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QNB Group, one of the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, has posted a nine-month net profit of QR12.8bn, up 1% on the same period last year.Net profit before ‘Pillar Two Taxes’ reached QR13.9bn in nine months that ended on September 30, which is an increase of 9% compared to September 2024.Operating income increased by 9% to reach QR33.3bn, which reflects QNB Group’s “ability to maintain successful growth” across a range of revenue sources.Total assets (as on September 30, 2025) reached QR1,389bn, an increase of 9% on September 30, 2024, mainly driven by growth in loans and advances (by 11%) to reach QR1,001bn.Customer deposits increased by 6% to reach QR963bn (as on September 30, 2025) from the same period last year.QNB Group’s efficiency (cost to income) ratio stood at 23.3%, which is considered “one of the best ratios” among large financial institutions in the MEA region.The ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans stood at 2.9% (as on September 30, 2025), which is “one of the lowest” amongst financial institutions in the MEA region.This, QNB noted, reflects the “high quality” of the Group’s loan book and the effective management of credit risk.In addition, loan loss coverage ratio stood at 100%, which reflects the “prudent approach” adopted by QNB Group towards non-performing loans.Total equity (at the end of September this year) increased to QR121bn, up 7% on September 2024.Earnings per share reached QR1.31 in September this year.QNB Group’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) (as on September 30, 2025), amounted to 19.5%. Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR - as on September 30, 2025), amounted to 151% and 105% respectively.These ratios are higher than the regulatory minimum requirements of the QCB and Basel III reforms requirements.Group statistics: QNB Group’s presence spans some 28 countries across three continents operating from approximately 900 locations, over 5,000 ATMs supported by more than 31,000 staff.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index rose to 10,903 points at the beginning of Tuesday's trading, up 0.14%, or 15.06 points, compared to the previous session's close, supported by gains in four sectors. According to figures released by the QSE, the Telecoms sector led the gains, up by 0.32%, followed by Industrials (+0.17%), Banks and Financial Services (+0.09%), and Transportation (+0.03%). In contrast, Consumer Goods and Services slipped 0.03%, Real Estate declined 0.10%, and Insurance fell 0.71%. As of 10:00 am, trading volume totaled 13.668 million shares, with a turnover of QR 28.294 million across 1,838 transactions.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index gained 0.07% at the beginning of Thursday's trading, adding 7.74 points to reach 10,963 points, compared to the previous session's close, backed by three sectors. According to figures from QSE, the Industrial sector rose by 0.36%, the Real Estate sector increased by 0.04%, and the Banks and Financial Services sector edged up by 0.01%. Meanwhile, the Consumer Goods and Services sector fell by 0.12%, the Transport sector by 0.23%, the Insurance sector by 0.42%, and the Telecommunications sector by 0.74%. At 10:00 am, QSE recorded 2,565 transactions worth QAR 50.025 million, distributed over 21.752 million shares.

QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, announced the license approval has been received for a digital-first banking entity- ezbank, from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) in cooperation with Ajlan & Bros Holding, with a capital of SR2.5bn.This milestone, in cooperation with Ajlan & Bros Holding, reflects a commitment to supporting QNB Group’s vision for financial inclusion and digital transformation, as well as the broader economic development strategy.With ezbank, the goal is to introduce a new model of customer-centric banking built around innovation, efficiency, and accessibility.The license approval for ezbank is an important step in QNB Group’s ongoing efforts to transform the banking sector in the markets in which it operates, across 28 countries in three continents.The entity aims to offer a digital-first banking experience that is simple, inclusive, and secure, and to provide innovative solutions for the youth and entrepreneurs.The bank will use mobile-first platforms, AI-driven tools, and smart risk management to make transactions easier, increase access, and support digital economy.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index held steady above 11,000 points at the start of Tuesday's trading, rising by 0.27% and adding 29.16 points to reach 11,031 points compared to the previous session's close, backed by six sectors. QSE figures showed positive performance for the Transport sector at 1.26%, the Consumer Goods and Services sector at 0.65%, the Insurance sector at 0.65%, the Real Estate sector at 0.33%, the Industrial sector at 0.29%, and the Banks and Financial Services sector at 0.07%. In contrast, the Telecommunications sector recorded a negative performance of 0.05%. At 10:00 am, QSE recorded 2,854 transactions worth QR 55.3 million, and distributed over 16.551 million shares.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on Saturday announced investment opportunities valued at $450 billion across different sectors. His announcement came as he addressed the opening of the two-day Iraq Investment Forum in Baghdad. The Iraqi Prime Minister said that Iraq has recorded higher indicators of integration into the global economy, with the expansion of electronic payment systems and financial sector governance, adding that a dedicated conference will be held to present investment opportunities within the Development Road Project, the largest of its kind in the region. Total investments have surpassed $100 billion, confirming the soundness of the decisions to diversify Iraq's investment environment, Al Sudani said, pointing out that they launched the "Riyada" initiative, engaging over 500,000 young men and women, training 92,000 of them, which has resulted in 12,000 new projects funded through loans and 20,000 job opportunities. Partnerships with international companies have advanced investment in fertilizers, sulfur, phosphate, steel, construction, and food industries, he said, adding that Iraq has achieved unprecedented success in pharmaceutical manufacturing, marking a historic milestone in the country's industrial development. Today, 54 Iraqi factories have already begun exporting their products to regional and global markets, Al Sudani noted, while saying that the government has launched the largest housing projects in the region, attracting both direct and indirect investments and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.

