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The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday kept up the bullish momentum for the fifth consecutive day and its key index gained as much as 28 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[165545]**The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.29% to 9,491.46 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,465 points.The industrials and insurance counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated further to 12.36%.The foreign individuals were seen bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.74bn or 0.32% to QR550.34bn on account of midcap segments.The Gulf retail investors’ weakened net profit booking had its marginal influence in the main market, which saw 0.07mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.19mn trade across 24 deals.However, the foreign funds were seen increasingly net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Gulf institutions were also increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Total Return Index gained 0.29%, the All Share Index by 0.31% and the All Islamic Index by 0.24% in the main market.The industrials sector index shot up 1.1%, insurance (0.51%), consumer goods and services (0.21%), telecom (0.13%) and banks and financial services (0.08%); while real estate declined 0.23% and transport was unchanged.Major gainers in the main market included Industries Qatar, Al Meera, Meeza, Qatar Insurance, Lesha Bank and Qatari German Medical Devices.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Doha Insurance, Qatar Oman Investment, Gulf Warehousing and Alijarah Holding were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased drastically to QR113.55mn compared to QR71.68mn on June 4.The foreign individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.77mn against net sellers of QR0.92mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR0.05mn compared to QR0.07mn on Tuesday.However, the foreign funds’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR73.36mn against QR49.55mn on June 4.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking expanded considerably to QR22.56mn compared to QR9.95mn the previous day.The Qatari individual investors’ net selling shot up substantially to QR15.89mn against QR8.85mn on Tuesday.The Arab retail investors’ net selling rose perceptibly to QR3.36mn compared to QR2.34mn on June 4.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were down 3% to 151.5mn shares, while value grew 3% to QR502.73mn despite 6% lower transactions at 17,321.The venture market witnessed a 36% contraction in trade volumes to 0.07mn equities, 39% in value to QR0.11mn and 35% in deals to 11.

The upturn in Doha's non-energy private sector gained notable momentum this May with output and new orders increasing at the fastest rates since the third quarter of 2023, according to the Qatar Financial Centre's purchasing managers index (PMI).The latest PMI survey data from the QFC compiled by S&P Global found companies continued to expand employment and the 12-month outlook improved. Inflationary pressures remained muted, with input prices broadly unchanged and output charges up only modestly since April, it said.All four broad sectors posted quicker expansions, led again by wholesale and retail and services. Although new business growth strengthened, companies were still able to reduce the volume of outstanding work during the month."The May results clearly indicate that the non-energy private sector has moved up a gear as we approach the halfway point of 2024," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, QFC Authority chief executive officer.The Qatar PMI indices are compiled from survey responses from a panel of around 450 private sector companies, which span manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services sectors and reflect 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 53.6 in May, up from 52 in April, rising further above the no-change mark of 50 and signalling the strongest improvement in business conditions in the non-energy private sector economy since last September.It was also above the long-run trend level of 52.3 (since April 2017). The 1.6-point increase in the PMI was among the largest registered over the past two years.The latest data signalled growing demand momentum in the non-energy economy. The level of incoming new work expanded at the sharpest rate in eight months, and faster than the long-run survey trend.Companies often mentioned that their reputations for high-quality products and services had attracted new clients.The accelerated increase in new business wins in May generated the fastest growth in total business activity since last August.Highlighting the strengthened confidence in the next 12 months, it said increasing optimism among non-energy private sector companies was linked to development plans and marketing campaigns, plus the introduction of new high-quality products and services.Faster growth of output and new orders was reflected in another increase in employment, it said, adding hiring activity was linked to company development goals, including efforts to speed up the delivery of high-quality services and to gain staff experienced in new technologies.Demand for inputs rose in May, as purchasing activity increased at the second-fastest rate in ten months.Lead times continued to improve, however, as firms reported building supplier relationships. Input stocks fell for the fifth time in six months as output growth accelerated.Cost pressures were broadly stable as average purchase prices declined, offsetting higher wages. Prices charged for goods and services increased for the second time in the past seven months, but at a slower rate than the previous hike in March.Qatari financial services companies recorded much faster growth in volumes of total business activity and new contracts in May.The seasonally adjusted Financial Services Business Activity and New Business Indexes rose to 12- and eight-month highs of 60.9 and 59.1, respectively, well above the equivalent indices for the non-energy private sector as a whole.Companies were increasingly optimistic regarding the 12-month outlook, with confidence the highest since last July 2023. Meanwhile, employment growth was maintained for the 14th successive month.

