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The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) topped among the Gulf bourses in terms of expansion in trading volume during the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, according to Kamco Invest, a regional non-bank finance firm.Foreign investors (institutions and retail) were net buyers to the tune of $333.6mn on the QSE during April-June this year, Kamco said a latest report.In terms of the aggregate trading activity, total GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) volume traded increased by 9.1% year on year to 94.73bn shares in Q2-2025 compared to 86.8bn in Q1-2025.The report found that most of the GCC bourses reported a quarter-on-quarter gain in volume during Q2-2025, barring Saudi Arabia and Bahrain."Qatar topped the list with a gain of 39.4% to record 12.5bn in Q2-2025 compared to 8.9bn in Q1-2025, followed by Dubai with 21% to record 16.3bn in Q2-2025 vs 13.4bn in Q1-2025," the report said.On the other hand, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain declined 5% and 61.5% in Q2-2025, respectively.Foreign investors, including institutional and retail investors, were net buyers on the GCC stock markets during Q2-2025 with net buying at $4.2bn against $2.8bn during Q1-2025. The trend remained positive, with buying in four months and net selling in two months during the first half (H1) of 2025 to $7bn vs $5bn in H1-2024 up by 39.8% year-on-year.The biggest buying was seen in Saudi Arabia with total net buying of $1.4bn. The UAE stood next with Abu Dhabi bourse also seeing consecutive buying by foreigners that reached $1.33bn in Q2-2025.Kuwait was next with net buy of $696.5mn by foreigners, followed by Dubai and Qatar bourses with net buy of $462mn and $333.6mn, respectively.Meanwhile, foreign investors were biggest sellers of Omani stocks with net sales of $29.6mn during the quarter, followed by $459.2mn in net sell trades during the previous quarter. Bahrain showed net selling at $27.9mn for Q2-2025.The monthly trend (excluding Bahrain on data unavailability) showed Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar bourses saw consecutive buying by foreigners during the three months of the quarter.Conversely, Saudi Arabia saw net selling by foreign investors in April 2025, followed by net buying in the next two months. Oman was the only exchange in the GCC that witnessed net sale by foreign investors during all the three months of the quarter."Some of the key factors that affected the flow of foreign money in the region included regional market trends, initial public offerings or IPOs, geopolitical issues, economic health of the individual countries and crude oil prices," Kamco said.

Earnings expectations, especially of the blue-chip underlying companies, Thursday masked the apprehensions on sustained high interest rates in the short to medium term as the Qatar Stock Exchange closed more than 112 points higher and capitalisation added about QR6bn.The foreign funds were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index soared 1.01% to 10,261.62 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,135 points.The telecom and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 6.53%.The Gulf institutions were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR5.86bn or 0.88% to QR668.3bn mainly on large and midcap segments.The Arab individuals’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main market, which saw a total of 1,200 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR0.01mn trade across one deal.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors were increasingly seen net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shot up 1.01%, the All Islamic Index by 0.92% and the All Share Index by 0.89% in the main market.The telecom sector index surged 3.29%, banks and financial services (1.19%), insurance (0.38%), industrials (0.37%) and consumer goods and services (0.05%); while transport and real estate declined 0.3% and 0.13% respectively.Major gainers in the main market included Ooredoo, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Medicare Group, Ahlibank Qatar, AlRayan Bank, Salam International Investment, Baladna and Estithmar Holding.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Vodafone Qatar, Mekdam Holding, Al Khaleej Takaful, QIIB, Mannai Corporation and Milaha were among the shakers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR84.81mn compared to QR22.1mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying expanded significantly to QR10.57mn against QR3.31mn on July 30.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR3.14mn compared to QR4.13mn on Wednesday.However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling strengthened considerably to QR60.21mn against QR31.16mn the previous day.The domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR31.08mn compared with net buyers of QR7.7mn on July 30.The Gulf individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR1.63mn against net buyers of QR0.15mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR0.05mn compared with no major net exposure the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR0.71mn against QR2.03mn on July 30.The main market saw a 73% surge in trade volumes to 193.61mn shares and value more than doubled to QR621.55mn on 35% jump in deals to 21,682.In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.08mn changed hands across 10 transactions.

