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Market EyeThe US interest rate cut hopes had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) , which Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining 39 points and capitalisation adding about QR2bn.The foreign institutions were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.35% to 11,131.75 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,101 points.The insurance and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 5.3%.The Arab retail investors were seen bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.82bn or 0.27% to QR664.41bn, mainly on small and microcap segments.The foreign individuals’ weakened net selling had its marginal effect on the main market, which saw as many as 4,688 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across seven deals.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, whose trade turnover shrank amidst higher volumes.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 net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.35%, the All Share Index by 0.3% and the All Islamic Index by 0.3% in the main market.The insurance sector index gained 0.53%, banks and financial services (0.4%), consumer goods and services (0.29%), industrials (0.22%), real estate (0.22%) and transport (0.11%); while telecom declined 0.25%.As many as 32 stocks gained, while 16 declined and four were unchanged.Major gainers in the main market include Mannai Corporation, Widam Food, Estithmar Holding, QLM, Qatar Islamic Bank, Industries Qatar and Ezdan.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Qatar National Cement, Ooredoo, Salam International Investment, Medicare Group and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR11.08mn compared with net sellers of QR6.73mn on September 11.The Arab individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR9.7mn against net sellers of QR2.29mn last Thursday.The Arab institutions’ net buying increased marginally to QR0.06mn compared to QR0.05mn the previous trading day.The foreign individual investors’ net profit booking shrank marginally to QR0.48mn against QR0.62mn on September 11.However, the domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR17.68mn compared with net buyers of QR5.56mn last Thursday.The local retail investors’ net profit booking strengthened noticeably to QR4.79mn against QR2.07mn the previous day.The Gulf individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR0.95mn compared with net buyers of QR0.92mn on September 11.The Arab institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR3.06mn against QR0.05mn last Thursday.The main market saw a 19% jump in trade volumes to 116.54mn shares but on 6% fall in value to QR277.74mn amidst 1% growth in deals to 18,063.In the venture market, a total of 1.32mn equities valued at QR3.41mn changed hands across 167 transactions.

Market EyeHeightened expectations of rate cut in the US had its overarching influence during the last leg of trading session of the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which continued to be on a bearish mode for the fourth consecutive week, but on a lesser note.The Arab individuals were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was down 0.05% this week which saw the QSE welcome the Gulf bourses' unified investor relations' guideline 2025 that is expected to enhance the collective ability to attract quality institutional investments at the local, regional, and international levels.The foreign retail investors were seen bearish in the main market this week which saw Doha Bank register 3.7 times oversubscription to its $500mn international bond.The domestic funds’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse this week which saw Baladna Food Industries, a subsidiary of Baladna, achieve a major milestone by securing an In-Country Value certification score of 82.47% under Qatar’s “Tawteen” programme.As much as 66% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Mannai Corporation shareholders approve board's decision to dispose of the UAE-based Damas International (a wholly-owned direct subsidiary) to Titan Holdings International.The Gulf institutions’ lower net buying had its effect on the main bourse this week which saw a total of 23,939 AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.06mn trade across 21 deals.The Gulf individuals’ weakened net buying had its effect on the main market this week which saw 1,648 Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.02mn change hands across 11 transactions.The Islamic index was seen making gains vis-à-vis decline in the other indices of the main market this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Market capitalisation was flat at QR662.59bn amidst selling pressure on microcap segments this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main market; while it was on the rise in the venture market this week which saw the consumer goods, industrials and realty sectors together