Renewed hopes of interest rates cuts in the US were seen reflecting in the Qatar Stock Exchange, which on Mondays saw a rollercoaster ride before settling more than 23 points higher..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[165545]**The telecom and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.25% to 9,408.52 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,386 points.The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 13.13%.However, about 61% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.89bn or 0.16% to QR546.22bn on account of microcap segments.The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net profit booking in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Arab retail investors were also seen increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Total Return Index gained 0.25%, the All Share Index by 0.16% and the All Islamic Index by 0.17% in the main market.The telecom sector index gained 0.64%, banks and financial services (0.34%), real estate (0.17%), industrials (0.07%) and consumer goods and services (0.04%); while insurance declined 0.91% and transport 0.3%.Major gainers in the main market included Medicare Group, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ooredoo and Barwa.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatari German Medical Devices, Lesha Bank, Estithmar Holding, QIIB, Salam International Investment, Meeza, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased drastically to QR105.43mn compared to QR16.79mn on June 2.The foreign individual investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.46mn against QR1.8mn the previous day.However, the foreign funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR63.06mn compared with net buyers of QR11.86mn on Sunday.The Gulf institutions’ net selling strengthened noticeably to QR25.13mn against QR11.5mn on June 2.The Qatari individuals’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR10.86mn compared to QR10.48mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net selling also expanded marginally to QR5.35mn against QR5mn on Sunday.The Gulf individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.55mn compared with net buyers of QR0.14mn on June 2.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were up 7% to 136.36mn shares, value by 22% to QR429.28mn and transactions by 17% to 15,394.The venture market witnessed a 33% contraction in trade volumes to 0.04mn equities, 40% in value to QR0.06mn and 14% in deals to 6.

Renewed hopes of interest rates cuts in the US were seen reflecting in the Qatar Stock Exchange, which on Monday saw a rollercoaster ride before settling more than 23 points higher.The telecom and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.25% to 9,408.52 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,386 points.The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 13.13%.However, about 61% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.89bn or 0.16% to QR546.22bn on account of microcap segments.The foreign institutions turned net sellers in the main market, which saw 0.85mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR1.32mn trade across 19 deals.The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net profit booking in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Arab retail investors were also seen increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Total Return Index gained 0.25%, the All Share Index by 0.16% and the All Islamic Index by 0.17% in the main market.The telecom sector index gained 0.64%, banks and financial services (0.34%), real estate (0.17%), industrials (0.07%) and consumer goods and services (0.04%); while insurance declined 0.91% and transport 0.3%.Major gainers in the main market included Medicare Group, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ooredoo and Barwa.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatari German Medical Devices, Lesha Bank, Estithmar Holding, QIIB, Salam International Investment, Meeza, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased drastically to QR105.43mn compared to QR16.79mn on June 2.The foreign individual investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.46mn against QR1.8mn the previous day.However, the foreign funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR63.06mn compared with net buyers of QR11.86mn on Sunday.The Gulf institutions’ net selling strengthened noticeably to QR25.13mn against QR11.5mn on June 2.The Qatari individuals’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR10.86mn compared to QR10.48mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net selling also expanded marginally to QR5.35mn against QR5mn on Sunday.The Gulf individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.55mn compared with net buyers of QR0.14mn on June 2.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were up 7% to 136.36mn shares, value by 22% to QR429.28mn and transactions by 17% to 15,394.The venture market witnessed a 33% contraction in trade volumes to 0.04mn equities, 40% in value to QR0.06mn and 14% in deals to 6.

