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The foreign institutions' net profit booking pressure Monday drove the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) down about 44 points and its capitalisation melted in excess of QR1bn.Notwithstanding the EU-US tariff deal and the domestic earnings expectations, the 2-stock Qatar Index declined 0.39% to 11,205.47 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11.266 points.The telecom sector witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 6%.About 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.27bn or 0.19% to QR662.45bn mainly on microcap segments.The Arab individuals turned net sellers in the main market, which saw as many as 4,804 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across 12 deals.The foreign retail investors were also seen bearish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.39%, the All Islamic Index by 0.53% and the All Share Index by 0.28% in the main market.The telecom sector index declined 0.51%, real estate (0.35%), banks and financial services (0.33%), consumer goods and services (0.28%), transport (0.28%) and industrials (0.17%): while insurance gained 0.57%.Major losers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Meeza, QLM, Vodafone Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Mannai Corporation, United Development Company and Mazaya Qatar.Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qamco, Qatar Insurance, Doha Bank and Qatari Investors Group were among the movers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR21.22mn compared with net buyers of QR22.78mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR2.53mn against net buyers of QR0.23mn on Sunday.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.64mn compared with net buyers of QR1.79mn on July 27.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking expanded marginally to QR0.3mn against QR0.03mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR13.04mn compared to QR14.09mn on Sunday.However, the Qatari retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR8.09mn against net sellers of QR39.99mn on July 27.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR4.63mn compared to QR1.57mn the previous day.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking weakened perceptibly to QR0.08mn against QR0.41mn on Sunday.The main market reported 28% surge in trade volumes to 153.22mn shares, 38% in value to QR382.74mn and 57% in deals to 19,720.In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.08mn changed hands across 10 transactions.

Solid earnings expectations continued to lift the sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which Sunday opened the week on a stronger note as its key index rose 29 points; even as capitalisation was on a slippery path.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.25% to 11,249.23 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,208 points.The telecom, insurance and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 6.42%.About 54% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation however, eased QR0.08bn or 0.01% to QR663.72bn mainly on microcap segments.The domestic institutions turned bullish in the main market, which saw as many as 690 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR2,381 trade across three deals.The foreign retail investors were seen net buyers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.52%, the All Islamic Index by 0.48% and the All Share Index by 0.29% in the main market.The telecom sector index shot up 1.22%, insurance (0.6%), industrials (0.52%), banks and financial services (0.18%), consumer goods and services (0.11%) and transport (0.07%); while real estate declined 0.l1%.Major gainers in the main market included Doha Insurance, QIIB, Mannai Corporation, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar German Medical Devices, Commercial Bank, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qamco, QLM and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, QNB, Meeza, Ezdan, Salam International Investment, Widam Food and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR22.78mn compared to QR19.22mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR14.09mn compared with net profit takers of QR12.81mn last Thursday.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR1.79mn against net sellers of QR4.55mn on July 24.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking weakened noticeably to QR0.41mn compared to QR1.13mn the previous trading day.However, the Qatari retail investors’ net selling strengthened substantially to QR39.99mn against QR14.81mn last Thursday.The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.03mn compared with net buyers of QR1.23mn on July 24.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased markedly to QR1.57mn against QR10.32mn the previous trading day.The Arab individuals investors’ net buying eased notably to QR0.23mn compared to QR2.52mn last Thursday.The main market saw 41% plunge in trade volumes to 119.93mn shares, 42% in value to QR277.69mn and 39% in deals to 12,538.In the venture market, a total of 5,745 equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across four transactions.

Solid earnings, especially in the banking sector, led the Qatar Stock Exchange to gain more than 33 points, and its key index crossed the 11,200 levels and capitalisation added more than QR3bn.The consumer goods, banking, telecom and industrials witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.3% to 11,220.76 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,143 points.The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 6.15%.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.2bn or 0.48% to QR663.8bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 2,141 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across two deals.The domestic funds’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors’ lower net profit booking had its effect on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.41%, the All Islamic Index by 0.17% and the All Share Index by 0.51% in the main market.The consumer goods and services sector index rose 0.84%, banks and financial services (0.7%), telecom (0.44%) and industrials (0.43%); while real estate declined 0.43%, transport (0.2%) and insurance (0.04%).Major gainers in the main market included Salam International Investment, Mannai Corporation, QNB, Beema, Qatar Islamic Bank, Gulf International Services and Qamco. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Commercial Bank, Ezdan, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Woqod and Doha Bank were among the shakers in the main market.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR10.32mn compared to QR4.56mn on July 23.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR2.52mn against net sellers of QR3.75mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR1.23mn compared to QR0.62mn on Wednesday.The Qatari retail investors’ net selling declined substantially to QR14.81mn compared to QR41.16mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking weakened markedly to QR12.81mn against QR18.4mn on July 23.However, the foreign individuals turned net sellers to the extent of QR4.55mn compared with net buyers of QR0.88mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking strengthened noticeably to QR1.13mn against QR0.21mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR19.22mn against QR57.5mn on July 23.The main market saw a 2% fall in trade volumes to 203.97mn shares, 8% in value to QR481.64mn and 3% in deals to 20,486.In the venture market, a total of 4,783 equities valued at QR0.01mn changed hands across two transactions.

