in order to establish Doha as a global financial and commercial hub by 2030.The tokenisation of carbon credits is aligned with the global linking of the currently “fragmented” carbon markets, and facilitates the cross-border movement of carbon credits; the interoperability of DLT (distributed ledger technology) protocols will enable tokens produced in different countries to be easily exchanged, it added.The objectives of creating carbon markets ecosystem are to develop and test a DLT-powered platform that facilitates the tokenisation, trading and verification of carbon credits.“The QFC aims to collaborate with industry stakeholders to coordinate the advancement of digital utilities and platforms that enable the smooth and reliable flow of environmental, social and governance (ESG) data,” it said.These initiatives would play a crucial role in aiding financial institutions and businesses to channel capital to sustainable projects, while also monitoring commitments and evaluating the overall impact, according to it.“The QFC will partner with domestic and international Greentech providers and stakeholders to develop the network which will include a disclosure portal, registry, and a marketplace/exchange,” it said.The carbon credit tokenisation involves the migration of information and features of carbon credits onto a DLT, where these credits are represented as tokens and can also be directly issued on DLT, with all associated attributes publicly accessible.Each carbon credit corresponds to a carbon token, establishing a one-to-one relationship, it said, adding the QFC’s role is to establish the rules for the lab as well as getting approvals, monitoring participation, intervening when there is non-compliance and commercial establishment. “The QFC will support the development of the ecosystem,” it said, “in looking forward, QFC acknowledges that the digital assets landscape is constantly evolving, and innovative solutions continue to emerge.”The endeavour would be to design carbon offsets projects in consultation with stakeholders and sells carbon credits to buyers.The QFC ecosystem would ensure setting standards for carbon credit quality, certify and issue carbon credits, and have a registry to track certified credit projects and credits issuance and retirement.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Tuesday reopened after Eid holidays with a huge 139 points gain in index and more than QR7bn in capitalisation, mirroring global sentiments on the back of positive signals emanating on the US-China trade talks. An across the board buying was visible as the 20-stock Qatar Index shot up 1.31% to 10,697.1 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,576 points. The foreign institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, which reported 1.19% gains year-to-date. About 83% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR7.44bn or 1.19% to QR631.81bn mainly on account of mid and small cap segments. However, the local retail investors turned bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 1,500 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across two deals. The Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise. The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Arab individual investors turned bullish in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.1mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.04bn change hands across three transactions. The Total Return Index gained 1.31%, the All Islamic Index 1.16% and the All Share Index 1.29% in the main market. The banks and financial services sector index soared 1.88%, real estate (1.25%), consumer goods and services (0.93%), insurance (0.75%), telecom (0.68%), industrials (0.47%) and transport (0.23%). Major movers in the main market included Vodafone Qatar, Beema, Qatar Oman Investment, Commercial Bank, Baladna, Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, QIIB, Lesha Bank, Dukhan Bank, Qatari Investors Group, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco, Qatar Insurance, Mazaya Qatar, Ezdan and Nakilat. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Milaha, Gulf International Services, Qatar Islamic Insurance and Ooredoo were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR87.62mn compared with net profit takers of QR55.13mn last Wednesday. However, the local individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR45.68mn against net buyers of QR36.06mn on June 4. The Gulf institutions’ net selling increased substantially to QR14.75mn compared to QR1.62mn the previous trading day. The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR10.55mn against net buyers of QR3.09mn last Wednesday. The domestic institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR10.18mn compared with net buyers of QR14.51mn on June 4. The foreign individual investors’ net selling strengthened noticeably to QR3.98mn against QR0.37mn the previous trading day. The Gulf retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.47mn compared with net buyers of QR3.46mn last Wednesday. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session. The main market saw an 11% jump in trade volumes to 234.17mn shares and less than 1% in value to QR494.59mn but on 41% contraction in deals to 24,293. In the venture market, a total of 0.1mn equities valued at QR0.28mn changed hands across 10 transactions.