constitute about 73% of the total trade volumes.The Total Return Index was down 0.05% and the All Share Index by 029%, while the All Islamic Index rose by 0.29% this week.The banks and financial services sector index tanked 1.21%, transport (0.89%), consumer goods and services (0.36%) and realty (0.1%); whereas telecom gained 3.06%, industrials (1.51%) and insurance (0.84%).The market was skewed towards shakers with as many 35 constituents declining, while 18 made gains this week.As much as 66% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market with major losers being Mannai Corporation, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Qatar Oman Investment, QNB, Al Mahhar Holding, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Dlala, Mekdam Holding, Gulf International Services, United Development Company, Mazaya Qatar, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Estithmar Holding, Ooredoo, QLM, Industries Qatar, Baladna, Meeza, Ezdan and Vodafone Qatar were among the gainers in the main market this week.The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR21.79mn compared with net buyers of QR20.51mn the previous week.The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.33mn against net buyers of QR7.8mn the week ended September 4.The domestic institutions’ net buying declined perceptibly to QR10.99mn compared to QR14.53mn a week ago.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened significantly to QR9.09mn against QR16.27mn the previous week.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR1.6mn compared to QR6.06mn the week ended September 4.The Arab institutions’ net buying decreased marginally to QR0.1mn against QR0.32mn a week ago.However, the Qatari individuals’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR53.63mn compared to QR7.61mn the previous week.The foreign institutions’ net selling weakened considerably to QR53.29mn against QR73.11mn the week ended September 4.The main market saw a 6% contraction in trade volumes to 538.14mn shares and 2% in value to QR1.62bn but on 2% jump in deals to 98,865 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes more than doubled to 2.72mn equities and value more than doubled to QR7.27mn on more than doubled transactions to 487.

Market Eye The foreign funds Wednesday hurriedly squared off their position in the Qatar Stock Exchange, which closed in the negative for the third straight session. The transport, insurance, industrials, consumer goods and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed more than 30 points or 0.27% to 11,077.07 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,119 points. The Arab individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 4.79%. About 79% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR2.02bn or 0.37% to QR661.33bn, mainly on small and microcap segments. The foreign retail investors were seen increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw as many as 2,642 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across six deals. However, the domestic funds were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shrank 0.27%, the All Share Index by 0.31% and the All Islamic Index by 0.14% in the main market. The transport sector index tanked 1.84%, insurance (0.73%), industrials (0.58%), consumer goods and services (0.41%), real estate (0.38%) and banks and financial services (0.1%); while telecom gained 1.24%. Major shakers in the main market include Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Milaha, Nakilat, Gulf Warehousing Company, Commercial Bank, Salam International Investment, Qatar Electricity and Water, and Mazaya Qatar. In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Ooredoo, QIIB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahlibank Qatar and Widam Food were among the gainers in the main market. The foreign institutions’ net selling expanded substantially to QR35.67mn compared to QR6.14mn the previous day. The Arab retail investors’ net selling strengthened noticeably to QR8.41mn against QR3.69mn on September 9. The foreign individuals’ net profit booking increased marginally to QR2.99mn compared to QR2.51mn on Tuesday. However, the domestic institutions’ net buying grew drastically to QR22.07mn against QR0.64mn the previous day. The local individual investors’ net buying rose perceptibly to QR18.36mn compared to QR15.44mn on September 9. The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.78mn against net profit takers of QR3.78mn on Tuesday. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying increased marginally to QR0.84mn compared to QR0.05mn the previous day. The Arab institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.05mn against no major net exposure for the last seven days. The main market saw 18% contraction in trade volumes to 101.23mn shares, 10% in value to QR354.14mn and 21% in deals to 19,895. In the venture market, a total of 0.5mn equities valued at QR1.31mn changed hands across 60 transactions.

