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Qatar's non-energy private sector saw further improvement in business conditions in March with companies completing the outstanding work at the fastest rate in six months, even as cost pressures remained “stable”, according to the Qatar Financial Centre's purchasing managers index (PMI).Output, new orders, employment and purchasing activity all increased since February, and the 12-month outlook improved, according to the PMI survey data, compiled by S&P Global.The Qatar PMI indices are compiled from survey responses from a panel of around 450 private sector companies. The panel covers the manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services sectors, and reflects the structure of the non-energy economy according to official national accounts data.The headline PMI is a composite single-figure indicator of non-energy private sector performance. It is derived from indicators for new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of purchases.The PMI registered 50.6 in March, down slightly from 51.0 in February. The latest figure remained above the no-change mark of 50.0 and thereby signalled a sustained improvement in business conditions in the non-energy private sector economy.The three largest components of the PMI – output, new orders and employment – all registered above 50.0 in March, indicative of month-on-month expansions. As has been the case for the past four months, shorter suppliers' delivery times and a reduction in input stocks both weighed slightly on the headline figure.“The PMI remained firmly in stable territory in March, reflecting further growth in output, new orders and employment in the Qatari non-energy economy. In the first quarter of 2024, the headline index has trended in line with the average for the fourth quarter of 2023, indicating sustained economic growth," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, QFC Authority chief executive officer.Demand for goods and services in Qatar's non-energy economy continued to expand in March, it said, adding firms linked growth to new customers, competitiveness and high-quality products."The rate of growth eased slightly, enabling a faster reduction in the volume of outstanding business," the PMI said."Looking ahead towards the next 12 months, companies were optimistic on growth in March. Overall sentiment was linked to new clients, development strategies and efforts to raise profitability," it said.Qatari firms continued to expand their workforces, extending the current sequence of growth to over a year. Purchases of inputs rose for the first time in three months, albeit only slightly, as firms continued to deplete inventories.Pressure on supply chains remained limited as lead times were shortened for the twenty-third successive month.Average input prices were broadly stable in March, with similar trends for both wages and purchase costs and output prices rose for the first time in five months at the fastest rate since February 2023, suggesting improved profitability at Qatari non-energy private sector firms at the end of the first quarter."The latest data also signalled improving profitability. Input costs were broadly flat over the month, but charges for Qatari goods and services rose the most in over a year, pointing to higher margins," al-Jaida said.Qatari financial services companies recorded further growth in volumes of total business activity and new contracts in March. The seasonally adjusted Financial Services Business Activity and New Business Indices posted 51.2 and 50.7 respectively.

The AFC Asian Cup continued to have its positive contribution to Qatar's hospitality sector, which saw considerable improvement in room yield this February, as the country recorded double-digit growth in visitor arrivals, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The hotels' overall revenue-per-available-room surged on an annualised basis on increasing average room rate and occupancy. Four-star hotels as well as deluxe and standard hotel apartments saw higher than average room yield growth in the review period, according to PSA data.The robust yearly occupancy comes amidst visitor arrivals of 595,934 in February 2024. On a yearly basis, the total visitor arrivals shot up 53.1% in the review period.Visitors arriving by flight reported a 64.43% year-on-year jump to 284,771 (48% of total arrivals) in February 2024 and through land by 75.37% to 231,660 (39%); while those arriving through sea were down 5.29% to 79,503 (13%).The visitor arrivals from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) were 252,760 or 42% of the total; followed by Europe 161,223 (27%), other Asia (including Oceania) 96,036 (16%), other Arab countries 49,250 (8%), the Americas 28,971 (5%), and other African countries 7,694 (1%) in February 2024.On an annualised basis, the visitor arrivals from other Arab countries soared 113.1%, the GCC by 72.9%, other African countries by 68.8%, other Asia (including Oceania) by 34.4%, Europe by 33.4% and the Americas by 26.2% in February 2024.On a month-on-month basis, the visitor arrivals to Qatar fell 15.2% with those coming from the GCC declining 31.7%, other African countries by 14.2%, other Asia (including Oceania) by 7.4%, the Americas by 7.4% and other Arab countries by 4.5%; while those from Europe shot up 17.5% in the review period.Qatar's hospitality sector saw an 83.4% year-on-year surge in rooms yield to QR453 in February 2024 as average room rate increased by 23.2% to QR531 and occupancy by 28% to 85%.The five-star hotels' room yield soared 73.81% year-on-year to QR584 as average room rate grew 18.91% to QR698 and occupancy by 27% in the review period.The four-star hotels room yield zoomed 106.02% on a yearly basis to QR274 as the average room rate shot up 32.92% to QR323 and occupancy by 30% to 85% in February 2024.The three-star hotels' room yield expanded by 78.62% on an annualised basis to QR259 this February as average room rate grew 47.87% to QR278 and occupancy by 16% to 93%.The two-star and one-star hotels' room yield increased by 60.14% year-on-year to QR221 as the average room rate rose 28.99% to QR218 and occupancy by 20% to 102% in February this year.The deluxe hotel apartments registered a 96.63% surge in room yield to QR409 with the average room rate escalating 20.93% to QR468 and occupancy by 34% to 88% in the review period.In the case of standard hotel apartments, room yield shot up 110.53% year-on-year to QR240 in February 2024 as the average room rate increased by 42.34% to QR316 and occupancy by 25% to 76%.