Qatar’s Islamic finance sector saw a 4.1% year-on-year growth in assets to QR683bn during 2024, according to Bait Al Mashura Finance Consultations, the country's first certified entity authorised to provide Shariah audit, investment advisory, and financial consulting services to Islamic financial institutions.Of the total Islamic finance assets during the review year, Islamic banks accounted for 87.4%, sukuk 11.2%, takaful companies 0.7% and the remaining distributed among Islamic investment funds and other Shariah-compliant financial institutions, said "Qatar Islamic Finance Report"."In the past year, the Islamic finance sector experienced significant transformations and qualitative advancements in performance, expansion, and supporting technologies. This necessitates a close monitoring of these changes through data analysis and trend tracking to offer a more comprehensive and precise perspective on the current state and to anticipate future trajectories," said Dr Khalid Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, vice-chairman of Bait Al Mashura Finance Consultations.Within Islamic banks, assets expanded 3.9% year-on-year to QR585.5bn; revenues by 12.6% to QR29.5bn and net profit by 6% to QR8.7bn during 2024.Deposits soared 8.2% on annualised basis to QR339.1bn with private sector accounting for 57%.Financing shot up 4.9% yearly to QR401.5bn during 2024, predominantly directed towards real estate, government and personal finance segments."Qatar’s banking and financial sector remains fundamentally sound, characterised by robust capital buffers, ample liquidity, and high provisioning coverage ratios," the report said.In the takaful sector, the report said, assets increased by 7.1% year-on-year to QR5.1bn during 2024. Policyholders' assets grew by 6.3%, reaching QR2.6bn.Insurance contributions saw a significant rise of 18.6%, exceeding QR1.9bn. The performance outcomes for takaful insurers varied, with some achieving insurance surpluses while others incurred deficits.For Islamic finance companies, total assets amounted to QR2.53bn, a marginal increase of 0.8%. Financings extended by these companies grew by 5.7% to QR1.9bn.Revenues reached QR277.2mn, an increase of 14.7%. Revenues from financing and investment activities constituted 84% of the total.Islamic finance firms displayed mixed results with some reporting profits collectively exceeding QR178.5mn, while others recording losses of about QR12mn as total profits reached QR17.5mn during 2024.Islamic investment companies saw their combined assets grow by 5.2% to QR549.5mn during 2024. Their revenues surged 44.1% reaching QR59.7mn.In the sukuk market, the issuance increased by 161%. Islamic banks issued sukuk valued at QR9.5bn during 2024, a 300% surge; while the Qatar Central Bank issued sukuk worth QR16.9bn during the year, an increase of 118.5% on an annualised basis.Islamic investment funds' assets stood at QR944.6mn, reflecting a 1% increase.On the Qatar Stock Exchange, the Al Rayan Islamic Index closed with a gain of 2.23%. The share performance of listed Islamic finance companies was mixed, with increases reaching up to 2.3% and decreases as significant as (19.6%).

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) listed companies witnessed five indirect acquisitions valued at QR583mn during 2024 with a vast majority of them overseas, according to the official data.“During 2024, five acquisitions were completed worth QR583mn. Such transactions varied between indirect acquisitions inside and outside Qatar, and included many sectors such as industrials, transportation, banks and financial services,” the Qatar Financial Market Authority (QFMA) said in its latest annual report.Of the five acquisitions, three were indirect inside the country and valued at QR43mn (7% of the total) and were in the banks and financial services, industrials and transportation sectors; while the remaining 93% or QR540mn was for indirect acquisition overseas and in the banks and financial services/industrials sectors.The QFMA, through Securities Offering and Listing Affairs Department as the competent department, receives applications for companies’ offering and listing, and applications for acquisition and merger, in cooperation with the ‘One Single Window Committee’.It reviews the offering and listing prospectuses in addition to analysing the evaluation reports to verify the eligibility and worthiness of the companies applying for listing in the financial market and the requirements of acquisition and merger transactions, in a manner that ensures the transparency and disclosure required for investors to make their decisions properly.During 2024, the QFMA had received five applications for issuing shares, of which four are still under process; while a decision is pending on another exchange traded fund (ETF) as well as on one real estate investment trust. The QSE already has two ETFs, sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank.During 2024, Al-Faleh Educational Holding Company moved from the venture market to the main market. All of the company’s shares were listed with its capital of 240mn shares, bringing the number of companies listed on the main market to 52.The QFMA approved the listing of Qatar Electronic Systems Company (Techno Q) on the QSE’s venture market. All of the company’s shares, with a capital of 84.5mn shares, worth QR245.05mn, were listed directly without offering its shares for public subscription. This listing comes as part of QFMA’s efforts to enhance diversity in the market and increase investment opportunities for investors.The listing of Techno-Q on the secondary market enables it to benefit from public funding and expand its investor base, in addition to enhancing transparency and financial disclosure in line with listing requirements.During 2024, as many as 55 government debt instruments were listed, as treasury bills and debt bonds, with a total nominal value of QR51bn. During 2024, the QFMA also issued as many as 56 ISINs: 37 treasury bills, 18 debt bonds and one newly listed company. ISIN or International Securities Identification Number is a 12-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a specific security.