The Pakistani community in Qatar has spoken in unison, condemning Israel’s latest attack on their adopted homeland as “patently unjust, unethical and deplorable.” For a diaspora that proudly calls Qatar “our second home,” the assault is not only seen as a violation of sovereignty but as an affront to a nation admired worldwide for its steadfast role as a mediator and voice of reason in one of the world’s most turbulent conflicts. Talking to 'Gulf Times' last night, these community leaders from across business, education, and civic forums rallied in solidarity, pointing to Qatar’s “unwavering moral clarity and compassion” in pursuing dialogue over confrontation.Fawad Rana, Chairman, Pakistan Business CouncilThe Israeli attack is a continuation of its policy of using brutal force instead of dialogue, but in this case it is particularly reprehensible given that Qatar has, in the face of huge odds, continued to mediate in good faith to resolve the conflict. The dastardly attack on a sovereign state that is admired globally for its role as a mediator and facilitator across the board is patently unjust, unethical and deplorable. We stand in complete solidarity with the State of Qatar and its honourable citizens, and believe that eventually, the high moral ground that it always holds, will eventually prevail.Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, Director, The Next Generation SchoolQatar stands out on the world stage for its unwavering dedication to diplomacy, peaceful dialogue, and its significant role as a mediator in international disputes. Qatar, our beloved second home, serves as a haven of safety and security, consistently demonstrating its genuine desire for peace and harmony. As residents of Qatar, we express our strongest condemnation of the Israeli infringement upon Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such actions undermine the principles upon which Qatar was founded and threaten the peace and security that we, as a community, cherish.Mohsin Mujtaba, Director, Product and Market Development, Qatar Stock ExchangeQatar has been our home for 22 years. What has kept us rooted here is our heartfelt conviction that Qatar stands with courage and dignity on the right side of history. Living here, we have been privileged to witness its unwavering moral clarity and compassion. The recent attacks, including yesterday’s, are a blatant violation of its sovereignty, targeting its principled stance on the two-state solution and its tireless efforts to secure a ceasefire through mediation and dialogue. But I’m confident history will honour Qatar, and we will remember this.Anwar Ali Rana, Chairman, Sohni DhartiAs a representative of the Pakistani community forum in Qatar, I strongly condemn the Israeli attack on Qatar, which is a clear violation of its sovereignty and international law. This act of aggression threatens peace and security, but we resolutely stand behind a country that has warmly welcomed and supported our community. The Pakistani diaspora stands in full solidarity with Qatar’s leadership and people, reaffirming their commitment to the nation’s safety, stability, and dignity. Such cowardly attacks only strengthens our resolve to support Qatar in its pursuit of justice and peace.Haroon Qureshi, Editor-in-Chief, Rahbar Kisan InternationalThe world has long admired Qatar’s foreign policy, built on friendship and peace for all nations. Yet Israel’s strike — carried out under the pretext of targeting Hamas inside Qatar — shocked everyone, and in reality, it must be seen as an attack on Qatar itself. Striking civilian areas and innocent people has always been Israel’s calling, and this latest act is nothing short of criminal, deserving the strongest condemnation. I pray that God keeps Qatar as a beacon of peace in the world, gives it the strength to stand firm against fascist regimes like Israel, and continues to protect and support this nation.

Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index fell at the beginning of Tuesday's trading by 0.41%, losing 45.25 points to decline to the level of 11,079 points, compared to the previous session's close, under pressure from four sectors. QSE figures showed positive performance for the insurance sector by 0.48%, the telecommunications sector by 0.27% and the consumer goods and services sector by 0.03%. Meanwhile, the banking and financial services sector saw negative performance by 0.65%, the transportation sector by 0.43%, the real estate sector by 0.23% and the industrial sector by 0.11%. At 10:00 AM, QSE recorded 3,091 transactions worth QAR 42.631 million, distributed over 13.713 million shares.

The main indicators on the US Wall Street stock exchange ended today's trading session higher. The S&P 500 index rose by 0.21 percent to close at 6,495.15 points. The Nasdaq Composite index increased by 0.45 percent, reaching 21,798.70 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 0.25 percent to register 45,514.95 points.