Qatar's maritime sector saw brisk business year-on-year this May with more vessels calling on Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports, leading to higher cargoes, container handling, vehicles (RORO) and livestock through the three ports, according to the official data.The positive momentum in the ports reflects the 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 number of ships calling on Qatar's three ports stood at 242 in May 2024, which saw 6.61% and 26.04% increase year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.Hamad Port, whose strategic geographical location offers opportunities to create cargo movement towards the upper Gulf, supporting countries such as Kuwait and Iraq and south towards Oman, saw as many as 129 vessels call (excluding military) in the review period.A total of 1,081 ships had called on the three ports during January-May this year.The general and bulk cargo handled through the three ports surged 158.19% on an annualised basis to 213,492 freight tonnes in May 2024. However, it was seen declining 9.32% month-on-month in May 2024.Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock – handled 136,716 freight tonnes of breakbulk and 52,654 freight tonnes of bulk in May 2024.A total of 816,274 freight tonnes of general and bulk cargoes were handled by the three ports during the first five months of this year.The container handling through the three ports saw 29.6% and 41.98% year-on-year and month-on-month jump respectively to 123,530 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in May this year.The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhance ease of doing business and support economic diversification, which is one of the most vital goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.Hamad Port, which is the largest eco-friendly project in the region and internationally recognised as one of the largest green ports in the world, saw 122,238 TEUs this May.The container volume at the three ports totalled 562,099 TEUs during January-May 2024.The three ports handled 10,632 RORO (vehicles) in May 2024, which registered 71.1% and 1.92% growth year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in May 2024.Hamad Port alone handled 10,610 units this May. A total of 40,264 RORO units were handled by three ports during January-May 2024.Qatar's automobile sector has been witnessing stronger sales, especially in heavy equipment, private motorcycles and private vehicles, according to the latest data of the National Planning Council.The three ports were seen handling 58,374 livestock in May 2024, which showed 19.3% and 198.24% surge on yearly and monthly basis respectively. As many as 299,342 livestock heads were handled by three ports during the first five months of this year.The building materials traffic through the three ports stood at 40,094 tonnes this May, which declined 35.8% year-on-year but shot up 67.53% month-on-month.As much as 206,911 tonnes of building materials were handled by Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports during January-May this year.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with key index gaining as much as 65 points on the back of buying interests, especially in the consumer.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[165545]**goods and transport counters.Foreign funds were seen bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.71% to 9,385.45 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,452 points.The Gulf retail investors were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 13.34%.More than 63% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.49bn or 0.64% to QR545.33bn on account of small cap segments.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market, which saw 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.12mn trade across 20 deals.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The local retail investors were seen net sellers in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Total Return Index gained 0.71%, the All Share Index by 0.59% and the All Islamic Index by 0.45% in the main market.The consumer goods and services sector index tanked 4.02%, transport (1.31%), banks and financial services (0.5%) and real estate (0.25%); while insurance declined 1%, industrials (0.13%) and telecom (0.01%).Major gainers in the main market included Woqod, Ahlibank Qatar, Nakilat, Medicare Group, Dlala, Lesha Bank and Qatari German Medical Devices. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Milaha, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Insurance, Gulf International Services and Widam Food were among the shakers in the main bourse.The foreign funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR11.86mn compared with net sellers of QR105.83mn on May 30.The Gulf individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.14mn against net sellers of QR0.6mn last Thursday.The Gulf institutions’ net selling declined substantially to QR11.5mn compared to QR62.61mn the previous trading day.However, the Qatari individuals turned net profit takers to the tune of QR10.48mn against net buyers of QR58.89mn on May 30.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR5mn compared with net buyers of QR1.17mn last Thursday.The foreign individuals turned net profit takers to the tune of QR1.8mn against net buyers of QR6mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened drastically to QR16.79mn compared to QR102.71mn on May 30.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.27mn last Thursday.Trade volumes in the main market plummeted 63% to 127.08mn shares, value by 75% to QR352.91mn and transactions by 51% to 13,191.The venture market witnessed flat trade volumes at 0.06mn equities and value at QR0.1mn despite 46% lower deals at 7.

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has developed the infrastructure for the much-touted Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project, which represents an important milestone and a strategic step towards building a digital economy in the country.The project, which will enter its first experimental phase extending to October 2024, aims to achieve a set of primary objectives, including leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, distributed ledger technology (DLT), and emerging technologies and establish a strong foundation to enhance liquidity by expanding participation in financial market facilities, considering the aspects related to information security during project implementation."The results of this experiment will be the cornerstone towards identifying the different use cases that the QCB will adopt in the future, which will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the current systems and instant settlement," the central bank said.After successfully completing the comprehensive study conducted in this field, the QCB will proceed with testing and developing selected applications for the CBDC to settle large payments with a group of local and international banks in a trial environment designed according to the latest advanced technologies.The project will focus on the applications of the CBDC to increase access to capital markets for operating banks in the country, enhance domestic settlement, and improve the efficiency of securities transactions.The move by QCB comes in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the Fintech Strategy, and Qatar National Vision 2030, and based on its ongoing efforts to regulate and develop the financial sector in the country.A CBDC is a country's fiat currency in digital form and is managed by the central bank. Various reports indicate that trade regions like the Middle-East are uniquely positioned to take advantage of CBDC as energy and global trade trends shift.At the recently concluded Qatar Economic Forum, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saoud al-Thani, QCB governor, had said "we are in the foundation stage and evaluating the pros and cons of issuing the CBDC."The QCB is keen to keep pace with the digital transformations witnessed by the financial and banking sector both regionally and globally, confirming the necessity of investing in modern technologies, which aims to build a pioneering system that adopts emerging technologies to accelerate the pace of digital transformation in line with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-30, according to it.Most countries are still in the research and development stage, but a few have already started trials and have gone beyond the stages of development, according to reports.According to reports by the Atlantic Council, 87 countries are taking initiatives to create a CBDC. This accounts for more than 90% of the global GDP (gross domestic product). As the popularity of digital currencies is increasing, the global finance sector is preparing for a transformation.In the Gulf region, as part of its 2023-26 strategy, the UAE Central Bank is preparing to launch its digital currency. In May 2021, the Central Bank of Bahrain started collaboration with JP Morgan and Bank ABC to develop a cross border digital currency settlement pilot programme.The QCB reaffirms its continuous commitment to introducing distinguished and valuable initiatives that will help create a conducive environment for the growth of the financial sector, stimulate the widespread adoption of emerging technologies, and promote technological innovations across various fields.