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) witnessed higher than average demand, especially in the transport, industrials and telecom counters, as it closed 95 points higher this week, which otherwise saw uncertainties loom large over the US’ shifting tariff strategies.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.91% this week which saw Qatar’s seven local banks’ consortium, led by QNB, sign a QR4.5bn financing deal with Qatar Airways.The local retail investors continued to be bullish but with lesser vigour this week which saw the Ministry of Finance disclose a QR0.5bn budget deficit in the first quarter of this year.The Gulf funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse this week which saw the Qatar Financial Market Authority develop an electronic system to monitor the capital adequacy of companies and launch a new electronic trading surveillance system as part of its future projects and plans.The Gulf retail investors turned bullish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.07mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.17mn trade across 28 deals.However, about 53% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.6mn change hands across seven transactions.The foreign institutions’ substantially weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse this week which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Arab funds were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign individuals continued to be bullish but with lesser vigour in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar Islamic Bank successfully issue a $750mn sukuk, which saw 2.3 times oversubscription.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the key index of the main market this week, which saw a global credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s view that Qatar is expected not to face any liquidity or solvency issue, even as its fiscal balance swings back to deficit in Q1-2025 for first time in more than three years.Market capitalisation added QR4.34bn or 0.7% to QR624.37bn on the back of mid and small cap segments this week which saw the real estate, industrials and banks together constitute more than 74% of the total trade volumes.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in both the main and ventures markets this week which saw Estithmar Holding and Ezdan Holding Group replace Baladna and United Development Company in the QSE’s main QE Index.The Total Return Index gained 0.91%, the All Islamic Index by 0.81% and the All Share Index by 0.71% this week which saw Qatar’s ports register a double-digit yearly jump in ships arrival as well as brisk movement seen in livestock, building materials, cargoes and containers in May 2025.The transport sector index surged 2.63%, industrials (1.38%), telecom (1.12%), and banks and financial services (0.72%); while realty declined 2.9%, insurance (0.5%) and consumer goods and services (1.14%) this week.Major movers in the main bourse included Meeza, Qatar Islamic Bank, Milaha, Al Meera, Nakilat, Dukhan Bank, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qamco and Vodafone Qatar.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Barwa, Commercial Bank, Alijarah Holding, Salam International Investment, Woqod, Doha Bank, Lesha Bank, Baladna, Qatar National Cement, Aamal Company, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Estithmar Holding, Qatar Insurance and Mazaya Qatar were among the main shakers in the man bourse this week.The Gulf individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.09mn against net sellers of QR2.14mn the previous week.The Arab institutions’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR0.32mn against QR0.03mn the week ended May 29.The foreign institutions’ net selling weakened substantially to QR92.16mn compared to QR357.99mn a week ago.However, the Arab individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR10.92mn against net buyers of QR19.58mn the previous week.The domestic institutions’ net buying shrank substantially to QR57.72mn compared to QR262.9mn the week ended May 29.The local individual investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR30.35mn against QR32.41mn a week ago.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased markedly to QR6.47mn compared to QR32.98mn the previous week.The foreign individual investors’ net eased notably to QR3.14mn against QR12.25mn the week ended May 29.The main market saw 34% plunge in trade volumes to 682.41mn shares, 47% in value to QR1.63bn and 8% in deals to 106,715 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes plummeted 43% to 0.04mn equities, value by 39% to QR0.11mn and transactions by 41% to 13.