Market Eye The Qatar Stock Exchange Monday fell about seven points on selling pressure especially in the consumer goods, insurance and banking sectors. The domestic funds were seen net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was down 0.06% to 11,124.83 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,164 points. The foreign institutions turned net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 5.24%. The Gulf funds were seen bearish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation however added QR0.23bn or 0.03% to QR664.52bn, mainly on microcap segments. However, the local retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 2,657 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR8,041 trade across nine deals. The Arab individuals were seen net buyers 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. The foreign retail investors were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index was down 0.06%, the All Share Index by 0.03% and the All Islamic Index by 0.05% in the main market. The consumer goods and services sector index shed 0.52%, insurance (0.14%), banks and financial services (0.1%) and telecom (0.04%); while transport gained 0.47%, industrials (0.11%) and real estate (0.07%). About 58% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse with major shakers being Mannai Corporation, Al Mahhar Holding, QLM, Doha Bank, Estithmar Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar German Medical Devices, Baladna and Al Faleh Educational Holding. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Meeza, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Ezdan, Milaha, QNB, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat were among the gainers in the main market. The domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR22.44mn compared with net buyers of QR5.15mn on Sunday. The foreign institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR5.31mn against net buyers of QR0.56mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.18mn compared with net buyers of QR3.1mn on September 7. However, the local individual investors’ net buying expanded substantially to QR18.01mn against QR3.89mn on Sunday. The Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR4.61mn compared with net sellers of QR12mn the previous day. The foreign individuals’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR3.67mn against QR2.13mn on September 7. The Gulf retail investors were net buyers to the tune of QR2.63mn compared with net sellers of QR2.84mn on Sunday. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the sixth straight session. The main market saw 17% contraction in trade volumes to 97.91mn shares and 11% in value to QR301.26mn but on 83% jump in deals to 23,238. In the venture market, a total of 0.57mn equities valued at QR1.54mn changed hands across 140 transactions.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining 32 points to cross the 11,100 levels on an across the board buying.The insurance, telecom, transport and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.29% to 11,131.43 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,153 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.3%.The local retail investors’ higher net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.63bn or 0.25% to QR664.29bn, mainly on microcap segments.The foreign funds turned net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across seven deals.The domestic funds 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 faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign retail investors continued to bullish but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.29%, the All Share Index by 0.21% and the All Islamic Index by 0.35% in the main market.The insurance sector index gained 0.88%, telecom (0.55%), transport (0.43%), consumer goods and services (0.34%), real estate (0.21%), industrials (0.19%) and banks and financial services (0.11%).About 60% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market with major movers being Estithmar Holding, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Baladna, Doha Bank, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo and Milaha.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar National Cement, Beema, Lesha Bank, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Oman Investment, United Development Company and Vodafone Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR3.1mn compared to QR1.99mn the previous day.The local individual investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR3.89mn against QR3.46mn on September 4.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.56mn compared with net sellers of QR26.72mn last Thursday.However, the Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR12mn against net buyers of QR5.24mn the previous day.The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.84mn compared with net buyers of QR2.92mn on September 4.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR5.15mn against QR9.07mn last Thursday.The foreign retail investors’ net buying shrank markedly to QR2.13mn compared to QR4.04mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth straight session.The main market saw a 16% contraction in trade volumes to 118.22mn shares, 36% in value to QR272.64mn and 37% in deals to 12,708.In the venture market, a total of 0.64mn equities valued at QR1.77mn changed hands across 137 transactions.