Uncertainty over Federal Reserve's stand on interest rate and the US inflation data had their dampening effect on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which saw its key index .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[183041]** plummet 243 points and market capitalisation erode more than QR11bn this week. The foreign institutions’ increased net selling led the 20-stock Qatar Index plummet 2.54% this week which saw the Qatar Central Bank launch "Express Sandbox", the first of its kind in the Middle East. The real estate and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure this week which saw Aamal Company enter into agreement with Masraf Al Rayan to purchase the latter's 50% stake in Ci San Trading, a joint venture, for QR32mn. The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly net profit takers in the main market this week which saw Standard and Poor’s confirm Doha Insurance’s ‘A-‘ rating with stable outlook. About 79% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse this week which saw Qatari German Company for Medical Devices enter into a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Technologies to collaborate in the development of smart healthcare solutions. However, the domestic funds were increasingly net buyers in the main market this week which saw Commercial Bank Financial Services to commence the liquidity provisioning for Doha Bank and its exchange traded fund QETF from next week. The local retail investors were increasingly bullish this week which saw a total of 0.56mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR1.24mn trade across 51 deals. The Arab individuals were seen increasingly net buyers in the main bourse which saw as many as 0.02mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.17mn change hands across 19 transactions. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the banks and industrials sectors together constitute more than 58% of the total trade volumes. Market capitalisation eroded QR11.44bn or 2.07% to QR541.84bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in both the main market this week which saw no trading of treasury bills. In the case of venture market, trade turnover and volumes were on the rise this week. The Total Return Index tanked 2.54%, the All Share Index by 2.19% and the All Islamic Index by 3.17% this week. The realty sector index plunged 6.21%, consumer goods and services (5.94%), transport (2.38%), banks and financial services (2%), industrials (1.29%) and telecom (0.65%), while insurance gained 0.34% this week. Major losers in the main market included Qatari German Medical Devices, Woqod, United Development Company, Medicare Group, Masraf Al Rayan, Commercial Bank, Ahlibank Qatar, QIIB, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Alijarah Holding, Salam International Investment, Meeza, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco, Barwa and Nakilat. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week. Nevertheless, Doha Insurance, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Vodafone Qatar, Al Meera and Qatar Electricity and Water were among the gainers in the main bourse this week. The foreign funds’ net selling increased substantially to QR351.1mn compared to QR126.17mn the week ended May 23. The Gulf institutions’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR88.89mn against QR28.62mn the previous week. However, the domestic institutions’ net buying grew considerably to QR228.37mn compared to QR113.4mn a week ago. The Qatari individuals’ net buying expanded drastically to QR168.32mn against QR29.81mn the week ended May 23. The Arab retail investors’ net buying soared noticeably to QR27.09mn compared to QR3.47mn the previous week. The foreign individual investors’ net buying shot up markedly to QR10.66mn against QR7.1mn a week ago. The Gulf retail investors were net buyers to the tune of QR4.35mn compared with net sellers of QR0.43mn the week ended May 23. The Arab institutions’ net buying grew marginally to QR1.21mn against QR0.58mn the previous week. The main market witnessed about 1% expansion in trade volumes to 882.17mn shares, 31% in value to QR3.12bn and 10% in deals to 92,526 this week. In the venture market, trade volumes zoomed 80% to 0.97mn equities, value by 77% to QR1.61mn and transactions by 27% to 74.

Faster sales of private vehicles and trailers led Qatar's automobile sector record a robust double-digit year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in March 2024, according to the National Planning Council (NPC).The country saw 7,835 new vehicles registered this March jumping 10.5% and 8.4% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period, which saw a total of 7,936 driving licenses issued in March 2024 with non-Qatari males constituting 6,254 or 79% of the total, non-Qatari females 1,252 or 16%, Qatari males 239 or 3% and Qatari females 191 or 2%.The registration of new private vehicles stood at 6,039; which surged 23.5% and 9% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in March 2024. Such vehicles constituted 77.07% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.As many as 37 trailers were registered in March 2024, which shot up 27.6% and 8.8% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. These constituted 0.61% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new private transport vehicles stood at 1,240; which zoomed 12.4% and 27.7% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in March 2024. Such vehicles constituted 20.53% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new private motorcycles stood at 225 units, which was down 2.6% on an annualised basis but soared 58.5% month-on-month in March 2024. These constituted 3.73% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The new registration of other non-specified vehicles stood at 203 units, which plummeted 70.1% and 51.9% respectively year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in March 2024. These constituted 3.36% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration of new heavy equipment stood at 91, which constituted 1.51% of the total registrations this March. Their registrations had seen 43.1% and 26.6% contraction year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.The registration was renewed in 75,056 vehicles, which saw a 4.7% decline on a yearly basis but grew 3.2% month-on-month in March 2024. It constituted 55.87% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The transfer of ownership was reported in 33,378 vehicles in March 2024, which shrank 6.8% on an annualised basis but increased 8.3% on a monthly basis. It constituted 24.85% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The lost/damaged vehicles stood at 9,600 units, which shot up 63.3% and 16.2% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in March 2024. They constituted 7.15% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The modified vehicles’ registration stood at 3,759; which tanked 40.7% and 3.9% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in March 2024. They constituted 2.8% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of vehicles meant for exports stood at 2,687 units, which zoomed 53.5% year-on-year but was down 2.4% on a monthly basis in March 2024. It constituted 2% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of cancelled vehicles was 1,776; dropping 47.6% and 17.1% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively this March. They constituted 1.32% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The re-registration was done in 123 vehicles, which grew 7% on an annualised basis but declined 3.9% month-on-month in March 2024.The clearing of vehicle-related processes stood at 134,343 units, which was down 3.4% year-on-year but expanded 5% on a monthly basis in the review period.