Ahead of the Eid holidays, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday lost about 60 points, as foreign institutions squared off their position.The telecom, consumer goods and insurance counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.56% to 10,558.34 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,603 points.The Gulf institutions were seen net profit takers in the main market, which registered 0.12% losses year-to-date.About 64% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.92bn or 0.31% to QR624.37bn mainly on account of small and microcap segments.The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 9,476 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn trade across five deals.The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the local retail investors turned bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.56%, the All Islamic Index 0.74% and the All Share Index 0.47% in the main market.The telecom sector index tanked 1.6%, consumer goods and services (0.77%), insurance (0.64%), real estate (0.55%), banks and financial services (0.52%) and industrials (0.16%); while transport gained 0.26%.Major shakers in the main market included Mannai Corporation, Commercial Bank, Vodafone Qatar, Woqod, QIIB, AlRayan Bank, Salam International Investment, Widam Food, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco, Barwa and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Meeza, Ezdan, Al Meera, Gulf International Services, Dlala and Nakilat were among the movers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR55.13mn compared with net buyers of QR12.61mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR1.62mn against net buyers of QR6.83mn on Tuesday.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.37mn compared with net buyers of QR1.64mn on June 3.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened marginally to QR14.51mn against QR15.53mn the previous day.However, the local individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR36.06mn compared with net sellers of QR33.75mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR3.46mn against QR0.99mn on June 3.The Arab retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR3.09mn compared with net sellers of QR4.16mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.32mn on Tuesday.The main market saw a 15% jump in trade volumes to 211.05mn shares, 13% in value to QR494.25mn and 84% in deals to 40,999; while there was no trading in the venture market.

For the first time in 28 years, Qatar Airways has entered into a QR4.5bn local-currency funding deal with a consortium of seven domestic banks, led by QNB.The financing will be provided by domestic banks in Qatar. The syndication was fully underwritten and led by QNB Group as the sole and exclusive book runner, global coordinator; initial mandated lead arranger and structuring bank; while the lending banks include Ahlibank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank and QIIB.This new agreement will see an innovative approach taken whereby local banks lend in Qatari Riyals in both conventional and Islamic tranches and commercial terms in line with international benchmarks for a strategic financing transaction of this nature.Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed al-Meer, said its Qatar latest purpose-driven partnership demonstrates its trust in the operational excellence of the Qatari banking sector."We are honoured to collaborate with the leading banks of Qatar as we continue to further our commitment to fulfilling the Qatar National Vision 2030. We thank the financial institutions that have played a vital role in shaping our journey, offering support that has helped us reach new millstones. We believe such strong and resilient partnerships remain essential for driving industry innovation and expanding global connectivity,” he added.With this agreement, the national carrier aims to stimulate greater collaboration between the aviation and the banking sector, paving the way for innovative financial structures tailored to the airline’s evolving needs while promoting national economic resilience.“This transaction is not just a testament to the strength and resilience of Qatar's banking industry; but it is also a powerful demonstration of central reliance and national collaboration," said QNB Group chief executive officer Abdulla Mubarak al-Khalifa.Highlighting that the deal was structured, arranged and executed entirely by Qatari banks speaks volumes about the sophistication and capability of the local financial institutions; he said it underscores the domestic ability to support large-scale strategic investments without relying on the external markets.The deal reflects the deep-rooted partnership between the country's aviation and financial sectors, a partnership that continues to drive the nation's economic growth and global competitiveness, according to him."Qatar Airways is more than an airline. It is a symbol of ambitions, excellence and national pride," al-Khalifa said, adding by securing this financing domestically, the banks are not only supporting the continued expansion, but also reinforcing the stability and maturity of Qatar's financial ecosystem."This deal shows the local banks have the expertise, ability and vision to support such transactions of this magnitude, further positioning Qatar as the hub for world-class financial services," he said.The country's national carrier had last month placed a landmark order of up to 210 Boeing widebody jets – 160 firm and 50 option – which is the largest widebody order and the largest 787 Dreamliner order in the US aerospace company’s history, during the visit of the US President Donald Trump to Doha.Qatar Airways had also signed a pact with GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, with additional options and spares, to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft – the largest widebody engine purchase in the history of GE Aerospace.