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) yesterday lost about 70 points on profit booking pressure, especially in the banks and financial services sector. .text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px; }@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;} } **media[130236]** The foreign funds were seen increasingly into net selling as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.71% to 9,794.48 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,882 points. The Gulf institutions were also increasingly bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 9.57%. The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR2.91bn or 0.51% to QR569.32bn with small and microcap segments leading the pack of gainers. The Arab retail investors were increasingly into net selling in the main market, which saw as many as 459 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR1,217 trade across five deals. However, the local retail investors were seen bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills. The Total Return Index declined 0.38% and the All Share Index by 0.36%, while the All Islamic Index was up 0.04% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The banks and financial services sector index shrank 1.02%, transport (0.11%) ad telecom (0.07%); while real estate gained 0.93%, consumer goods and services (0.45%), industrials (0.4%) and insurance (0.32%). Major losers in the main bourse included Commercial Bank, Medicare Group, QIIB, Nakilat, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Electricity and Water and Ezdan. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, more than 53% of the traded constituents extended gains with major movers being Qatari German Medical Devices, Qamco, Milaha, Barwa, QLM, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Gulf International Services, Mazaya Qatar and Gulf Warehousing were among the gainers in the main bourse. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR18.14mn compared to QR14.85mn on April 1. The foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened considerably to QR17.12mn against QR0.61mn the previous day. The Arab individual investors’ net selling grew marginally to QR0.36mn compared to QR0.02mn on Monday. The domestic institutions’ net buying declined substantially to QR0.63mn against QR121.93mn April 1. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR0.36mn compared to QR2.06mn the previous day. However, the Qatari individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR27.32mn against net sellers of QR105.7mn on Monday. The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR7.86mn compared with net sellers of QR2.81mn on April 1. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the eighth straight session. Trade volumes in the main market fell 8% to 134.29mn shares and value by 23% to QR417.67mn, while deals were up 2% to 14,986. The venture market saw flat trade volumes at 0.03mn equities but on 20% plunge in value to QR0.04mn and 50% in transactions to 3.

Qatar's maritime sector witnessed brisk activities in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024 on an annualised basis on the back of higher container handling, vehicles (RORO), livestock and building materials through Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports, according to the official estimates.The positive momentum in the maritime sector is expected to continue in the light of 12-month optimistic outlook, especially for the country’s non-energy private sector, as indicated by the latest purchasing managers’ index of the Qatar Financial Centre.The container handling through the three ports stood at 351,564 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in Q1-2024, surging 4.07% year-on-year. The containers handled was seen at the maximum in March at 136,851 TEUs.In March this year, Hamad Port registered a new volume of container moves for one ship, the MSC CLORINDA, at the equivalent of 10,400 TEUs with the crane productivity at 39.1 gross moves per hour and the vessel productivity at 173 gross moves per hour.Hamad Port – which features an intermodal transport network that offers direct and indirect shipping services to more than 100 destinations, facilitating efficient transportation and logistics services locally and abroad – saw a total of 136,501 TEUs in March 2024.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.Coinciding with Ramadan, the three ports were seen handling 221,125 livestock heads in January-March this year, showing a 46.26% surge year-on-year. The heaviest movement of livestock through three ports was reported in March at 118,569 units. Hamad Port alone handled 11,993 livestock heads in March 2024.The building materials traffic through the three ports amounted to 142,886 tonnes in the review period, which shot up 6.13% on a yearly basis. In March, as much as 52,242 tonnes of building materials were handled by ports.The three ports handled as many as 19,200 RORO in the first three months of 2024, registering a 4.46% increase on an annualised basis. In March this year, RORO movements was to the tune of 5,971 units, of which 5,936 was through Hamad Port.The number of ships calling on Qatar's three ports stood at 647 in January-March 2024, which saw a 2.56% decline compared to the previous year period. March 2024 saw the maximum number of ships berthed at 232, of which 126 was at the Hamad Port.The general cargo through three ports amounted to 367,350 tonnes in Q1-2024, plunging 40.52% on an annualised basis. Cargo handling in March this year stood at 139,097 tonnes.Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock – was seen handling 123,134 freight tonnes (F/T) of breakbulk and 10,000 F/T of bulk in March this year.