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has launched "Express Sandbox", the first of its kind in the Middle East, as part efforts to offer quicker market entry for solutions or innovations that demonstrate product readiness and potential.This comes in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the FinTech Strategy, and the QCB's ongoing efforts to regulate and develop the financial sector.The Express Sandbox, an expedited programme, offers a faster track through the usual regulatory assessment while maintaining high standards of risk management, consumer protection, and system integrity.Financial institutions, licensed fintech companies, startups, and technology companies partnered with licensed financial entities (both domestic and international) can apply for the Express Sandbox programme to test and introduce their fintech innovative solutions in the Qatari market."Entities that succeed in joining the Express Sandbox will benefit from a reduced testing period, rapid testing cycles, and a streamlined overall evaluation process," QCB said.Key eligibility criteria for the Express Sandbox include strong track record in financial services, understanding of the local Qatari market, financial soundness, mature business and operating model, and adherence to international and local standards.The QCB has taken on a role of the “orchestrator” of Qatar’s fintech strategy, in addition to acting as the central regulatory authority of its fintech ecosystem, a report of the Qatar Financial Centre-Refinitiv had said.In alignment with the second strategic plan for the financial sector, the QCB has set itself four key objectives as part of the national fintech strategy, which included creating a connected and collaborative fintech ecosystem, maintaining global competitiveness of fintech services, having a strengthened financial system and providing meaningful solutions to local consumers.Through fulfilling these targeted objectives, the central bank launched three initiatives related to regulating the fintech sector in Qatar, aiming to maintain a balance between enabling fintech innovation while also protecting consumers and the integrity of Qatar’s financial system.The QCB has embarked on regulating aspects of the fintech business and ecosystem. In 2019, it began with issuing regulations on payments, the fastest growing segment in the region and a priority focus of the National Fintech Strategy.In its third financial sector strategy, built upon four pillars and supported by five cross-cutting themes; the QCB has suggested incentives to the Big Tech and fintech entities for facilitating their entry into the country.The third financial sector strategy is to make Qatar a leading ecosystem embracing emerging technologies to accelerate digital transformation supported by adaptable and consistent regulatory frameworks and trusted market infrastructure.

The early months of 2024 have seen evidence of a gap emerging between residential rental levels in new towers, and towers that were completed more than 10 years ago, according to Cushman and Wakefield Qatar (CWQ).Many tenants are focused on new, modern, well-managed buildings where rents are inclusive of utility bills and furniture. This has led to discounted rents in many older buildings, particularly for apartments owned by private investors, CWQ said in its report.Residential rents in Qatar have stabilised to a large degree after a period of fluctuation both ahead of, and after the FIFA World Cup, it said, adding occupancy rates in prime apartment buildings and villa compounds have climbed over recent months with strong demand witnessed for most new buildings in Lusail and The Pearl Island.While new developments continue to reach the market, it said an increase in new residents to Qatar has ensured that occupancy rates have remained stable.New types of real estate product continue to launch in master-planned neighbourhoods in Doha, Lusail and Al Wakra, the report said.Apartment buildings in Giardino Village on the Pearl Island offer tenants high quality apartments at more affordable rents than are typically available in Porto Arabia or Viva Bahriya. The Al Janoub Gardens project, which provides almost 2,400 new apartment units, is now competing with projects such as Ezdan Oasis and Madinatna at the more affordable end of the market, ensuring that rents should remain stable, according to CWQ.Finding that occupancy rates remain high in most villa compounds around Qatar, it said "we are starting to see upward pressure on rents in some of Doha’s more popular compounds in recent months."While rents have generally remained stable so far this year, some landlords no longer offer the rental incentives to new tenants that had been commonplace, it added.According to the latest statistics released by the National Planning Council, the number of residential sales transactions fell by 16.2% year-on-year in 2023. This trend reversed in January and February 2024, with the number of residential sales up by 30% on the corresponding months last year, reflecting an increase in transaction value of 46%.The sales market has been dominated by owner occupiers rather than investors in recent months, it said, adding typically, apartment sales are being driven by residents looking to secure residential permits and avoid paying rent.Purchasers are being encouraged by the increasing flexibility of structured payment plans for new off-plan sales being offered by many developers in Lusail’s various residential districts.