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday saw more than 82% of the traded constituents extend gains, leading to 134 points surge in the main index, which settled above 10,600 levels.An across the board buying lifted the 20-stock Qatar Index 1.28% to 10,618.02 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,493 points.The foreign institutions turned net buyers in the main market, which returned 0.44% gains year-to-date.The Gulf funds were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR5.69bn or 0.92% to QR626.29bn mainly on account of midcap segments.The transport, telecom and industrials counters experienced higher than average demand in the main market, which saw as many as 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank) valued at QR0.07mn trade across 18 deals.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab institutions were seen net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 1.28%, the All Islamic Index (1.43%) and the All Share Index (1%) in the main market.The transport sector index shot up 2.72%, telecom (1.98%), industrials (1.83%), real estate (0.78%), consumer goods and services (0.57%), banks and financial services (0.47%) and insurance (0.03%).Major gainers in the main market included Dlala, Nakilat, Widam Food, Gulf International Services, Vodafone Qatar, Commercial Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, AlRayan Bank, Inma Holding, Qatar German Medical Devices, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Ooredoo and Milaha.Nevertheless, QNB, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatari Investors Group, Meeza and Ahlibank Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR12.61mn compared with net sellers of QR30.39mn on June 2.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR6.83mn against QR1.42mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR1.64mn compared with net sellers of QR0.2mn on Monday.The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.32mn against no major net exposure on June 2.The Arab individual investors’ net selling declined noticeably to QR4.16mn compared to QR7.75mn the previous day.However, the local retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR33.75mn against net buyers of QR13.65mn on Monday.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR15.53mn compared to QR21.7mn on June 2.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR0.99mn against QR1.56mn the previous day.The main market saw 27% jump in trade volumes to 184.24mn shares and 16% in value to QR439.35mn but on 20% decline in deals to 22,265.In the venture market, a total of 36,780 equities valued at QR0.1mn changed hands across nine transactions.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)-based EnergyX is contemplating merger with Silicon Valley-headquartered Senseta, co-founded by Dr Khalid M al-Ali, a Qatari scientist and former Nasa engineer, as the Gulf country race ahead towards net-zero goals.This planned merger will not only accelerate expansion of EnergyX, a global leader in end-to-end energy optimisation for buildings and infrastructure, in both the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and the US but also reinforce its mission to deliver intelligent, autonomous, and sustainable energy systems.By integrating Senseta’s AI (artificial intelligence) expertise, EnergyX plans to offer advanced features such as real-time monitoring, predictive diagnostics, and climate-adaptive analytics — capabilities essential for managing the region’s high temperatures, heavy energy loads, and complex utility grids.EnergyX announced this landmark strategic merger with Senseta, a Delaware-based AI and autonomous systems company spun out of Carnegie Mellon University, at the recently concluded Fifth Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg.By integrating AI expertise of Senseta, headquartered in Silicon Valley, EnergyX plans to offer advanced features such as real-time monitoring, predictive diagnostics, and climate-adaptive analytics essential for managing region’s high temperatures, heavy energy loads, and complex utility gridsThe agreement was signed by Dr Khalid, the co-founder and executive chairman of Senseta, the world leader in mission-critical data fusion, analytics and drone-powered solutions, with Jean Jacques Dandrieux, Global chief strategy officer at EnergyX, and Sean Park, co-founder and chief executive officer of EnergyX.The multi-hundred-million-dollar planned merger, subject to the regulatory approvals, board consent, and voting by the shareholders of both companies – was announced in the presence of key Qatari leadership. EnergyX plans to invest more than $100mn in the GCC in next five years.The proposed merger also marks a significant step in the Gulf region’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable, tech-enabled infrastructure.Senseta’s cutting-edge AI expertise, based on R&D (research and development) for deep-space missions, is planned to be integrated into EnergyX Zero, amplifying the intelligence layer of EnergyX’s platform for optimised energy performance across the GCC’s built environment.“This planned merger represents a fusion of scientific excellence and large-scale execution. We aim to bring interplanetary-grade AI expertise to earth-based infrastructure — delivering the kind of resilience and autonomy once reserved for space exploration directly into the Gulf’s energy systems,” said Dandrieux.The announcement comes as the GCC strengthens its position as a hub for climate technology. EnergyX’s growth in the Gulf builds on its global leadership, including the company’s own HQ — the world’s first certified Plus-Energy Building, operating at 129.5% energy self-sufficiency.By uniting deep AI research with hardware innovation, the planned merger is set to redefine how infrastructure is monitored, analysed, and optimised. The company will empower governments, developers, and construction firms with scalable tools aligned to net-zero goals.“This is more than a merger — it’s a commitment... The most powerful AI technologies on Earth should be focused on saving it. And the Gulf is the best place to launch that mission — where innovation meets urgency,” according to Sean Park.