A spate of inflation data confronts US stock investors in the coming week as markets grapple with fresh uncertainty over tariffs and government bond yields, while equities hover at lofty valuations. The benchmark S&P 500 index closed at a record high on Thursday despite an uneven start to September, which has been the worst month for stocks on average over the past 35 years. Stocks were pulling back on Friday after the monthly US employment report showed job growth weakened in August."September has been known to see a wearing down of the sentiment picture," said Matthew Miskin, co-chief investment strategist at Manulife John Hancock Investments. At the same time, he said, "stocks aren't pricing in a lot of risks right now. They look fully valued."The monthly US consumer price index on Thursday highlights next week's economic releases, with investors focused on signals from the inflation data about the prospects for interest rate cuts and the fallout from tariffs on prices. Following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's remarks late last month that flagged rising risks to employment, markets have been widely expecting the central bank to lower rates for the first time in nine months at its September 16-17 meeting.Investors bet on even more accelerated easing after the weak jobs report.Fed Funds futures were baking in a 90% chance of a quarter-point rate cut at the meeting, and a roughly 10% chance of a heftier half-percentage point cut, LSEG data as of Friday afternoon showed.Only a CPI number that comes in "egregiously higher" than estimates could dent assumptions of imminent monetary policy easing, said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth.About 70 basis points of easing, or nearly three standard cuts, are projected by December, according to the futures data.Recently, "the prospect of the Fed cutting has been the overwhelming factor driving equity sentiment to be more positive," Miskin said. "And so if that reverses, then it could be problematic for equities."Along with CPI, a Wednesday report on producer prices could also reveal impacts from import tariffs. Last month's PPI data showed US producer prices increased by the most in three years in July as the costs of goods and services surged. Tariffs and their economic implications were the main risk facing markets earlier this year, but other factors such as questions over Fed independence and caution about the artificial intelligence trade have been more prominent recently.The issue returned to the fore this week after a US appeals court ruled that most of President Donald Trump's tariffs are illegal. While the Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to hear a bid to preserve the sweeping tariffs, the ruling injected fresh uncertainty for markets."It felt as though the fog of trade war was clearing, and now we're just back into the thick of it," Hogan said. "And that doesn't help corporate America make decisions, consumers make decisions, and investors make decisions."The potential of lost tariff revenue exacerbating the US fiscal deficit was one factor investors said may have driven long-dated US government debt yields sharply higher at the start of the week, moves that also followed big jumps in yields in the UK and other regions. While long-dated yields globally have since calmed, their spikes were cited as contributing to stock weakness initially during the week.The 30-year US Treasury yield this week hit 5% for the first time in over a month. That yield level has been "problematic" for risk appetite over the past few years, said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. The long-bond yield was last around 4.78%, with yields falling broadly on Friday after the jobs data.The S&P 500 was up about 10% so far in 2025, helped recently by a solid second-quarter earnings season. The S&P 500's price-to-earnings ratio climbed to 22.4 times, based on earnings estimates for the next 12 months, a valuation well above its long-term average of 15.9, according to LSEG Datastream."Investors face ongoing threats from trade and tariff unknowns as well as potential economic releases that could ultimately challenge elevated stock valuations," Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise Financial, wrote in a commentary."That said, investors have been navigating those dynamics for months, and stocks have continued to grind higher."

Saudi Arabia’s battered stock market is looking increasingly attractive to foreign investors because of rock-bottom valuations and bets that the oil price won’t drop much further.Investors from beyond the Arabian Gulf accounted for 41% of total Saudi equities buying in the week ended August 28, one of the highest ratios on record, according to Saudi stock exchange data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.The flows signal that a rush of reforms making it easier for foreigners to buy Saudi stocks is working. For the time being, however, risks still have the upper hand with the Tadawul All Share Index down 11% year to date and domestic investors on the retreat, along with crude prices.Nishit Lakhotia, head of research at SICO Bank, said stock investors are currently pricing in a “worse-case scenario” for the Saudi market, which he expects to bottom out shortly, unless oil drops below $60 a barrel — which would amount to a roughly 10% drop from current levels.“We believe the momentum is still there in the economy, which does not warrant such depressed valuations,” he said. “While it’s hard to predict when exactly the market can turn, there will likely be a point — sooner than later — when smart investors will start buying.”The slump has made Saudi stocks look relatively attractive, with the benchmark index near the lowest price-to-earnings multiple in more than five years. Junaid Ansari, director of investment strategy and research at Kamco Investment Co, expects a sharp turnaround in sentiment from the fourth quarter, when investors start making allocations for 2026.“The Saudi market is an oversold market,” said Ansari. While foreigners have largely been net buyers, “the sellers are mainly institutions in Saudi Arabia which we believe are selling to focus on other investment opportunities in the Kingdom,” he said.Nevertheless, the weak oil market is weighing down Saudi assets. Brent crude is trading around $66 per barrel, well below the nation’s fiscal breakeven price of $94, according to Bloomberg Economics. If domestic investments by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund are included, the figure rises to $111.While foreigners accounted for about 35% of all Saudi stock purchases in August, continuing a strong trend, daily turnover on the market has dropped to the lowest level since 2023. This means that international investors are grabbing a bigger slice of a smaller pie.Still, the gloom over the kingdom’s stocks may be over-hyped, especially as a negative perception of earnings is in large part based on giants, such as Saudi Arabian Oil Company and Saudi Basic Industries Corp.Excluding Aramco and Sabic, Saudi stocks are showing roughly 7% profit growth, Kamco’s Ansari said. Even as the Tadawul index has declined, owners of Saudi National Bank and Saudi Telecom Co shares have seen 11% and 13% returns, respectively, so far this year.“Although earnings growth for 2025 and 2026 is among the lowest across emerging markets, valuations have become more attractive,” said Nenad Dinic, an emerging-markets equity strategist at Bank Julius Baer & Co Ltd.