Reflecting the optimism in the global markets on upbeat Chinese manufacturing data, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday gained more than 17 points after remaining under.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**bearish spell for the previous five sessions.The domestic institutions’ substantially strengthened net buying gave an impetus to the 20-stock Qatar Index, which rose 0.18% to 9,864.41 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,798 points.The insurance, banks, industrials and real estate counters experienced higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 8.92%.As much as 64% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.64bn or 0.29% to QR572.23bn with small cap segments leading the pack of gainers.The Gulf retail investors were increasingly into net buying in the main market, which saw as many as 6,141 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across five deals.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.The Total Return Index gained 0.47% and the All Share Index by 0.5%, while the All Islamic Index was down 0.09% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The insurance sector index shot up 1.44%, banks and financial services (0.89%), industrials (0.85%), realty (0.45%) and consumer goods and services (0.24%); whereas transport and telecom declined 2.09% and 1% respectively.Major gainers in the main market included Qamco, Qatari German Medical Devices, Dlala, Mekdam Holding, Qatar Insurance, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, United Development Company, Milaha, Doha Insurance, QIIB, Zad Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Vodafone Qatar and Ooredoo were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR121.93mn compared to QR5.75mn on March 31.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR2.06mn against QR0.46mn the previous day.The foreign funds’ net profit booking declined considerably to QR0.61mn compared to QR8.44mn on Sunday.The Arab individual investors’ net selling weakened markedly to QR0.02mn against QR2.5mn on March 31.However, the Qatari individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR105.7mn compared with net buyers of QR3.04mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions turned net profit takers to the extent of QR14.85mn against net buyers of QR1.34mn on Sunday.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.81mn compared with net buyers of QR0.35mn on March 31.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the seventh straight session.Trade volumes in the main market grew 19% to 146.23mn shares, value by 82% to QR545.93mn and deals by 48% to 14,738.The venture market saw an 86% plunge in trade volumes to 0.03mn equities, 84% in value to QR0.05mn and 81% in transactions to 6.

Doha's listed companies have reported a cumulative net profit of QR47.44bn in 2023 with banks and industries contributing about 80% to the total net earnings, according to the.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**data compiled by the Qatar Stock Exchange.However, the net earnings of the listed companies was seen declining 3.03% year-on-year in January-December 2023 against a 10.28% growth in 2022, reflecting the challenging macroeconomic environment amidst geopolitical uncertainties and high interest rate environment.The 2023 net profitability contraction was on account of double-digit decline in the earnings in the industrials sector as well as marked slowdown in the net profit growth in the real estate, telecom and transport sectors.The industrials sector, which has 10 listed constituents, saw a 35.94% year-on-year plunge in net profitability to QR9.46bn in 2023 compared to a 9.4% jump in 2022. The sector contributed 19.94% to the overall net earnings of the listed entities in 2023 against 30.19% in 2022.Within the industrials sector, the country’s underlying firms that have direct linkages with the hydrocarbons sectors saw their earnings growth weaken substantially owing to the subdued demand across most commodity sectors.The consumer goods and services sector, which has 13 listed entities, saw its total net profit tank 4.73% year-on-year to QR1.76bn at the end of 2023 against a 1.07% dip in 2022. The sector contributed 2.94% to the overall net profitability in the review period against 3.76% in 2022.The telecom sector, which has two constituents, reported net profit of QR3.56bn, which was 7.5% of the total net profits in 2023 against 5.85% the previous year period. The sector had reported 24.22% growth in net profit in 20223 compared to 664.76% in 2022.The realty segment, which has four listed entities, saw total net earnings grow 6.46% year-on-year to QR1.76bn in 2023 against a 32.12% surge in 2022. The sector constituted 3.71% to the overall net profitability in 2023 compared to 3.37% in 2022.The transport sector, which has three listed constituents, saw total net profits grow 4.14% year-on-year to QR2.8bn compared to 16.88% surge in 2022. The sector's net profit constituted 5.9% to the total net profit of the listed companies in 2023 against 5.49% in 2022.The banks and financial services sector, which has 13 listed entities, reported a 7.64% year-on-year jump in total net profit to QR28.47bn against a 7.91% expansion in 2022. The sector contributed 60.01% to the total net profits of the listed companies in January-December 2023 compared to 54.04% in 2022.The insurance sector, which has seven companies, registered a 73.12% annual decline in net earnings to QR0.36bn against 173.92% contraction in 2022. The sector contributed 0.76% to the overall net profitability in 2023 against 2.74% in January-December 2022.The proposed mandatory health insurance and the substantial expansion planned in the North Field are slated to augur well for the insurance sector in the future, according to reports.