Market EyeConcerns on the US President’s proposal to double tariff on steel and aluminium had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Monday fell more than 17 points.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.16% to 10,484.06 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,505 points.The real estate, industrials and transport counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 0.82%.More than 54% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.33bn or 0.21% to QR620.6bn mainly on account of microcap segments.The foreign individuals turned net profit takers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.07mn trade across four deals.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining on par with the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the domestic funds were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index, the All Islamic Index and the All Share Index were all down 0.16% in the main market.The realty sector index tanked 1.05%, industrials (0.66%) and transport (0.61%); while telecom gained 0.37%, banks and financial services (0.07%), consumer goods and services (0.02%) and insurance (0.02%).Major losers in the main market included Dlala, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Aamal Company, Commercial Bank, Alijarah Holding, Inma Holding, Salam International Investment, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Nakilat and United Development Company.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Meeza, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and Qamco were among the movers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased considerably to QR30.39mn compared to QR19.25mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net profit booking expanded noticeably to QR7.75mn against QR2.11mn on June 1.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.2mn compared with net buyers of QR2.06mn on Sunday.The local individual investors’ net buying decreased marginally to QR13.65mn against QR14.38mn the previous day.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened drastically to QR21.7mn compared to QR5.98mn on June 1.The Gulf retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR1.56mn against net profit takers of QR0.91mn on Sunday.The Gulf funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.42mn compared with net sellers of QR0.16mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.01mn on June 1.The main market saw 1% jump in trade volumes to 144.6mn shares, 20% in value to QR380.1mn and 76% in deals to 27,706.There was no trading in the venture market.

Qatar witnessed a double-digit year-on-year growth in ships arrival in May 2025, reflecting in brisk growth, notably in the volumes of containers, general and bulk cargo, building materials and livestock through Mesaieed, Doha and Al Ruwais ports; indicating the country's growing prominence in the international trade, according to the official data.As many as 294 ships arrived in three ports, which reported 21.49% and 25.11% surge year-on-year and month-on-month respectively, said the figures released by Mwani Qatar.A total of 1,255 vessels call were reported through the three ports in January-May 2025.Hamad Port is Qatar's main seaport, located south of Doha in the Umm Al Houl area and whose strategic geographical location offers opportunities to create cargo movement towards the upper Gulf.The container movement through three ports amounted to 142,843 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), shooting up 15.63% and 10.22% on annualised and monthly basis respectively in the review period. The three ports together handled as many as 609,328 TEUs in the first five months of this year.The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhancing ease of doing business as well as supporting the achievement of economic diversification, which is one of the most important goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.The general and bulk cargo handled through the three ports amounted to 170,515 freight tonnes in May 2025, which sunk 18.31% year-on-year but was up 2.28% on and monthly basis.The container and cargo trends through the ports reflect the positive outlook for the country's non-oil private sector, which has been projected to grow faster than the hydrocarbons, as per various estimates.In line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, Mwani Qatar continues to implement its ambitious strategy to enhance the maritime sector's contribution to diversifying the national economy and strengthening the county's position as a vibrant regional trade hub.The three ports together handled 667,119 freight tonnes of general and bulk cargo in the first five months of this year.The three ports were seen handling 80,396 livestock this May, which showed 109.51% and 215.46% surge on yearly and monthly basis respectively. The ports had cumulatively handled as many as 336,506 heads in the first five months of this year.The building materials traffic through the three ports stood at 82,745 tonnes in May 2025, which zoomed 106.38% and 43.22% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. The three ports had reported a total of 300,236 tonnes of building materials handled in the first five months of this year.The three ports handled as many as 6,783 RORO in May 2025, which registered 36.2% and 27.38% plunge year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. The ports had cumulatively handled a total of 46,934 units in January-May 2025.Qatar's automobile sector has been witnessing stronger sales, notably in heavy equipment, private motorcycles and private vehicles, according to the data of the National Planning Council.