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The Qatar Stock Exchange index ended the current week's trading with a decline of 0.370 %, losing 37.47 points to reach the 10,028-point level, under pressure from three sectors.In this context, financial analyst Mubarak al-Tamimi told Qatar News Agency that the QSE experienced a corrective phase during this week's trading. This occurred as the general index approached a key resistance level at 10,205 points, a point where it encountered selling pressure driven by profit-taking, following strong gains across most market sectors, which saw growth rates exceeding 10% during the week.He indicated that the current decline is part of a natural corrective movement, as several stocks had reached overbought levels following a recent rally. He noted that profit-taking does not necessarily signal a shift in the overall market trend; it reflects an attempt to consolidate gains and establish new buying positions.Al-Tamimi that the general index is currently facing an initial support level at 9,919 points, which represents an important technical milestone for the coming period. He noted that the market's ability to hold above this level would enhance the prospects for trading stability and the return of buying momentum.He noted that a break below the 9919-point level could push the index to test the next support level at 9857 points. This warrants close monitoring of market performance and liquidity flow over the coming sessions, as these serve as key indicators of investor sentiment.On the other hand, the analyst explained that if the general index returns to test the resistance level at 10,205 points and manages to surpass it, this would pave the way for targeting higher technical levels, specifically 10,487 points, followed by 10,719 points. This suggests potential for resuming an upward trend, provided that the buying momentum persists and the performance of bellwether stocks improves.Regarding liquidity, he noted that the market has reached levels not seen for some time. This reflects a resurgence of investment interest in the QSE, with signs that both local and foreign investment portfolios are entering the market, focusing specifically on bellwether stocks and companies with a significant relative weight in the index.Al-Tamimi pointed out that some stocks reaching their daily upper price limit reflects strong demand for a number of companies and indicates an improved investor appetite for the market, especially given the gains achieved across various sectors throughout the week.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index ended the week with a 6.27% gain, putting an end to a streak of weekly declines seen over the previous period.The index added 540.08 points, reaching the 9,151-point level, supported by gains across all sectors. The transportation sector recorded the largest increase at 7.04 %, followed by the banking and financial services sector with a 6.63 % rise.Financial analyst Mubarak al-Tamimi told QNA that the QSE saw the general index move sideways this week, remaining within a resistance range of 9,165 to 9,300 points. This occurred alongside a resurgence in buying momentum and an increase in liquidity levels, while a positive atmosphere, driven by developments in the region's geopolitical landscape and intensified mediation efforts, helped to bolster investor sentiment.He said the general index managed to catch its breath during the week, rebounding from its lows to reach 9,151 points. This recovery was driven by an improved appetite for risk and a return of liquidity to the market, spurred in particular by the emergence of investment and speculative opportunities in several stocks whose prices had fallen to attractive levels.He added that the market movements throughout the week reflect attempts to restore balance and establish a new price base, following the pressures faced by stocks in the recent period. He noted that sustained buying momentum and the inflow of liquidity are key factors that will support the index in the coming sessions.Al-Tamimi indicated that the general index is currently facing resistance levels between 9,165 and 9,300 points, noting that successfully surpassing this zone and stabilising above it would enhance the prospects for a continued upward trend.He noted that breaking through the 9,532-point level represents an important technical milestone, as it could pave the way for the index to test the 9,820-point level, provided that liquidity continues to flow and the market maintains its current buying momentum.On the other hand, he emphasised that the index's failure to break through resistance levels could keep trading within a sideways range, with continued fluctuation between buying and selling forces, making it essential to monitor trading volumes and liquidity to determine the market's short-term direction.The financial analyst pointed out that the Qatari market benefited from an influx of liquidity from the Gulf and abroad, coinciding with a decline in the prices of several stocks to levels he described as attractive, a situation that created opportunities for speculation and bargain-hunting among investors seeking quick gains.He added that the decline of some stocks to relatively low price levels encouraged a segment of traders to rebuild their positions, while improved sentiment helped boost trading activity and strengthen demand for stocks.Al-Tamimi indicated that the relative improvement in the region's geopolitical climate, combined with intensified mediation efforts, has had a positive impact on investor sentiment, given that the performance of financial markets is closely linked to the clarity surrounding regional risks.

Top brokerages expect the benchmark S&P 500 index to extend its rally in 2026, betting on AI momentum and strong corporate earnings, while the war in Iran continues to weigh on investor sentiment, reports Reuters. Strategists expect AI-led earnings strength to offset the short-term economic impact from the conflict in the Middle East, even as concerns over higher inflation and disruption to global energy flows persist. HSBC and UBS Global Wealth Management raised their index targets over the 8,000 mark, while Barclays also lifted its forecast to 7,950. 

As discussions for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas reach a pivotal stage, new findings from CNN data expert Harry Enten reveal a dramatic change in how Americans view the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.For the first time in over four decades of polling, a greater number of Americans now express support for Palestinians than for Israelis.“Back in October 2023, public opinion favored Israel by a wide 48-point margin,” Enten explained. “Today, that balance has flipped — Palestinians are ahead by a single point. We've never seen anything like this.”According to Enten, this marks the first recorded lead for Palestinians in U.S. sentiment regarding the long-standing Middle East dispute — a shift he described as “historic in its scale.”Democratic Voters Drive the ChangeThe most significant transformation has occurred within the Democratic Party. In 2023, Democratic voters leaned toward Israel by 26 points. That has now reversed, with Democrats backing Palestinians by 46 points — a massive 72-point swing.“It’s not just a shift — it’s a full-scale reversal,” Enten noted, adding that the war in Gaza, especially its toll on civilians, has had a strong impact on younger generations.Republican Views Split by AgeWhile Republican support for Israel remains strong overall, there's a clear generational divide emerging. Among Republicans over 50, Israel holds a 66-point advantage in sympathy. But that lead shrinks dramatically to just 25 points among Republicans under 50.“That’s a striking 40-point difference,” Enten said. “Younger Republicans are noticeably more open to the Palestinian perspective compared to older members of the party.”Majority of Americans Want Conflict to EndAlongside this shift in sympathy, there’s broad public backing for peace efforts. Recent polling shows that over 80% of Americans favor a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas:51% say it’s very or extremely important meanwhile, 31% consider it somewhat important“With negotiations underway and the possibility of hostages being released, the American public is clearly hoping for a resolution,” Enten said. “People want this war to come to an end.”