The concerns on the US inflation data before its release on Friday had its lingering effect on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), whose key index shed as much as 268 points and.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[158522]**market capitalisation erode QR15bn this week.The local retail investors were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 2.62% this week which saw Fitch, an international credit rating agency, upgrade Qatar’s seven banks, following the upgrade of sovereign rating.The transport, insurance and banking counters experienced higher than average selling pressure this week which saw QatarEnergy and Nakilat sign a long-term charter agreement for 25 liquefied natural gas vessels.The foreign institutions were seen bearish in the main market this week which saw Masraf Al Rayan and Aamal Company begin negotiations for selling the former’s stake Ci-San Trading.The Gulf individuals’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse this week which saw the QSE move to ‘T+2’ settlement cycle from ‘T+3’.More than 88% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Fitch upgrade Nakilat’s credit rating to ‘AA-‘ from ‘A’ with stable outlook.However, the domestic funds turned bullish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.03mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.06mn trade across 12 deals.The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market this week which saw as many as 2,573 Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.03mn change hands across six transactions.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the banks and real estate sectors together constitute about 57% of the total trade volumes.Market capitalisation melted QR14.78bn or 2.51% to QR574.22bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.Trade volumes and turnover were on the increase in both the main and junior bourses his week which saw Masraf Al Rayan enter into pact with Edaa for dividend distribution.The Total Return Index tanked 2.36%, the All Share Index by 2.49% and the All Islamic Index by 2.15% this week.The transport sector index plummeted 4.25%, insurance (3.28%), banks and financial services (2.92%), realty (2.24%), consumer goods and services (1.81%), industrials (1.21%) and telecom (1.1%) this week.Major losers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Insurance, Doha Insurance, Zad Holding, Qatari German Medical Devices, Widam Food, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Lesha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Dlala, Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan, Barwa, Milaha, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Mekdam Holding, United Development Company, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the gainers in the main bourse this week.The Qatari individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR41.07mn against net buyers of QR37.42mn the week ended March 21.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the extent of QR2.38mn compared with net buyers of QR53.71mn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR2.45mn against QR2.72mn a week ago.However, the domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR21.91mn compared with net sellers of QR77.06mn the week ended March 21.The foreign retail investors’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR12.18mn against QR6.74mn the previous week.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR5.79mn compared with net profit takers of QR24.22mn a week ago.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR1.11mn against QR0.78mn the week ended March 21.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure compared with net sellers to the tune of QR0.11mn the previous week.The main market witnessed less than 1% jump in trade volumes to 688.19mn shares, 12% in value to QR2.22bn and 5% in deals to 70,265 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes zoomed 62% to 0.42mn equities, value by 60% to QR0.64mn and transactions by 11% to 61.

Qatar saw a 3.4% month-on-month jump in trade surplus to QR18.07bn in February 2024 as shipments to South Korea registered expansion, according to the official estimates.Total exports (valued free on board) were QR28.17bn, while the total imports (cost, insurance and freight) amounted to QR10.1bn in the review period, said the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority. However, the trade surplus shrank 21.1% year-on-year in February 2024.The country's total exports of domestic goods amounted to QR28.17bn, which declined 8.8% and 9.2% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in February 2024.As much as 66% of Qatar's exports went to the Asian/South Asian countries in the review period.Qatar's shipments to China amounted to QR7.19bn or 25.5% of the total exports of the country in February this year, followed by South Korea QR4.53bn (16.1%), India QR3.16bn (11.2%), Singapore QR1.93bn (6.9%) and Japan QR1.66bn (5.9%).On a monthly basis, the country's exports to South Korea shot up 8.38%; whereas those to Japan plummeted 25.59%, India by 22.02%, Singapore by 16.55% and China by 3.88% in the review period.On a yearly basis, Qatar's exports to China soared 18.89%; while those to Japan plunged 50.64%, India by 20.37%, Singapore by 14.56% and South Korea by 10.23% in February 2024.The country’s exports of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons shrank 10.7% month-on-month to QR17.58bn, crude by 9.9% to QR4.47bn and non-crude by 20.3% to QR1.64bn; while those other commodities were up 0.8% to QR3.16bn in February 2024.On a yearly basis, the exports of petroleum gases were seen declining 10.4%, crude by 7%, non-crude by 33.1% and other commodities by 2.9% in the review period.The share of petroleum gases in the country's total export basket has been declining on an annualised basis, while those of crude and non-crude were on the increase.Petroleum gases accounted for 65.41% of the total exports in February 2024 compared to 65.13% a year-ago period, crude 16.65% (15.93%), non-crude 6.11% (8.13%) and others 11.77% (10.82%).Qatar's total imports showed a 24.8% decline on a monthly basis but soared 24.6% on an annualised basis in February 2024.The country's imports from China amounted to QR1.47bn or 14.5% of the total imports; followed by the US QR1.31bn (12.9%), the UK QR0.83bn (8.2%), India QR0.63bn (6.2%) and Germany QR0.54bn (5.4%) in the review period.On a monthly basis, the country's imports from India declined 23.6% and China by 17.41%; whereas those from the UK expanded 90.53%, the US by 37.33% and Germany by 20.22% in February 2024.On a yearly basis, Qatar's imports from the UK more than tripled; those from the US shot up 23.32%, China by 15.98%, India by 12.88% and Germany by 4.64% in the review period.In February 2024, the group of "Motor Cars & Other Motor Vehicles for The Transport of Persons” was at the top of the imported group of commodities and valued at QR0.5bn, which increased 28.4% year-on-year.In second place was the "Electrical Apparatus for Line Telephony/Telegraphy, Telephone Sets Etc. and parts thereof" group, which saw imports of QR0.35bn, an increase of 26.7% on an annualised basis in February 2024.The imports of "Parts of Aeroplanes or Helicopters” were valued at QR0.29bn, showing an increase of 37.4% on an annualised basis.

International credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings has upgraded seven Qatari banks on the country's upgrade.The rating agency has upgraded QNB's long-term (LT) issuer default ratings (IDRs) to 'A+' from 'A' and affirmed the short-term (ST) IDR at 'F1'.Fitch has also upgraded the LT IDRs of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Dukhan Bank, QIIB and Ahlibank Qatar to 'A' from 'A-' and their short-term IDRs to 'F1' from 'F2'.The outlooks on all LT IDRs are "stable".The banks' viability ratings (VRs) and ‘xgs’ (ex-government support) ratings are unaffected. ‘xgs’ communicates Fitch’s view of the creditworthiness of an entity or financial obligation excluding assumptions of extraordinary government support.The rating actions follow the upgrade of Qatar's sovereign rating to 'AA' (with stable outlook) and they reflect the agency's view of the increased ability of the Qatari authorities to support the banks.Qatar's sovereign rating upgrade reflects Fitch's greater confidence that debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) will remain in line with or below the 'AA' peer median after falling sharply in recent years, while Doha's external balance sheet will strengthen from an already strong level. Qatar is likely to retain budget surpluses until the 2030s a result of the North Field expansion.Qatar's 'AA' ratings are supported by large sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA), one of the world's highest ratios of GDP per capita and a flexible public finance structure.The seven banks' IDRs are driven by sovereign support, as reflected in their government support ratings (GSRs). The "stable" outlooks reflect that on the Qatari sovereign rating.The banks' GSRs of 'a’ are in line with Fitch's D-SIB GSR of 'a'; reflecting Fitch's view that the Qatari authorities have a strong propensity to support domestic banks, irrespective of their size or ownership.They also have a strong ability to do so, as indicated by the sovereign rating and substantial net foreign assets and revenue, albeit weakened by the Qatari banking sector's high reliance on external funding and rapid asset growth in recent years. The 'a' GSR for Qatari D-SIBs is three notches below the sovereign 'AA' IDR.The seven banks' short-term IDRs of 'F1' are the lower of two options mapping to 'A+' and 'A' long-term IDRs because a significant proportion of the banking sector's funding is government-related, and financial stress at these banks likely to come at a time when the sovereign itself is experiencing some form of stress.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday lost more than 68 points and its key index fell below 10,000 points, as the US inflation data concerns had its repercussions for the third straight.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**session.Dragged mainly by telecom, insurance and transport sectors, the 20-stock Qatar Index lost 0.68% to 9,958.01 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,031 points.The domestic funds were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 8.06%.As much as 61% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR3.03bn or 0.53% to QR573.77bn with small and microcap segments leading the pack of losers.The Gulf institutions turned bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 795 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR7,957 trade across one deal.The foreign institutions were seen net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.68%, the All Islamic Index by 0.65% and the All Share Index by 0.63% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The telecom sector index tanked 1.4%, insurance (1.29%), transport (1.06%), banks and financial services (0.89%), consumer goods and services (0.48%) and real estate (0.08%); while industrials gained 0.2%.Major losers in the main market included Doha Insurance, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Al Khaleej Takaful, Baladna, Milaha, Qatar Islamic Bank, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, QLM, Ezdan, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Meeza, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Beema, United Development Company and Mazaya Qatar were among the gainers in the main bourse.In the venture, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR37.99mn compared with net buyers of QR135.64mn on March 26.The Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR15.94mn against net buyers of QR2.48mn on Tuesday.The foreign funds turned net profit takers to the tune of QR0.17mn compared with net buyers of QR11.32mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying declined perceptibly to QR0.25mn against QR0.4mn on March 26.The foreign retail investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR4.27mn compared to QR4.46mn on Tuesday.However, the Qatari individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR44.14mn against net sellers of QR150.01mn the previous day.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.45mn compared with net profit takers of QR4.3mn on March 26.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 31% to 123.12mn shares, value by 27% to QR428.23mn and deals by 5% to 14,198.The venture market saw a 30% contraction in trade volumes to 0.07mn equities, 27% in value to QR0.11mn and 23% in transactions to 10.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday saw its key index plummet more than 122 points and capitalisation erode QR9bn, reflecting the global concerns, ahead of the US inflation.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**data.An across the board selling, particularly in the banks and industrials counters, dragged the 20-stock Qatar Index 1.2% to 10,092.68 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,213 points.The foreign institutions were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 6.81%.More than 89% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR8.9bn or 1.51% to QR579.03bn with large and midcap segments leading the pack of losers.The Gulf institutions’ lower net buying interests had its marginal influence in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn trade across eight deals.However, the local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 1.19%, the All Islamic Index by 0.78% and the All Share Index by 1.37% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The banks and financial services sector index tanked 1.71%, industrials (1.36%), real estate (1.12%), transport (0.83%), consumer goods and services (0.71%), insurance (0.55%) and telecom (0.54%).Major losers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Qatari German Medical Devices, Lesha Bank, QNB, Doha Bank, Dlala, Meeza, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan and Nakilat. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Mekdam Holding, Al Meera and Qatari Investors Group were the three constituents that extended gains to investors in the main bourse.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR36.72mn compared with net buyers of QR20.58mn on March 24.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased marginally to QR8.59mn against QR9.36mn the previous day.However, the local retail investors’ net buying increased drastically to QR42mn compared to QR0.73mn on Sunday.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR6.24mn against net profit takers of QR2.15mn on March 24.The foreign individuals’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR1.38mn compared to QR0.37mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR0.97mn against QR0.2mn on Sunday.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking shrank perceptibly to QR22.45mn compared to QR29.08mn on March 24.The Arab funds had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shot up 29% to 136.21mn shares, value by 68% to QR461.64mn and deals by 69% to 16,344.The venture market saw 91% plunge in trade volumes to 0.02mn equities, 91% in value to QR0.03mn and 91% in transactions to 3.