Ahead of the US Federal Reserve meeting, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Wednesday closed marginally higher with its key index gaining about eight points.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.07% to 11,149.46 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,113 points.The telecom and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.47%.The domestic institutions turned bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.35bn or 0.05% to QR662.44bn mainly on microcap segments.The foreign individuals were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 1,209 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR5,166 trade across six deals.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining marginally faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.07%, the All Islamic Index by 0.08% and the All Share Index by 0.05% in the main market.The telecom sector index rose 0.55%, consumer goods and services (0.46%) and banks and financial services (0.04%); while insurance declined 0.33%, real estate (0.09%), industrials (0.08%) and transport (0.05%).Major gainers in the main market included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Vodafone Qatar, Beema, Commercial Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Estithmar Holding and Milaha.Nevertheless, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Doha Insurance, Salam International Investment, QIIB, Ahlibank Qatar, Qatar German Medical Devices and Nakilat were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR22.1mn compared to QR12.89mn the previous day.The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR7.7mn against net sellers of QR6.98mn on July 29.The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.03mn compared with sellers of QR1.73mn on Tuesday.However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling expanded substantially to QR31.16mn against QR20.32mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking strengthened noticeably to QR4.13mn compared to QR0.76mn on July 29.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened significantly to QR3.31mn against QR16.54mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.15mn compared to QR0.67mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the extent of QR0.31mn on July 29.The main market saw 24% fall in trade volumes to 111.84mn shares, 21% in value to QR307.89mn and 18% in deals to 16,010.In the venture market, a total of 0.05mn equities valued at QR0.13mn changed hands across 14 transactions.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has seen a 27% year-on-year increase in the number of judgements issued and the total value of cases shot up 55% to QR1.47bn during 2024.Building on the considerable increase in the number of judgments issued in 2023, the number increased to 93 during 2024 compared to 73 the previous year, said its 2024 annual report, which was released Wednesday."The cases heard at the QICDRC are of increasing complexity and are now forming a corpus of modern, pro-commerce, and valuable case law," QICDRC chairman Lord Thomas said in the report. About 52% fewer cases were rejected on jurisdictional grounds compared with 2023.2024 was its second busiest year in terms of cases filed on record, following an exceptionally busy year in 2023, QICDRC said, adding the cases filed were of increasing sophistication, again spanning the whole range of civil and commercial matters."We held our largest number of hearings and managed exceptionally well with hybrid hearings where some participants were in the courtroom physically, with others participating online from abroad. We also issued 93 judgments throughout the course of the year, our highest number," it said.At the end of 2024, the judiciary of the court and regulatory tribunal comprised 18 judges from 11 different jurisdictions (Qatar, England and Wales, Cyprus, South Africa, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, the US, France, China, and Australia).Referring to the launch of the QICDRC Legal Clinic – the first of its kind in the jurisdiction – which uses QICDRC panel law firms to provide early advice and assistance to those who are unable to afford lawyers; Lord Thomas said this is a significant milestone in the administration of justice and promotion of the rule of law."I expect it to build on its early success year on year," he added.QICDRC chief executive officer Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti said 2024 has been a year of remarkable growth and progress for the QICDRC, reinforcing its role as a global leader in dispute resolution."A key milestone was the enactment of Law No. 16 of 2024, streamlining judicial processes through single-judge hearings and faster case resolution, strengthening efficiency and investor confidence," he said.Global partnerships continued to expand, with key memoranda of understanding signed with Jus Mundi, East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPSL), and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), enhancing arbitration transparency, legal research, and intellectual property dispute resolution. At the 22nd Doha Forum, QICDRC also hosted a panel on the ICC and ICJ, reinforcing role in shaping international justice discourse.Highlighting that technology and AI (artificial intelligence) played a crucial role in modernising its services, he said QICDRC integrated Webex virtual hearings, launched an AI-powered chatbot, and introduced AI-driven judgment summaries, improving accessibility and efficiency while aligning with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030."Looking ahead, QICDRC remains committed to legal excellence, international collaboration, and innovation," said al-Sahouti.The QICDRC’s case management system, eCourt, had proven its effectiveness in 2024, handling an increased volume of cases with efficiency, the report said.