The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed 13 new agreements with United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, and humanitarian organizations, with a total value exceeding US$133 million. The agreements reflect the State of Qatar's steadfast commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation as indispensable pillars for achieving sustainable development and shared prosperity worldwide. According to QFFD, these commitments are expected to benefit more than 8.3 million people globally, advancing progress in health, education, youth empowerment, food security, climate resilience, and economic development. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), held under the theme "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights." The agreements encompass both long-standing and new partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Gates Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF in support of the Generation Unlimited (GenU) initiative, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Inter-American Investment Corporation. The signing ceremonies were attended by HE Chairperson of the Board of Directors of QFFD, Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Vice-Chairperson of QFFD's Board of Directors Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, alongside senior representatives from partner organizations. Through these agreements, QFFD reiterated its firm belief that international solidarity represents the most effective path to addressing pressing global challenges. By providing flexible contributions, QFFD strengthens the institutional capacities of leading UN agencies and expands their reach to the most vulnerable. At the same time, targeted programs supported by innovative financing mechanisms will enhance women's health, strengthen food stockholding systems, sustain essential public services in conflict-affected countries, rehabilitate critical infrastructure for displaced communities, and create new opportunities for young people through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship. QFFD also prioritizes the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in line with the Doha Programme of Action (2022-2031), focusing on resilience-building and strengthening systems in communities most exposed to fragility. On the sidelines of UNGA80, HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani met with HE Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group Amina J. Mohammed. The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between the State of Qatar and the United Nations and their shared commitment to advancing a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. A series of additional high-level meetings were also held with development leaders to explore ways of enhancing cooperation in addressing global priorities. Speaking on the occasion, Director General of QFFD Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti stated: "QFFD believes that transformative change can only be achieved through collective action. These agreements reaffirm our commitment to work hand-in-hand with governments, the private sector, and international partners to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. They also underscore the importance of high-impact partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms in addressing persistent gaps and global challenges, ensuring solutions that are locally driven, scalable, and sustainable." These efforts align with the State of Qatar's strategy for international cooperation, whereby QFFD aims to address urgent humanitarian needs while simultaneously promoting long-term resilience, guided by the principles of multilateralism, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index declined by 0.59% at the beginning of Thursday's trading, losing 65.76 points to reach the level of 11,012 points, compared to the previous session's close, pressured by five sectors.Figures from QSE showed positive performances for Telecoms by 0.26%, and Consumer Goods and Services by 0.11%, while performance was negative for Transportation by 1.12%, Industrials by 0.78%, Banks and Financial Services by 0.50%, Real Estate by 0.39% and Insurance by 0.02%.At 10:00 AM, QSE recorded 3,514 transactions worth QR 60.260 million, distributed over 24.931 million shares.

Commercial Bank Financial Services (CBFS), in collaboration with Qatar University, hosted a two-day workshop at the university premises. The workshop was dedicated to sharing and promoting financial literacy amongst students.Led by industry experts, the workshop equipped students with practical tools and knowledge to support their investment journey, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute to Qatar’s growing economy. The first day covered Qatar’s local market, index selection methodology, and approaches to relative valuation and sector analysis. The second day introduced students to a typical career path in investment while exploring best practices in technical analysis.Through the workshop, students developed a deeper understanding of financial literacy and were encouraged to envision careers in business and investment.Hamad al-Shehri, General Manager of CBFS, commented: “At CBFS, we believe in the importance of a financially aware community, well-prepared for future economic challenges. “Through this workshop, we helped empower the next generation with the tools and confidence to lead Qatar’s future investment and financial future.”