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining more than 38 points in index and capitalisation adding about QR2bn.The banks, telecom and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.37% to 10,501.25 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,490 points.The local retail investors were seen increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed to 0.66%.The foreign institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.9bn or 0.31% to QR621.93bn mainly on account of midcap segments.The domestic funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn trade across eight deals.The Arab individuals turned net profit takers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.37%, the All Islamic Index by 0.3% and the All Share Index by 0.33% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index gained 0.71%, telecom (0.4%), industrials (0.39%) and transport (0.26%); while real estate declined 2.08%, consumer goods and services (0.97%) and insurance (0.91%).Major movers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Insurance, Milaha, QNB, Vodafone Qatar, Dukhan Bank, QNB and Industries Qatar.Nevertheless, about 59% of the traded constituents were in the red with major losers in the main bourse being Barwa, Qatar German Medical Devices, Lesha Bank, Dlala, Widam Food, Alijarah Holding, Salam International Investment, Woqod, Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Al Mahhar Holding, Qatari Investors Group, Qatar National Cement, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance and Ezdan.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The local individual investors’ net buying increased substantially to QR14.38mn compared to QR1.8mn last Thursday.The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased considerably to QR19.25mn against QR215.72mn the previous trading day.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking shrank noticeably to QR0.91mn compared to QR3.32mn on May 29.However, the Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.11mn against net buyers of QR11.08mn last Thursday.The Gulf funds were net sellers to the extent of QR0.16mn compared with net buyers of QR0.23mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened drastically to QR5.98mn against QR201.69mn on May 29.The foreign individual investors’ net buying decreased notably to QR2.06mn compared to QR4.2mn last Thursday.The Arab institutions’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.01mn against QR0.03mn the previous trading day.The main market saw a 54% plunge in trade volumes to 142.5mn shares, 78% in value to QR316.13mn and 48% in deals to 15,745.In the venture market, as many as 4,735 equities valued at mere QR0.01mn changed hands across four transactions.

Qatari banks registered the biggest increase in revenues with a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) gain of 2.1% during the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, according to Kamco Invest, a regional economic think-tank.Saudi Arabia and the UAE-listed banks had distinctly smaller growths of 1.6% and 0.6%, respectively, during the review period, Kamco Invest said in a report.In terms of topline performance, aggregate banking sector revenues (in the Gulf Co-operation Council) reached a new record high during the quarter at $34.6bn, although the growth was the smallest in four quarters at 0.04%.The flattish growth was led by a decline in revenues reported by banks in Kuwait and Oman that almost fully offset the increase in revenues registered in other GCC countries, said the report.Kamco Invest said after showing a marginal decline in the previous quarter, the first decline in seven quarters, banking credit facilities in Qatar bounced back and showed the biggest quarterly growth in nine quarters during Q1-2025 at 3%.The increase was led by a strong growth in lending to public sector at 7.9% followed by a similar increase in lending to contractors. Lending to general trade and real estate increased by 1.5%; followed by 0.8% increase in lending to services. On the other hand, lending to industry, consumption and other sectors showed q-o-q declines.Aggregate lending by listed banks in the GCC continued to show q-o-q growth during Q1-2025, backed by growth in all GCC markets, barring Kuwait that registered a marginal decline during the quarter.Aggregate gross loans at the GCC level reached a new record high of $2.25tn, recording the highest q-o-q growth in 15 quarters at 3.6% in Q1-2025 vs 2.4% during the previous quarter.Banks in Saudi Arabia reported the biggest q-o-q growth in gross loan in the GCC during Q1-2025 mainly led by healthy lending in almost all sectors. Gross loans growth for Saudi-listed banks came in at 5.5% or $41.9bn to $801.5nbn during Q1-2025.The UAE and Qatari banks were next with lending growth of $20.1bn (+3.2% q-o-q) and $14.4bn (+3.6% q-o-q), respectively; while lenders in Oman and Bahrain registered marginal increase.Total customer deposits reported by listed GCC banks reached a new record high level at the end of Q1-2025 at $2.65tn, registering a q-o-q growth of 5.1%.At the country level, the UAE-listed banks registered the strongest growth in deposits during the quarter that reached $903.8bn after a q-o-q growth of 6.7%.Qatari banks were next with a q-o-q growth of 6.1% to reach total customer deposits of $438.9bn followed by banks in Saudi Arabia with a growth of 4.8%. Banks in Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait, reported slightly smaller customer deposit growth during the quarter.The aggregate loan-to-deposit ratio for the GCC banking sector remained elevated above the 80% mark at the end of Q1-2025. However, the ratio declined sequentially to reach 81.6% when compared to 82.4% in Q4-2024.The ratio has remained consistently above the 80% mark over the last four quarters and reflects improving asset utilisation as well as better margins to offset pressure from lowering interest rates.At the country level, banks in Saudi Arabia reported one of the highest levels of the loan-to-deposit ratio that reached 95.5% during the quarter, registering a growth of 70 basis points compared to Q4-2024.Qatari banks registered a "sizeable" decline of 210 basis points with the ratio going below the 90% mark at 89.6%, it said.