The foreign institutions' net profit booking pressure Monday drove the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) down about 44 points and its capitalisation melted in excess of QR1bn.Notwithstanding the EU-US tariff deal and the domestic earnings expectations, the 2-stock Qatar Index declined 0.39% to 11,205.47 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11.266 points.The telecom sector witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 6%.About 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.27bn or 0.19% to QR662.45bn mainly on microcap segments.The Arab individuals turned net sellers in the main market, which saw as many as 4,804 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across 12 deals.The foreign retail investors were also seen bearish in 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.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.39%, the All Islamic Index by 0.53% and the All Share Index by 0.28% in the main market.The telecom sector index declined 0.51%, real estate (0.35%), banks and financial services (0.33%), consumer goods and services (0.28%), transport (0.28%) and industrials (0.17%): while insurance gained 0.57%.Major losers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Meeza, QLM, Vodafone Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Mannai Corporation, United Development Company and Mazaya Qatar.Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qamco, Qatar Insurance, Doha Bank and Qatari Investors Group were among the movers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR21.22mn compared with net buyers of QR22.78mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR2.53mn against net buyers of QR0.23mn on Sunday.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.64mn compared with net buyers of QR1.79mn on July 27.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking expanded marginally to QR0.3mn against QR0.03mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR13.04mn compared to QR14.09mn on Sunday.However, the Qatari retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR8.09mn against net sellers of QR39.99mn on July 27.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR4.63mn compared to QR1.57mn the previous day.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking weakened perceptibly to QR0.08mn against QR0.41mn on Sunday.The main market reported 28% surge in trade volumes to 153.22mn shares, 38% in value to QR382.74mn and 57% in deals to 19,720.In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.08mn changed hands across 10 transactions.

Solid earnings expectations continued to lift the sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which Sunday opened the week on a stronger note as its key index rose 29 points; even as capitalisation was on a slippery path.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.25% to 11,249.23 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,208 points.The telecom, insurance and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 6.42%.About 54% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation however, eased QR0.08bn or 0.01% to QR663.72bn mainly on microcap segments.The domestic institutions turned bullish in the main market, which saw as many as 690 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR2,381 trade across three deals.The foreign retail investors were seen net buyers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.52%, the All Islamic Index by 0.48% and the All Share Index by 0.29% in the main market.The telecom sector index shot up 1.22%, insurance (0.6%), industrials (0.52%), banks and financial services (0.18%), consumer goods and services (0.11%) and transport (0.07%); while real estate declined 0.l1%.Major gainers in the main market included Doha Insurance, QIIB, Mannai Corporation, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar German Medical Devices, Commercial Bank, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qamco, QLM and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, QNB, Meeza, Ezdan, Salam International Investment, Widam Food and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR22.78mn compared to QR19.22mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR14.09mn compared with net profit takers of QR12.81mn last Thursday.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR1.79mn against net sellers of QR4.55mn on July 24.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking weakened noticeably to QR0.41mn compared to QR1.13mn the previous trading day.However, the Qatari retail investors’ net selling strengthened substantially to QR39.99mn against QR14.81mn last Thursday.The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.03mn compared with net buyers of QR1.23mn on July 24.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased markedly to QR1.57mn against QR10.32mn the previous trading day.The Arab individuals investors’ net buying eased notably to QR0.23mn compared to QR2.52mn last Thursday.The main market saw 41% plunge in trade volumes to 119.93mn shares, 42% in value to QR277.69mn and 39% in deals to 12,538.In the venture market, a total of 5,745 equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across four transactions.