Qatar's stock market will move to 'T+2' settlement cycle from 'T+3', effective from today, in a bid to help investors receive their cash faster and substantially.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**reduce the operational and counterparty risks.The strategic move focuses on shortening the settlement period at the Qatar Stock Exchange and complements the Qatar financial market development initiatives. The move to T+2 further align the Qatar's capital market with international standards and make it more attractive to both domestic and foreign investors.The endeavour is to follow the best international practices in the global financial markets in order to provide the best ways and functions to enhance the efficiency of Qatar’s securities market.The settlement cycle has remained at trade date plus three business days (T+3) in Qatar, where the global fund managers have been eyeing the fastest growing economy due to its strong macro fundamentals, especially after Doha unveiled its plans to enhance its liquefied natural gas production from the present 77mn tonnes per annum, which offered indirect benefits to the private sector as well.The ‘T+2’ settlement cycle ensures seamless international fund management, which in turn, helps in enhancing the competitive edge of the Qatari capital market, market sources said.In conjunction with the launch of T+2 settlement, the QSE has amended the covered short selling procedures for exchange traded fund (ETF) units, and of the market maker, liquidity provider and qualified investor.A key industry demand has been to shorten the settlement cycle in view of Qatar having the necessary enablers such as the market and technological infrastructure.A cost-benefit analysis of the shortened settlement cycle has found that major bourses across the world favour shortened settlement period as it helps reduce clearing and settlement risk as well as the overall costs for the securities' industry, thus making the market safer.The significant improvements in straight through processing and the underlying technology over the last few years call for a shortened settlement cycle, which at this point of time greatly improves volume and liquidity in the system, market experts said.

Qatar's fiscal breakeven oil price is expected to decline to $50 a barrel in 2027 from $64 this year, with the first phase of the North Field expansion to start supporting fiscal revenue fully from 2026 and the second phase in 2027, according to Fitch, a global credit rating agency."This reflects our expectation that new spending commitments will amount to a modest fraction of the new liquefied natural gas (LNG) revenue. Qatar's spending plans on economic diversification are more modest than regional peers," said Fitch after upgrading Doha's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) to 'AA' from 'AA-' with "stable" outlook.The upgrade reflects Fitch's greater confidence that debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) will remain in line with or below the 'AA' peer median after falling sharply in recent years, while Qatar's external balance sheet will strengthen from an already strong level.Qatar's 'AA' ratings are supported by large sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA), one of the world's highest ratios of GDP per capita and a flexible public finance structure.The country is also likely to retain budget surpluses until the 2030s a result of the North Field expansion, it said, adding QatarEnergy plans to expand LNG production capacity from 77mn tonnes per year (Mtpa) to 110Mtpa by end-2025, 126 Mtpa by end-2027 and announced a further expansion to 142Mtpa by end-2030."We assume that QatarEnergy will cover $12.5bn of core project costs out of its 2021 bond issuance and a similar amount from its cash flow, spread until 2028, on top of contributions by partners," the rating agency said.Highlighting that funding plans for the 2030 phase will depend on hydrocarbon prices at that time; it said North Field projects will support both hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon growth over 2025-30.QatarEnergy will also cover a significant share of the costs of the ancillary projects associated with the expansion, including downstream plants that will brings its petrochemical capacity to over 15Mtpa.QatarEnergy owns 70% of the Golden Pass LNG project (16Mtpa) in Texas, which will start production in 2024, bringing new revenue to the budget via the dividends of hydrocarbons bellwether.Projecting debt/GDP to fall to about 47% of GDP in 2024 and 45% in 2025, from a peak of 85% in 2020, the rating agency said this reflects our expectation that the government will continue to repay maturing external debt in 2024 ($4.8bn) but is likely to refinance its $2bn 2025 maturity in 2024, and will gradually pay down some of its domestic debt."The subsequent debt path will depend on how the government chooses to deploy its fiscal surpluses," Fitch said.The persistence of a high global bond yield environment could encourage Qatar to continue to allocate a share of its surpluses to deleveraging beyond 2025, although baseline assumes that external debt is rolled over, it said."Our debt metrics include government overdrafts with local banks (QR48bn at end-2023), which the government does not include in its headline figure," it said.