The foreign institutions’ increased net profit booking on Wednesday led the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) to a four-year low, tracking the sentiments across the globe on .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[165545]** uncertainty over interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. The insurance, real estate, industrials and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index declined 1.04% to 9,279.05 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,392 points. The Gulf retail investors were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 14.33%. As much as 88% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR5.73bn or 1.06% to QR536.74bn on account of large and midcap segments. The Gulf institutions continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw 0.09mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.19mn trade across 14 deals. The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The local retail investors’ higher net buying was seen in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase. The Total Return Index shed 1.04%, the All Share Index by 1.03% and the All Islamic Index by 1.33% in the main market. The insurance sector index plummeted 2.37%, realty (2.1%), industrials (1.27%), banks and financial services (1.2%) and telecom (0.85%); while transport gained 0.33% and consumer goods and services 0.32%. Major losers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar German Medical Devices, Al Khaleej Takaful, Estithmar Holding, Widam Food, Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, QIIB, Lesha Bank, Dukhan Bank, Salam International Investment, Mekdam Holding, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Industries Qatar, Qamco, United Development Company, Ezdan and Mazaya Qatar. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Gulf Warehousing, Woqod, Dlala, Al Meera and Milaha were among the gainers in the main bourse. The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased substantially to QR90.47mn compared to QR57.41mn on May 28. The Gulf individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.11mn against net buyers of QR1.03mn on Tuesday. However, the domestic institutions’ net buying expanded drastically to QR50.76mn compared to QR34.44mn the previous day. The Qatari individual investors’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR32.94mn against QR30.07mn on May 28. The Arab retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR7.11mn compared with net sellers of QR2.18mn on Tuesday. The foreign individual investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR3.04mn against QR1.78mn the previous day. The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.18mn compared with net sellers of QR0.01mn on May 28. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined notably to QR3.44mn against QR7.7mn on Tuesday. Trade volumes in the main market soared 55% to 162.9mn shares, value by 25% to QR496.93mn and transactions by 9% to 18,823. In the venture market, trade volumes doubled to 0.1mn equities and value also doubled to QR0.16mn on almost quadrupled deals to 15.

Buying interests, especially in the banking counter, on Tuesday lifted the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) more than 45 points, a day after it hit a seven-month low..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[165545]**The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.48% to 9,376.88 points although it hit an intraday high of 9,417 points.The foreign retail investors turned bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 13.42%.More than 47% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.34bn or 0.25% to QR542.47bn on account of midcap segments.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw 0.26mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.6mn trade across 17 deals.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The local retail investors continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The Total Return Index rose 0.48%, the All Share Index by 0.35% and the All Islamic Index by 0.43% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index gained 0.84%, transport (0.44%) and industrials (0.1%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.9%, real estate (0.57%), insurance (0.41%) and telecom (0.35%).Major gainers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Insurance, Qatar Oman Investment, Widam Food and Milaha. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Insurance, Estithmar Holding, Woqod, Zad Holding, United Development Company and Gulf Warehousing were among the losers in the main bourse.The domestic institutions’ net buying expanded noticeably to QR34.44mn compared to QR23.24mn on May 27.The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.78mn against net sellers of QR1.3mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR1.03mn compared to QR0.24mn on Monday.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking weakened markedly to QR57.41mn against QR59.84mn on May 27.However, the Gulf institutions’ net selling strengthened notably to QR7.7mn compared to QR5.74mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR2.18mn against net buyers of QR4.27mn on Monday.The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.01mn compared with net buyers of QR0.44mn on May 27.The Qatari individual investors’ net buying eased markedly to QR30.07mn against QR38.69mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 26% to 105.13mn shares and value by 11% to QR397.43mn, while transactions were up 3% to 17,339.The venture market saw 62% contraction in trade volumes to 0.05mn equities, 64% in value to QR0.08mn and 64% in deals to 4.