Solid earnings, especially in the banking sector, led the Qatar Stock Exchange to gain more than 33 points, and its key index crossed the 11,200 levels and capitalisation added more than QR3bn.The consumer goods, banking, telecom and industrials witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.3% to 11,220.76 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,143 points.The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 6.15%.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.2bn or 0.48% to QR663.8bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 2,141 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across two deals.The domestic funds’ weakened net selling had its influence on 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 local retail investors’ lower net profit booking had its effect on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.41%, the All Islamic Index by 0.17% and the All Share Index by 0.51% in the main market.The consumer goods and services sector index rose 0.84%, banks and financial services (0.7%), telecom (0.44%) and industrials (0.43%); while real estate declined 0.43%, transport (0.2%) and insurance (0.04%).Major gainers in the main market included Salam International Investment, Mannai Corporation, QNB, Beema, Qatar Islamic Bank, Gulf International Services and Qamco. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Commercial Bank, Ezdan, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Woqod and Doha Bank were among the shakers in the main market.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR10.32mn compared to QR4.56mn on July 23.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR2.52mn against net sellers of QR3.75mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR1.23mn compared to QR0.62mn on Wednesday.The Qatari retail investors’ net selling declined substantially to QR14.81mn compared to QR41.16mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking weakened markedly to QR12.81mn against QR18.4mn on July 23.However, the foreign individuals turned net sellers to the extent of QR4.55mn compared with net buyers of QR0.88mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking strengthened noticeably to QR1.13mn against QR0.21mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR19.22mn against QR57.5mn on July 23.The main market saw a 2% fall in trade volumes to 203.97mn shares, 8% in value to QR481.64mn and 3% in deals to 20,486.In the venture market, a total of 4,783 equities valued at QR0.01mn changed hands across two transactions.

The US-Japan trade deal had its positive spillover on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which yesterday inched towards 11,200 points, mainly on the back of strong buying interests from foreign institutions.The telecom, industrials and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.42% to 11,187.5 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,085 points.The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 5.83%.More than 67% of the traded constituents extend gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.23bn or 0.49% to QR660.67bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.11mn trade across 13 deals.The domestic funds’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf retail investors continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.42%, the All Islamic Index by 0.41% and the All Share Index by 0.39% in the main market.The telecom sector index rose 0.8%, industrials (0.49%), banks and financial services (0.45%), real estate (0.36%), consumer goods and services (0.2%) and insurance (0.15%); while transport declined 0.28%.Major gainers in the main market included Commercial Bank, Ezdan, QIIB, Mazaya Qatar, Baladna, Dukhan Bank, Mekdam Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Al Khaleej Takaful, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Gulf Warehousing, Qatar Islamic Bank, Medicare Group and Nakilat were among the shakers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased significantly to QR57.5mn compared to QR8.66mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR4.56mn against QR0.66mn on July 22.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.88mn compared with net sellers of QR0.35mn on Tuesday.The domestic funds’ net selling weakened marginally to QR18.4mn against QR19.93mn the previous day.However, the Qatari individuals’ net profit booking rose substantially to QR41.16mn compared to QR2.98mn on July 22.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR3.75mn against net buyers of QR11.36mn on Tuesday.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking strengthened marginally to QR0.21mn compared to QR0.03mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying shrank markedly to QR0.62mn against QR2.62mn on July 22.The main market saw a 17% jump in trade volumes to 207.22mn shares, 16% in value to QR521.81mn and 11% in deals to 21,058.In the venture market, a total of 0.02mn equities valued at QR0.06mn changed hands across five transactions.

Al Mahhar Holding Company, one of the leading services and specialised products providers to energy and infrastructure sectors, has completed the acquisition of a 90% stake in Gulf Automation System (GAS).The acquisition -- made through its wholly owned subsidiary, Petroleum Technology Company (Petrotec) -- was completed in accordance with the approval granted by the shareholders of Al Mahhar at the extraordinary general assembly held on May 28, 2025.Petrotec acquired a 90% stake at a nominal consideration of QR196,000, reflecting the commercial understanding between the parties and Al Mahhar's broader strategic goals."The acquisition of a majority stake in GAS is a strategic step that strengthen our position as a local Qatari automation and system integration specialist, which we view as an increasingly critical pillar of Qatar’s energy and infrastructure value chain," said Fahad Alfardan, chairman of Al Mahhar Holding.This investment, according to him, complements Petrotec's existing capabilities and supports its broader amibition of building integrated and technically advanced local solutions across Al Mahhar Group.

