Santhosh V. Perumal

Non-resident deposits within Qatar’s banking system witnessed a robust 21.75% year-on-year expansion to QR164.26bn in November 2018

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Tuesday continued its bearish spell for the third consecutive day to settle below 10,700 levels, mainly dragged by local retail investors and domestic funds.

Qatar Stock Exchange fell for the second straight session, mainly dragged by transport, insurance, consumer goods and industrials sectors.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Sunday opened the week weak as six of the seven sectors were under profit-booking pressure.

Foreign and domestic institutions’ increased buying interests helped the Qatar Stock Exchange reach two-year high last week, reflecting the positive sentiments in view of the robust macroeconomic fundamentals.

Fiscal balances are set to weaken across much of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) in 2019, maintaining pressure on some sovereign balance sheets, according to Fitch, a global credit rating agency.

The transport, real estate and insurance counters on Thursday witnessed stronger demand, leading the Qatar Stock Exchange to inch near 10,800 levels.

A robust expansion in loans — especially to services, real estate and general trade — helped Doha’s commercial banks’ domestic credit offtake report about 4% year-on-year growth to QR861.15bn in November 2018, according to the Qatar Central Bank.