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday saw 60% of its traded constituents appreciate in value but overall it settled marginally higher, a day after the US Federal Reserve maintained.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**status quo on the interest rate.The local retail investors were seen increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.08% to 10,211.22 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,190 points.The telecom, insurance, industrials, banking and consumer goods saw higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed to 5.72%.The foreign individuals were seen increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.39bn or 0.07% to QR589bn with microcap segments leading the pack of gainers.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 5,180 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.01mn trade across three deals.The Gulf institutions were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.19%, the All Share Index by 0.19% and the All Islamic Index by 0.09% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The telecom sector index shot up 1.2%, insurance (0.37%), industrials (0.34%), banks and financial services (0.27%) and consumer goods and services (0.2%); while transport and real estate declined 1.12% and 0.26% respectively.Major movers in the main market included Mannai Corporation, Doha Insurance, Ooredoo, Qatar Electricity and Water, Al Meera, Qamco and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, QLM, Dukhan Bank, Medicare Group, Nakilat, Qatar Oman Investment, Mazaya Qatar, Ezdan and Milaha were among the losers in the main bourse.The local retail investors’ net buying increased considerably to QR17.5mn compared to QR2.11mn on March 20.The foreign individual investors’ net buying grew markedly to QR2.38mn against QR0.36mn the previous day.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.88mn compared with net sellers of QR0.94mn on Wednesday.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.6mn against net profit takers of QR2.02mn on March 20.However, the domestic institutions’ net selling expanded significantly to QR20.34mn compared to QR11.11mn the previous day.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.89mn against net buyers of QR9.2mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.11mn compared with no major net exposure on March 20.The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.02mn against net buyers of QR0.53mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market increased 17% to 136.03mn shares and value by 13% to QR386.85mn, while deals were down 2% to 13,592.The venture market’s trade volumes were rather flat at 0.03mn equities, but saw 25% surge in value to QR0.05mn despite 33% lower transactions at 6.

Reflecting the caution in the regional markets, and ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s meeting on rates, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday declined more than 24 points..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The transport, insurance and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index fell 0.24% to 10,203.46 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,245 points.The Arab individuals were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 5.79%.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR0.87bn or 0.15% to QR588.61bn with microcap segments leading the pack of losers.The foreign individuals’ lower net buying also had its say on the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across seven deals.The domestic institutions continued to be net sellers, but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.2%, the All Share Index by 0.19% and the All Islamic Index by 0.12% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The transport sector index tanked 1.58%, insurance (1.13%), telecom (1.03%) and consumer goods and services (0.58%); while real estate gained 0.2%, industrials (0.2%) and banks and financial services (0.05%).More than 59% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Nakilat, Mazaya Qatar, Alijarah Holding, Doha Bank, Medicare Group, Woqod, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Meeza, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Estithmar Holding, United Development Company, Industries Qatar and Qamco were among the gainers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR0.94mn compared with net buyers of QR5.95mn on March 19.The foreign institutions’ net buying declined noticeably to QR9.2mn against QR14.44mn the previous day.The local retail investors’ net buying weakened considerably to QR2.11mn compared to QR8.8mn on Tuesday.The foreign individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.36mn against QR0.63mn on March 19.However, the Gulf individuals’ net buying expanded marginally to QR0.53mn compared to QR0.26mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking shrank notably to QR11.11mn against QR22.66mn on Tuesday.The Gulf institutions’ net selling weakened markedly to QR2.02mn compared to QR7.42mn on March 19.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the seventh consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market decreased 18% to 116.02mn shares and value by 21% to QR341486mn, while deals were up 1% to 13,817.The venture market saw a 57% contraction in trade volumes to 0.03mn equities, 64% in value to QR0.04mn and 40% in transactions to 9.