An across the board buying led the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) gain as much as 119 points and index surpass 11,100 points, the highest level in more than 36 months.A higher than average demand, particularly in the banking counter, led the 20-stock Qatar Index surge 1.08% to 11,141.04 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,992 points.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 5.39%.The Gulf individuals were seen bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR4bn or 0.61% to QR657.37bn mainly on midcap segments.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 1,250 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.01mn trade across two deals.The Arab institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its marginal influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.11mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.06bn change hands across three deals.The Total Return Index gained 1.08%, the All Islamic Index by 0.61% and the All Share Index by 0.85% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index rose 1.57%, transport (0.22%), telecom (0.1%) and industrials (0.05%); while insurance declined 0.43%, consumer goods and services (0.24%) and real estate (0.1%).Major gainers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Mazaya Qatar, Commercial Bank, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Industries Qatar and Nakilat. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, about 54% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market with major losers being Mannai Corporation, Qatar German Medical Devices, Widam Food, Inma Holding, Qatar National Cement, Lesha Bank, Milaha, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Qatar Insurance.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR11.36mn compared with net sellers of QR10.85mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.62mn against net sellers of QR2.43mn on July 21.The Qatari individuals’ net profit booking declined substantially to QR2.98mn compared to QR32.27mn on Monday.The foreign retail investors’ net selling weakened noticeably to QR0.35mn against QR2.71mn the previous day.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking decreased marginally to QR0.03mn compared to QR0.43mn on July 21.However, the domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR19.93mn against net buyers of QR1.35mn on Monday.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased significantly to QR8.66mn compared to QR36.15mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR0.66mn against QR11.17mn on July 21.The main market saw 11% contraction in trade volumes to 177.76mn shares, 11% in value to QR448mn and 12% in deals to 19,012.In the venture market, a total of 6,917 equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across five transactions.

Al Mahhar Holding has completed the acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in European Equipment Company (EEC) for consideration of QR4mn.EEC specialises in the sale and rental of construction machinery and equipment and is the exclusive distributor of the Wirtgen Group’s road construction products in Qatar. Prior to this transaction, QFAB owned a 51% stake in EEC.This acquisition forms part of Al Mahhar’s strategic initiatives to enhance operational and financial control across its subsidiaries, streamline group governance, and reinforce its presence in the construction equipment sector."The full acquisition of EEC reflects our continued of portfolio our strengthening to commitment operating subsidiaries and enhancing alignment across the group," said Fahad Alfardan, chairman of Al Mahhar Holding.With full ownership, he said, it is better positioned to drive performance, support governance term value in a critical efficiency, and create longsector for Qatar’s infrastructure development.Al Mahhar is committed to disclosing any material information in accordance with the requirements of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), in line with principles of and regulatory compliance.