International trade concerns over the US tariffs and unstable oil markets had played spoilsport on the regional bourses, reflecting in a steep 311 points decline and more than QR16bn erosion in capitalisation in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) this week.The regional geopolitical tensions was also seen instrumental in a 2.89% plunge in 20-stock Qatar Index this week which saw Fitch, an international credit rating agency, view that Qatar's banking sector has less pressure for consolidation in the Gulf region, which otherwise is prone to stronger mergers and acquisitions momentum on lower oil revenues.The foreign funds were seen net profit takers this week which saw Nakilat commence construction of 17 liquefied natural gas vessels at Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.The telecom, banking and transport counters experienced higher than average selling pressure this week which saw Milaha sign a strategic pact with Fincantieri for cooperation in areas such as marine services, project management, and technology integration.The Gulf individuals were seen increasingly bearish in the main bourse this week which saw International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation say that Qatar’s Islamic liquidity management sector is slated to evolve rapidly in the near-to-medium term with demand for short-term, high-quality, liquid assets on the rise.The Gulf institutions’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.05mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.1mn trade across 26 deals.About 76% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.1mn change hands across 12 transactions.The domestic institutions however turned net buyers in the main bourse this week which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Arab individuals were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign individuals were also increasingly bullish in the main bourse this week which saw AlRayan Bank successfully issue $500mn five-year senior unsecured RegS sukuk at a final Price of five-year US Treasuries + 80 basis points.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market this week, which saw a global credit rating agency Standard and Poor's upgrade Doha Insurance Group's future outlook to "positive" from "stable", while affirming the group's credit rating at "A-".Market capitalisation eroded QR16.49bn or 2.59% to QR620.03bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw the banks, industrials and consumer goods sectors together constitute about 74% of the total trade volumes.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in both the main and ventures markets this week which saw Al Mahhar Holding shareholders give approval to the subsidiary Qatar Welding and Fabrication Supplies for acquiring the remaining 49% stake in European Equipment Company or EEC.The Total Return Index plummeted 2.89%, the All Islamic Index by 3.23% and the All Share Index by 2.63% this week which saw Al Mahhar shareholders also give nod for the potential acquisition by its subsidiary Petrotec of a 90% stake in Gulf Automation System or GAS.The telecom sector index tanked 4.62%, banks and financial services (3.01%), transport (2.97%), industrials (2.81%) and consumer goods and services (0.33%); while real estate and insurance gained 1.41% and 0.31% respectively this week.Major shakers in the main market include Qatar Islamic Bank, QLM, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar, AlRayan Bank, QNB, QIIB, Lesha Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Medicare Group, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Mazaya Qatar, United Development Company, Milaha and Nakilat. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Estithmar Holding, Commercial Bank, Barwa and Qatar Islamic Insurance were among the movers in the main market this week.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR357.99mn compared with net buyers of QR61.44mn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling grew perceptibly to QR2.14mn against QR1.5mn the week ended May 22.The Gulf institutions’ net buying eased significantly to QR32.98mn compared to QR121.39mn a week ago.The Arab institutions’ net buying weakened markedly to QR0.03mn against QR1.3mn the previous week.However, the domestic funds were net buyers to the extent of QR262.9mn compared with net sellers of QR63.47mn the week ended May 22.The local retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR32.41mn against net profit takers of QR136.02mn a week ago.The Arab individuals’ net buying expanded markedly to QR19.58mn compared to QR13.32mn the previous week.The foreign retail investors’ net buying zoomed notably to QR12.25mn against QR3.54mn the week ended May 22.The main market saw 30% plunge in trade volumes to 1.04bn shares, 3% in value to QR3.09bn and 13% in deals to 115,643 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes plummeted 82% to 0.07mn equities, value by 83% to QR0.18mn and transactions by 63% to 22.