Mazaya Qatar is contemplating new projects this year as part of efforts to strengthen its real estate portfolio and enhance revenues.The company's two projects in Lusail - Voya and Vera Towers - are expected to be completed by 2026, its chairman Sheikh Salman bin Hassan al-Thani said in the board of directors’ report, which was presented before the shareholders at the annual general assembly meeting."During 2024, Mazaya will continue its activity in the real estate development sector with new projects that contribute to the development of its real estate portfolio and enhance the company's revenues," he said.The focus will also be on developing vacant lands and fully exploiting assets to generate returns, he said, adding in the coming years, it will continue its operations in developing its services, maintaining its partnerships, and contributing to national development in alignment with Qatar’s objectives in the third phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030.The meeting, presided over by Ibrahim Jeham al-Kuwari, vice-chairman, approved the financial results of 2023 and the 2.5% cash dividend.Regarding income-generating assets, Mazaya Qatar’s portfolio has been enhanced with new income-generating assets, the latest being "Gold Plaza Complex."As a result, the number of units owned by the company that are available for lease in both residential and commercial sectors has reached 1,694 units, with the occupancy rate across all units reaching approximately 98%.As for the plots owned by it, Mazaya Qatar's portfolio included five plots both within and outside Qatar. Mazaya Qatar has four plots in Dubai, of which it sold three in the Rawaiya area in a deal worth QR32.3mn, while it currently considering either to develop or sell its existing plot in Dubai Island.He said company is currently studying the development of a project on Al Meshaf plot and will announce it upon completion of the study.The Voya residential tower project includes 119 residential units, ranging from apartments and chalets, offered for sale.The residential units vary from one-bedroom units to four-bedroom units. The tower provides comprehensive amenities such as outdoor activities, swimming pools, gym and health club, as well as direct access to the beach for recreation and marine sports.The Vera Tower comprises 91 residential units spread across 14 floors, with an additional two penthouse floors.The residential units feature a contemporary and practical design; offer a variety of one and two-bedroom options, each with balconies providing private outdoor spaces for residents. The tower also provides comprehensive amenities, including outdoor activities, swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness club, in addition to a designated children’s play area.

Ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s meeting on a decision regarding interest rates, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday fell more than 32 points..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The telecom and transport counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.32% to 10,227.62 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,302 points.The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 5.57%.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.16bn or 0.2% to QR589.48bn with small and microcap segments leading the pack of losers.The foreign individuals’ lower net buying had its influence in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.06mn trade across 10 deals.The Gulf retail investors’ lower net buying had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.32%, the All Share Index by 0.24% and the All Islamic Index by 0.25% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The telecom sector index declined 0.89%, transport (0.33%), banks and financial services (0.24%), industrials (0.2%), real estate (0.12%) and consumer goods and services (0.06%); while insurance gained 0.19%.Major losers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Doha Bank, Ooredoo, Mazaya Qatar, Zad Holding, Qamco, Barwa and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Meeza, Inma Holding, Qatar Insurance, Qatari Investors Group, Qatar National Cement, Ezdan, Vodafone Qatar and Gulf Warehousing were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking soared notably to QR22.66mn compared to QR12.33mn on March 18.The Gulf institutions’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR7.42mn against QR5.87mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net buying declined noticeably to QR0.63mn compared to QR2.97mn on Monday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.26mn against QR0.49mn on March 18.However, the foreign institutions’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR14.44mn compared to QR13.96mn the previous day.The local retail investors’ net buying increased considerably to QR8.8mn against QR4.67mn on Monday.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR5.95mn compared with net sellers of QR3.77mn on March 18.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the sixth consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market decreased 19% to 142.33mn shares, value by 13% to QR429.96mn and deals by 11% to 13,703.The venture market saw 13% shrinkage in trade volumes to 0.07mn equities and 8% in value to QR0.11mn but on 15% jump in transactions to 15.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday rather treaded a flat course despite strong buying interests in the transport, industrials and telecom sectors..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The foreign individuals were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled at 10,259.95 points although it touched an intraday high of 10,203 points.The local retail investors were increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses were at 5.27%.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.9bn or 0.15% to QR590.64bn with small cap segments leading the pack of gainers.The Arab individuals’ lower net profit booking had its say in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.13mn trade across 15 deals.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was up 0.09% and the All Share Index by 0.06%, while the All Islamic Index eased 0.09% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The transport sector index gained 1.23%, industrials (0.63%), telecom (0.56%), consumer goods and services (0.2%) and real estate (0.2%); while insurance declined 1.45% and banks and financial services 0.33%.Major gainers in the main market included Zad Holding, Meeza, Ahlibank Qatar, Nakilat, Gulf Warehousing, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company, Mazaya Qatar and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Doha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Dukhan Bank, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qamco, Qatar Insurance and Vodafone Qatar were3 among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The local individual investors’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR4.67mn compared to of QR4.37mn on March 17.The foreign retail investors’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR2.97mn against QR0.4mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined markedly to QR5.87mn compared to QR9.42mn on Sunday.The Arab individual investors’ net selling shrank marginally to QR3.77mn against QR4.21mn on March 17.However, the domestic funds’ net profit booking soared notably to QR12.33mn compared to QR10.62mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased drastically to QR13.96mn against QR18mn on Sunday.The Gulf individuals’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR0.49mn compared to QR1.48mn on March 17.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market increased 49% to 175.38mn shares, value by 49% to QR495.45mn and deals by 47% to 15,470.The venture market saw a 60% surge in trade volumes to 0.08mn equities, 50% in value to QR0.12mn and 8% in transactions to 13.