Ahead of the US inflation data this week, the foreign institutions were seen increasingly profit takers, leading the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) tank more than 63 points to hit a seven-.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[165545]**month low.The banking and transport counters saw higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index lost 0.68% to 9,332,39 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,415 points.The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 13.83%.As much as 66% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.23bn or 0.59% to QR541.13bn on account of small and midcap segments.The Arab individuals’ weakened net buying interests had its influence in the main market, which saw 0.15mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.4mn trade across 15 deals.The Gulf institutions continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The local retail investors were seen increasingly bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Total Return Index shed 0.68%, the All Share Index by 0.67% and the All Islamic Index by 0.36% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index tanked 1.22%, transport (0.8%), real estate (0.44%) and consumer goods and services (0.22%); while telecom gained 0.31%, insurance (0.29%) and industrials (0.03%).Major losers in the main market included Mekdam Holding, Commercial Bank, Alijarah Holding, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatar German Company for Medical Devices, QNB, Medicare Group, Widam Food, Gulf International Services, United Development Company, Milaha and Vodafone Qatar. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Doha Insurance, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatar Electricity and Water, Dlala and Gulf Warehousing were among the gainers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened drastically to QR59.84mn compared to QR37.54mn on May 26.The foreign individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.3mn against net buyers of QR1.13mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net buying declined substantially to QR4.27mn compared to QR16.71mn on Sunday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR0.24mn against QR3.8mn on May 26.However, the Qatari individuals’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR38.69mn compared to QR7.75mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR23.24mn against QR17.22mn on Sunday.The Arab institutions’ net buying grew marginally to QR0.44mn compared to QR0.33mn on May 26.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking decreased markedly to QR5.74mn against QR9.39mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market rose 14 to 141.62mn shares, value by 27% to QR445.29mn and transactions by 31% to 16,772.The venture market saw 79% contraction in trade volumes to 0.13mn equities, 79% in value to QR0.22mn and 65% in deals to 11.

Strong international and regional trade pacts could enhance Qatar's trade flows as Doha is poised to emerge as a logistics hub, PricewaterhouseCoopers, a global consultant, has said.This, along with continued investment in ICT (information, communication and technology) infrastructure and public private partnerships (PPPs), was outlined by PwC as it chalked the 'future-focus' strategy for Qatar."Setting out strategic bilateral agreements with key trading partners can open new avenues for exports and imports, further integrating Qatar into the global trade ecosystem," PwC said.By refining customs collaboration and cultivating strong trade agreements on both global and regional levels, Qatar can facilitate more fluid trade flows, it said."This strategy will boost efficiency and reliability in international commerce," the report added.Moreover, embracing global initiatives such as the World Trade Organisation and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) common market, it said, Doha can streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and stimulate economic growth."By creating a balance between global aspirations, regional integration, and local economic development, Qatar can be poised to emerge as a comprehensive logistics hub, serving as a gateway to both global and regional markets," it said.Dwelling deep into the future-focus strategy, PwC said local initiatives such as the expansion of free zones and tailored incentives for specific industries underscore the country’s commitment to attracting businesses and fostering economic growth.Qatar has also been actively cultivating its e-commerce and online platforms to address the evolving needs of its local market, according to the report."Three key areas can further support Qatar’s efforts in attracting more trade flow, regional co-operation, and improving local e-commerce," it said.On ICT and advanced technologies, PwC said this can support Qatar in enhancing its ICT backbone to ensure seamless information flow throughout the supply chain, enabling efficient tracking, documentation, and communication.Automation capabilities can address labour shortages with automatic freight handling, expediting cargo movement, and enhancing overall operational efficiency and cargo volumes.On PPPs, the report said advanced infrastructure projects to create more opportunities for the private sector to both invest and align with their needs. Through attracting private investment, automated cargo handling systems at ports, the government can ease its financial burden, while private entities gain attractive investment opportunities."The collaboration ensures infrastructure aligns with private needs," it said, adding an example of this could be port facilities designed for efficient, bespoke container handling or automated warehouses – all shaped through private sector input during PPP planning."This blend of public oversight and private expertise can help foster efficiency and innovation," it said.