Capital Intelligence, an international credit rating agency, has affirmed Qatar’s long-term foreign currency rating (LTFCR) and LT local currency rating (LTLCR) at ‘AA’.At the same time, CI has also affirmed the sovereign’s short-term (ST) FCR and ST LCR at ‘A1+’. The outlook on the ratings remains “stable”.The ratings reflect Qatar’s very strong external balances and budgetary performance, supported by still favourable liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices.The ratings also factored in the country’s capacity to absorb external or financial shocks given the large portfolio of foreign assets held by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and consequent comfortable net external creditor position when including these assets.The ratings continue to be supported by substantial hydrocarbon reserves, expanding LNG production and export capacity, and very high GDP (gross domestic product) per capita, as well as high and increasing official foreign reserves.Highlighting that external finances are “very strong”, it said the current account (CA) recorded a very large surplus of 17.2% of GDP in 2024 (from 17.1% in 2023) and is projected to see lower surpluses averaging 11.1% of GDP in 2025-27.This reflects its expectations of average oil prices $61.7 per barrel over the forecast period, as well as an increase in imports.Gross external debt is expected to have decreased further to 118.1% of GDP or174.7% of current account receipts (CARs) compared to 123.1% of GDP (175.3% of CARs) in 2023.Official foreign exchange reserves increased to $70.9bn in May 2025, from $70bn in December 2024, with the latter expected to cover short-term external debt on a remaining maturity basis by around 2.7 times in 2025.Qatar’s buffers remain large, and are considered a major supporting factor for the ratings, it said, adding very large CA surpluses have contributed to a very strong net external creditor position, when included the external assets of the QIA, whose total assets are estimated at around 230% of GDP in 2024.Finding that the public finances remain strong, CI said the government’s budget recorded a surplus of 0.7% of GDP in 2024, against a surplus of 5.6% in 2023.“Moving forward, the budget surplus is expected to average 1.1% of GDP in 2025-27, supported by an expected increase in LNG production capacity from the North Field which would offset the projected decline in hydrocarbon prices,” it said.While the reliance on hydrocarbon revenues remains a rating constraint, the government has ample leeway to respond to severe fluctuations in hydrocarbon prices given the size of fiscal buffers and the degree of expenditure flexibility.Central government deposits stood at 15.3% of GDP in May 2025, while total government and government institution deposits in the domestic banking system were around 44.7% of GDP.

Amidst rate uncertainty in the US over higher inflation expectation due to the tariff policies, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday saw its key index close in the negative, even as capitalisation add about QR3bn with gainers outnumbering losers.The Gulf individuals were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was down six points or 0.06% to 10,811.41 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,834 points.The transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 2.27%.However, about 60% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.83bn or 0.44% to QR643.41bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The Gulf institutions turned bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 418 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank) valued at QR952 trade across one deal.The Arab funds were seen net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was down 0.06% and the All Islamic Index by 0.01%, while the All Share Index rose 0.07% in the main market.The transport sector index shrank 0.68%, telecom (0.;11%), banks and financial services (0.04%) and insurance (0.04%); while real estate gained 1.42%, consumer goods and services (0.84%) and industrials (0.27%).Major shakers in the main market included Nakilat, QIIB, Doha Bank, Doha Insurance, Widam, Food, Lesha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Meeza and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Ezdan, Medicare Group, Beema, Mekdam Holding, QNB, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Mazaya Qatar, Barwa and Vodafone Qatar were among the movers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the tune of QR12.65mn compared with net buyers of QR2.25mn on Tuesday.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the extent of QR6.97mn against net buyers of QR2.04mn the previous day.The Arab funds were net profit takers to the tune of QR0.27mn compared with no major net exposure on July 15.The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened marginally to QR31.27mn against QR34.47mn on Tuesday.However, the domestic funds turned net buyers to the extent of QR8.05mn compared with net sellers of QR6.58mn the previous day.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR2.55mn against net sellers of QR0.23mn on July 15.The local retail investors’ net profit booking declined noticeably to QR20.31mn compared to QR29.62mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individuals’ net selling shrank perceptibly to QR1.68mn against QR2.35mn the previous day.The main market saw 57% jump in trade volumes to 204.16mn shares, 43% in value to QR563.57mn and 53% in deals to 28,432.In the venture market, a total of 7,249 equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across four transactions.