Market EyeTracking weaker oil prices, the Qatar Stock Exchange Wednesday fell more than 41 points and its key barometer retreated below 11,200 levels as foreign funds hurriedly squared off their position.The telecom, industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.37% to 11,142.37 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,212 points.The foreign individuals were seen increasingly net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 5.4%.About 61% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR3.49bn or 0.52% to QR664.85bn, mainly on small and microcap segments.However, the Gulf institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 3,122 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR7,490 trade across seven deals.The local retail investors were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.37%, the All Share Index by 0.4% and the All Islamic Index by 0.27% in the main market.The telecom sector declined 0.71%, industrials (0.64%), realty (0.48%), banks and financial services (0.37%), insurance (0.36%) and transport (0.26%); while consumer goods and services was up 0.05%.Major shakers in the main market included Estithmar Holding, Commercial Bank, Al Mahhar Holding, Meeza, Mazaya Qatar, QNB, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Ezdan, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar and Milaha.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, Inma Holding and Widam Food were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR43.06mn compared with net buyers of QR10.76mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net profit booking increased marginally to QR0.66mn against QR0.41mn on September 2.However, the Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR11.81mn compared with net sellers of QR6.07mn on Tuesday.The local retail investors’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR11.65mn against QR2.15mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded substantially to QR10.86mn compared to QR3.91mn on September 2.The domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR8.63mn against net profit takers of QR10.75mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying increased marginally to QR0.77mn compared to QR0.4mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.The main market saw a 57% jump in trade volumes to 134.27mn shares and 54% in value to QR401.92mn on more than doubled deals to 30,365.In the venture market, a total of 0.69mn equities valued at QR1.87mn changed hands across 107 transactions.

Market Eye The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Tuesday gained eight points as the telecom, real estate and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand. The foreign funds were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was up 0.07% to 11,183.57 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,204 points. The Arab individuals were seen bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.79%. The local retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1bn or 0.15 to QR668.34bn, mainly on microcap segments. The Gulf individuals continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across 12 deals. The domestic institutions turned net sellers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net profit booking in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index was up 0.07% and the All Share Index by 0.09%; while the All Islamic Index fell 0.02% in the main market. The telecom sector index gained 0.26%, realty (0.24%), banks and financial services (0.2%) and insurance (0.05%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.63%, transport (0.02%) and industrials (0.01%). Major movers in the main bourse included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Ezdan, Qatar Insurance, Estithmar Holding and Nakilat. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Ahlibank Qatar, Woqod, Doha Bank, Meeza and Industries Qatar 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 noticeably to QR10.76mn compared to QR2.07mn the previous day. The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR3.91mn against net sellers of QR1.76mn on Monday. The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.15mn compared with net sellers of QR3.2mn on September 1. However, the domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR10.75mn against net buyers of QR1.21mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking strengthened markedly to QR6.07mn compared to QR1.26mn on Monday. The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.41mn against net buyers of QR5.64mn on September 1. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR0.4mn compared QR1.45mn the previous day. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session. The main market saw a 19% slump in trade volumes to 85.68mn shares and 6% in value to QR260.95mn but on 1% jump in deals to 14,534. In the venture market, a total of 0.21mn equities valued at QR0.56mn changed hands across 41 transactions.