Qatar has formally accepted an agreement on fisheries subsidies as part of efforts to protection of the maritime ecosystem, and environmental sustainability, the Word Trade Organisation (WTO), announced Wednesday."The depositing today of our instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on fisheries subsidies is a symbol of Qatar’s steadfast engagement towards regulated fishing, the protection of the maritime ecosystem, and environmental sustainability," said Dr Hend bint Abdalrahman Mohamed al-Muftah, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to UN-Geneva after presenting the country's instrument of acceptance to WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala."We hope that this step forward in our collective efforts to protect the planet and the environment for us and next generations will ignite a succession of similar endeavours aimed at consolidating our multilateral objective,” she said.Qatar is the third Gulf Cooperation Council country to accept the agreement. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the other two Gulf countries.Qatar's instrument of acceptance brings to 76 the total number of WTO members that have formally accepted the agreement. Three members from the Middle East have formally accepted the agreement. As many as 34 more formal acceptances are needed for the agreement to come into effect. The agreement will enter into force upon acceptance by two-thirds of the membership."By taking this step, Qatar has shown its support for sustainable fisheries and combatting illegal fishing in the Gulf region. Qatar also has affirmed the WTO's vital role in delivering global public goods — in this case contributing to marine sustainability by curbing subsidies to harmful fishing practices," said Okonjo-Iweala.The swift entry into force of the agreement would bolster both the health of oceans and the livelihoods of the millions of people who depend on them, she said, expressing the hope that the remaining WTO members will follow suit quickly for the benefit of people and oceans.Adopted by consensus at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), held in Geneva on 12-17 June 2022, the agreement on fisheries subsidies sets new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world's fish stocks.In addition, the agreement recognises the needs of developing and least-developed countries and establishes a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help them implement the obligations.The agreement prohibits support for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, bans support for fishing overfished stocks and ends subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas.Members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiations on outstanding issues, with a view to adopting additional provisions that would further enhance the disciplines of the agreement.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Tuesday gained more than 39 points on the back of buying interests, notably in the banks, realty and industrials 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[165545]**Notwithstanding the uncertainty on the US interest rates, the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.4% to 9,716.34 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,662 points.The domestic institutions stronger buying support lent support to the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed to 10.29%.The Arab retail investors turned bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.22bn or 0.4% to QR561.87bn on account of small cap segments.As much as 50% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main market, which saw some 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.03mn trade across two deals.The foreign individuals were seen increasingly into net buying in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Gulf retail investors’ lower net profit booking had its marginal influence on the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Total Return Index rose 0.4%, the All Share Index fell 0.41% and the All Islamic Index by 0.32% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index gained 0.74%, realty (0.63%), industrials (0.55%), transport (0.24%) and insurance (0.23%); while telecom shrank 1.43% and consumer goods and services 0.87%.Major gainers in the main market included Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Beema, Medicare Group, Widam Food, Barwa, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank and Gulf International Services.Nevertheless, Inma Holding, QLM, Ooredoo, Zad Holding and Woqod were among the major losers in the main bourse.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR66.13mn compared to QR11.79mn on May 20.The Arab individual investors were net buyers to the tune of QR4.88mn against net sellers of QR2.46mn on Monday.The foreign individuals’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR2.46mn compared to QR1.53mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR0.02mn against QR0.55mn on May 20.However, the foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened considerably to QR56.91mn compared to QR27.64mn on Monday.The Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the extent of QR11.28mn against net buyers of QR16.01mn the previous day.The Gulf funds were net profit takers to the tune of QR5.27mn compared with net buyers of QR1.32mn on May 20.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market fell 20% to 162.56mn shares, while value was up 2% to QR528.53mn despite 1% lower transactions at 17,732.The venture market saw a 76% contraction in trade volumes to 0.04mn equities, 79% in value to QR0.06mn and 81% in deals to six.

Amidst the geopolitical concerns, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday fell 31 points on the back of foreign institutions’ profit booking pressure..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[165545]**The telecom, transport, consumer goods and banking sectors experienced higher than average.net selling as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.32% to 9,677.17 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,725 points.The Arab individual investors turned net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 10.65%.The Gulf retail investors were seen increasingly bearish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation lost QR2.23bn or 0.4% to QR559.65bn on account of small cap segments.About 57% of traded constituents were in the red in the main market, which saw as many as 3,110 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.01mn trade across five deals.The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.However, the local retail investors turned bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover volumes were on the rise.The Total Return Index shed 0.32%, the All Share Index fell 0.35% and the All Islamic Index by 0.09% in the main market.The telecom sector index tanked 1.38%, transport (0.76%), consumer goods and services (0.68%), banks and financial services (0.4%) and real estate (0.27%); while insurance gained 0.38% and industrials 0.1%.Major losers in the main market included Inma Holding, Meeza, Salam International Investment, Mekdam Holding, Ooredoo, QNB, Woqod, Qatari Investors Group, Milaha and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, QLM, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Doha Insurance, Qamco, QIIB and Widam Food were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR27.64mn compared with net buyers of QR4.51mn on May 19.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR2.46mn against net buyers of QR4.93mn on Sunday.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR0.55mn compared to QR0.34mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR11.79mn against QR13.1mn on May 19.The foreign individuals’ net buying declined markedly to QR1.53mn compared to QR4.51mn on Sunday.However, Qatari individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR16.01mn against net sellers of QR13.56mn the previous day.The Gulf funds were net buyers to the extent of QR1.32mn compared with net profit takers of QR13.61mn May 19.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.13mn on Sunday.Trade volumes in the main market soared 41% to 205.09mn shares, value by 45% to QR520.27mn and transactions by 45% to 17,928.The venture market saw a 13% jump in trade volumes to 0.17mn equities, 16% in value to QR0.29mn and 28% in deals to 32.