Market Eye Positive signals emanating from the US in inflation and tariff had their influence on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Tuesday gained more than 48 points and capitalisation added about QR4bn. The foreign funds turned net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.45% to 10,817.85 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,763 points. The banks, industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 2.33%. About 52% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.94bn or 0.62% to QR640.58bn mainly on mid and small cap segments. The Arab individual investors turned bullish in the main market, which saw as many as 4,620 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across three deals. The domestic funds’ weakened net selling had its influence on 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. However, the local retail investors turned net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index rose 0.45%, the All Islamic Index by 0.23% and the All Share Index by 0.55% in the main market. The banks and financial services index gained 0.85%, industrials (0.57%), realty (0.53%) and consumer goods and services (0.17%); while telecom declined 0.73%, insurance (0.16%) and transport (0.04%). Major gainers in the main market included Mannai Corporation, QNB, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Meeza, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qamco, Qatar Electricity and Water, Barwa and Ezdan. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ooredoo, Doha Bank, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Baladna, Al Mahhar Holding, Milaha and Vodafone Qatar were among the losers in the main market. The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR34.47mn compared with net sellers of QR12.97mn the previous day. The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR2.25mn against net profit takers of QR0.44mn on Monday. The domestic institutions’ net selling weakened noticeably to QrR6.58mn compared to QR12.5mn on July 14. The foreign individual investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR0.23mn against QR0.39mn the previous day. However, the Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR29.62mn compared with net buyers of QR9.24mn on Monday. The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking expanded perceptibly to QR2.35mn against QR0.02mn on July 14. The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR2.04mn compared to QR17.08mn the previous day. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth consecutive session. The main market saw 29% jump in trade volumes to 130.05mn shares and 14% in value to QR395.06mn but on 10% decline in deals to 18,627. In the venture market, a total of 8,792 equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across five transactions.

A multi-pronged strategy - which includes strong industry-academia collaboration, targeted upskilling and reskilling and enhanced workforce inclusion - has been recommended by the Qatar Financial Centre and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainable growth of Qatar’s financial sector.Stressing that bridging the gap between education and labour market needs requires more than ad hoc co-ordination; the joint report of the QFC and the ILO suggested that relevant stakeholders must institutionalise co-operation mechanisms to ensure sustained alignment of supply and demand.In this regard, it said there is a need to establish structured engagement platforms involving QFC, financial institutions such as the Qatar Investment Authority, local banks, universities, and training providers to co-design curricula that reflect industry needs, especially in fintech, risk management, and data analytics.Highlighting the need for leveraging the newly established Financial Sectoral Council as the formal co-ordination body for this dialogue; the report said with representation from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar’s universities, Qatar Career Development Center, and other key stakeholders, the council can lead on defining skills priorities, setting qualification frameworks, and overseeing workforce planning.It suggested expanding joint academic-industry programmes, including dual education pathways, executive education courses, and industry-endorsed certification programmes.There is a need to ensure frequent curriculum reviews are aligned with evolving global trends, regulatory shifts, and digital transformation in the financial sector as well as to promote applied research collaborations among academia, industry, government, and global organisations to support evidence-based policymaking and innovation.Elaborating on the targeted upskilling and reskilling programmes; the joint report suggested addressing skills deficiencies and preparing the workforce for technological advancements, targeted training initiatives should be prioritised on high-impact areas.It recommended incentivising firms to adopt structured in-house training programmes, particularly for mid-career professionals, possibly through cost-sharing schemes; and designing modular training programmes tailored to support various stages of professional development, entry-level, midcareer, and senior leadership, with a focus on digital skills, regulatory compliance, and financial innovation.It also suggested improving Arabic proficiency among technical professionals through bilingual training to enhance communication and inclusion; and integrating mentorship and leadership development frameworks, especially for women and Qatari talent, to enhance retention and progression to senior roles.The QFC-ILO report suggested partnering with global institutions to deliver specialised programmes on emerging technologies and areas such as AI (artificial intelligence), business intelligence tools, blockchain, cybersecurity, and ESG (environmental, social and governance) finance.On enhancing workforce inclusion; it suggested fostering an inclusive workforce, promoting a diverse participation within the workforce is essential for long-term sustainability and competitiveness.There is a need to design targeted recruitment campaigns for underrepresented groups, particularly women, highlighting career pathways, flexible working options, and purpose-driven roles in finance; expand access to scholarships, internships, and entry level programmes for women and young Qataris, building early exposure to financial sector careers; and establish inclusive leadership and mentoring programmes that reflect gender-sensitive approaches and support retention.There is also a need to create sector-specific incentives, such as in-work benefits, career development programmes, and flexible work models, to attract and retain national talent in high demand areas; and develop internal mobility frameworks within QFC institutions to support progression and reduce turnover.