QNB reported that the US dollar has maintained its status as one of the world's most important currencies and strongest financial assets over the past fifteen years, gaining more than 50 percent in value from the time of the global financial crisis and the European debt crisis (2008-2011) up to the second inauguration of Donald Trump as US president in 2025.In its weekly report, the bank said that the dollar's sustained rise was driven by the enduring outperformance of US financial markets and the reliance of global investors on dollar-denominated assets as a safe haven. Weak liquidity and heightened risk in both advanced and emerging economies drew capital flows into US Treasury bonds and equities, which benefitted from deep markets and unique advantages in security and innovation.However, QNB noted that the factors supporting the dollar's strength have come under significant pressure in 2025. The US Dollar Index (DXY) has fallen more than 10 percent since the start of the year, its largest annual drop since 1973, when President Richard Nixon ended the dollar's link to gold. The decline has been broad-based, spanning all major currencies in the index basket, including the euro, yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc.Trade-weighted, inflation-adjusted exchange rate measures continue to show the dollar as overvalued relative to historical norms, particularly over the long term, reflecting changes in trade patterns, economic imbalances, and inflation differentials.The report projected a marked decline in US exceptionalism, with growth and interest-rate differentials narrowing toward those of other advanced economies. QNB expects the gap in GDP growth between the United States and the euro area, which averaged 220 basis points in favor of the US in recent years, to shrink to about 70 basis points during 2025-2027. This shift is likely to be driven by US fiscal and immigration policies alongside more positive fiscal dynamics in the eurozone. The European Central Bank is expected to complete, or nearly complete, its monetary easing cycle, while the US Federal Reserve is forecast to implement significant interest-rate cuts through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.As a result, the real interest-rate spread between the US and the eurozone is projected to narrow from the current 170 basis points to zero by late 2026, which would favor a stronger euro and push the US Dollar Index lower. Because the euro makes up 57.6 percent of the DXY basket, even moderate euro appreciation could have a notable impact.The report also highlighted US efforts to restructure its economy by reducing the current-account deficit and encouraging the reshoring of strategic industries. These moves could cut trade surpluses among key partners and reduce capital flows that traditionally support the dollar. Adding to the pressure is the United States' negative Net International Investment Position (NIIP), estimated at about $24.6 trillion, which implies a gradual adjustment that could weigh on the currency.Despite these headwinds, QNB concluded that the current indicators do not point to an excessive or disorderly decline in the dollar in 2025. While the first half of the year has seen a sharp drop, continued selling pressure is more consistent with a gradual correction driven by elevated valuations and cyclical and structural economic factors rather than a collapse in confidence.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index rose by 0.40% at the beginning of trading Wednesday, increasing its balance by 44.12 points to reach 11,165 points, compared to the previous session's close, with support from most sectors.Figures from QSE showed a positive performance in most sectors, as the Banking and Financial Services sector rose by 0.58%, Industrial by 0.34%, Real Estate by 0.28%, Consumer Goods and Services by 0.19%, Telecoms by 0.11%, and Insurance by 0.01%, while Transportation recorded a negative performance of 0.12%.At 10:00 AM, QSE recorded 4,259 transactions worth QAR 92.856 million, and distributed over 40.217 million shares.

Qatar's non-energy sector rose for the seventh consecutive month, indicating the country's resilience amidst tariff uncertainties and elevated volatility in the global economy, particularly in the first half (H1) of 2025, according to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows will remain strong and is expected to pick up towards the tail-end of 2025, QFC said in its latest update."Qatar’s non-oil private sector PMI (purchasing managers’ index) averaged 51.1 for H1-2025 despite tariff uncertainty and geo-political risks. Qatar’s non-energy sector maintained its growth into second half of 2025," QFC said.Qatar’s economy continues to do well with the Standard & Poor Global PMI showing that the non-oil sector remains in expansion territory, while FDI inflows continue to increase and banking assets grow by 9% on an annualised basis. The real estate sector remains robust after a strong H1-2025.Inward FDI into Qatar has been comparatively strong in 2025, with the country having attracted $2.4bn (more than 86% of 2024 total FDI inflows) in FDI capex so far this year, the report said, adding FDI inflows into Qatar for 2025 have also contributed to the creation of 8,262 jobs so far."With four months left until the end of 2025, Qatar is well placed to attract FDI inflows in line with those witnessed in 2024 of $2.8bn," QFC said.Data from 2020-24 indicated that on average the last four months of the year see FDI inflows of $342.8mn on average, it said.Highlighting that the UAE, France and the US are the top three markets contributing to Qatar’s FDI inflows; the report said together these three contributed a total of $1.52bn or 62.9% of all FDI inflows into Qatar so far in 2025."The strong flow of inward FDI highlights the positive sentiment investors continue to have towards Qatar. We remain positive that FDI inflows will remain strong for the remainder of the year, as historically FDI inflows tend to pick up towards the tail-end of the year," the report said.Real estate transactions amounted to QR6bn in the second quarter of 2025, an 88.9% increase on an annualised basis. This growth builds on the momentum gained in the first quarter of 2025 where real estate activity totalled QR4.1bn, putting real estate deals for 2025 in excess of QR10.1bn, which is QR2.5bn more than in H1-2024.As of August 31, 2025, real estate activity equated to QR804mn with residential property accounting for 17% (QR137.1mn) of Qatar’s total real estate activity.The Qatar Stock Exchange was largely flat in August with the index rising from 11,187.76 on the first trading day 11,222.33 on the last trading day.