Market EyeThe continuing US tariff tension played spoilsport in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which saw an across the board selling, leading to 61 points decline in the key index and more than QR3bn erosion in capitalisation.The foreign funds were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.56% to 10,769.65 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,822 points.The transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 1.88%.More than 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.28bn or 0.51% to QR636.64bn mainly on small and microcap segments. The domestic institutions turned bearish in the main market, which saw mere 598 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank) valued at QR1,358 trade across one deal.The foreign individuals were seen net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the local retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.1mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.05bn change hands across two transactions.The Total Return Index shed 0.56% and the All Islamic Index by 0.35% and the All Share Index by 0.52% in the main market.The transport sector index shrank 0.81%, telecom (0.68%), banks and financial services (0.56%), insurance (0.41%), industrials (0.39%), consumer goods and services (0.3%) and real estate (0.29%). Major losers in the main market included Meeza, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Oman Investment, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Ezdan, Barwa, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar, Nakilat and Gulf Warehousing. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Estithmar Holding, Al Mahhar Holding, Al Meera and Widam Food were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR12.97mn compared with net buyers of QR27.43mn the previous day.The domestic funds were net profit takers to the extent of QR12.5mn against net buyers of QR1.74mn on July 11.The foreign individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.39mn compared with net buyers of QR1.48mn on Sunday.However, the Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR17.08mn against net sellers of QR2.06mn the previous day.The Qatari individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR9.24mn compared with net sellers of QR23.72mn on July 11.The Arab individuals’ net profit booking weakened substantially to QR0.44mn against QR3.74mn on Sunday.The Gulf retail investors’ net selling decreased noticeably to QR0.02mn compared to QR1.12mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth consecutive session. The main market saw 3% shrinkage in trade volumes to 101mn shares but on 24% jump in value to QR345.69mn and 57% in deals to 20,634.In the venture market, a total of 0.23mn equities valued at QR0.63mn changed hands across 27 transactions.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week on a cautious note with investors awaiting clarity on the US tariff policy. The domestic funds were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, as the 20-stock Qatar index settled marginally higher by 0.03% to 10,830.72 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,794 points. The telecom, real estate, consumer goods and insurance counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains widened to 2.46%.More than 45% of the traded constituents were however in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.21bn or 0.03% to QR639.92bn mainly on microcap segments. The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw 8,733 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across eight deals.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.03% and the All Islamic Index by 0.21%, while the All Share Index was down 0.03% in the main market.The telecom sector index increased 0.53%, realty (0.23%), consumer goods and services (0.22%) and insurance (0.21%); while banks and financial services declined 0.12%, transport (0.1%) and industrials (0.04%).Major gainers in the main market included Meeza, Estithmar Holding, Vodafone Qatar, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and Qamco. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciated in value.Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Ahlibank Qatar, Gulf International Services, Dlala and Doha Insurance were among the shakers in the main market. The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.74mn compared with net sellers of QR4.12mn on July 10. The foreign individual investors’ net buying increased marginally to QR1.48mn against QR1.41mn last Thursday. The Gulf institutions’ net selling declined noticeably to QR2.06mn compared to QR12.74mn the previous trading day.

Commercial Bank, a leader in innovative digital banking solutions, has successfully hosted an exclusive 'Trade Finance and Cross-Border Transactions' workshop at Commercial Bank Plaza.The event brought together enterprise clients for an immersive session designed to optimise international trade, covering corporate internet banking for seamless international transfers, and strategic credit financing solutions.The workshop provided critical insights into navigating sanctioned markets while maintaining compliance, equipping attendees with practical tools to manage cross-border transactions efficiently.Participants engaged in networking discussions, fostering collaboration among diverse industry counterparts, and reinforcing Commercial Bank’s role as a catalyst for trade growth."In today’s interconnected global economy, businesses need strategic partners who make cross-border trade seamless. This workshop provided practical insights, from advanced digital transaction solutions to effective risk mitigation strategies, empowering our clients to navigate international markets with confidence and clarity," said Fahad Badar, EGM, Chief Wholesale and International Banking Officer.By combining technical expertise with real-world applications, Commercial Bank continues to bridge the gap between regional businesses and international opportunities, solidifying its position as Qatar's premier trade finance partner.