The US-Japan trade deal had its positive spillover on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which yesterday inched towards 11,200 points, mainly on the back of strong buying interests from foreign institutions.The telecom, industrials and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.42% to 11,187.5 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,085 points.The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 5.83%.More than 67% of the traded constituents extend gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.23bn or 0.49% to QR660.67bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.11mn trade across 13 deals.The domestic funds’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf retail investors continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.42%, the All Islamic Index by 0.41% and the All Share Index by 0.39% in the main market.The telecom sector index rose 0.8%, industrials (0.49%), banks and financial services (0.45%), real estate (0.36%), consumer goods and services (0.2%) and insurance (0.15%); while transport declined 0.28%.Major gainers in the main market included Commercial Bank, Ezdan, QIIB, Mazaya Qatar, Baladna, Dukhan Bank, Mekdam Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Al Khaleej Takaful, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Gulf Warehousing, Qatar Islamic Bank, Medicare Group and Nakilat 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 significantly to QR57.5mn compared to QR8.66mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR4.56mn against QR0.66mn on July 22.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.88mn compared with net sellers of QR0.35mn on Tuesday.The domestic funds’ net selling weakened marginally to QR18.4mn against QR19.93mn the previous day.However, the Qatari individuals’ net profit booking rose substantially to QR41.16mn compared to QR2.98mn on July 22.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR3.75mn against net buyers of QR11.36mn on Tuesday.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking strengthened marginally to QR0.21mn compared to QR0.03mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying shrank markedly to QR0.62mn against QR2.62mn on July 22.The main market saw a 17% jump in trade volumes to 207.22mn shares, 16% in value to QR521.81mn and 11% in deals to 21,058.In the venture market, a total of 0.02mn equities valued at QR0.06mn changed hands across five transactions.

Al Mahhar Holding Company, one of the leading services and specialised products providers to energy and infrastructure sectors, has completed the acquisition of a 90% stake in Gulf Automation System (GAS).The acquisition -- made through its wholly owned subsidiary, Petroleum Technology Company (Petrotec) -- was completed in accordance with the approval granted by the shareholders of Al Mahhar at the extraordinary general assembly held on May 28, 2025.Petrotec acquired a 90% stake at a nominal consideration of QR196,000, reflecting the commercial understanding between the parties and Al Mahhar's broader strategic goals."The acquisition of a majority stake in GAS is a strategic step that strengthen our position as a local Qatari automation and system integration specialist, which we view as an increasingly critical pillar of Qatar’s energy and infrastructure value chain," said Fahad Alfardan, chairman of Al Mahhar Holding.This investment, according to him, complements Petrotec's existing capabilities and supports its broader amibition of building integrated and technically advanced local solutions across Al Mahhar Group.

An across the board buying led the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) gain as much as 119 points and index surpass 11,100 points, the highest level in more than 36 months.A higher than average demand, particularly in the banking counter, led the 20-stock Qatar Index surge 1.08% to 11,141.04 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,992 points.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 5.39%.The Gulf individuals were seen bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR4bn or 0.61% to QR657.37bn mainly on midcap segments.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 1,250 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.01mn trade across two deals.The Arab institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its marginal influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.11mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.06bn change hands across three deals.The Total Return Index gained 1.08%, the All Islamic Index by 0.61% and the All Share Index by 0.85% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index rose 1.57%, transport (0.22%), telecom (0.1%) and industrials (0.05%); while insurance declined 0.43%, consumer goods and services (0.24%) and real estate (0.1%).Major gainers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Mazaya Qatar, Commercial Bank, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Industries Qatar and Nakilat. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, about 54% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market with major losers being Mannai Corporation, Qatar German Medical Devices, Widam Food, Inma Holding, Qatar National Cement, Lesha Bank, Milaha, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Qatar Insurance.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR11.36mn compared with net sellers of QR10.85mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.62mn against net sellers of QR2.43mn on July 21.The Qatari individuals’ net profit booking declined substantially to QR2.98mn compared to QR32.27mn on Monday.The foreign retail investors’ net selling weakened noticeably to QR0.35mn against QR2.71mn the previous day.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking decreased marginally to QR0.03mn compared to QR0.43mn on July 21.However, the domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR19.93mn against net buyers of QR1.35mn on Monday.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased significantly to QR8.66mn compared to QR36.15mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR0.66mn against QR11.17mn on July 21.The main market saw 11% contraction in trade volumes to 177.76mn shares, 11% in value to QR448mn and 12% in deals to 19,012.In the venture market, a total of 6,917 equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across five transactions.

Al Mahhar Holding has completed the acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in European Equipment Company (EEC) for consideration of QR4mn.EEC specialises in the sale and rental of construction machinery and equipment and is the exclusive distributor of the Wirtgen Group’s road construction products in Qatar. Prior to this transaction, QFAB owned a 51% stake in EEC.This acquisition forms part of Al Mahhar’s strategic initiatives to enhance operational and financial control across its subsidiaries, streamline group governance, and reinforce its presence in the construction equipment sector."The full acquisition of EEC reflects our continued of portfolio our strengthening to commitment operating subsidiaries and enhancing alignment across the group," said Fahad Alfardan, chairman of Al Mahhar Holding.With full ownership, he said, it is better positioned to drive performance, support governance term value in a critical efficiency, and create longsector for Qatar’s infrastructure development.Al Mahhar is committed to disclosing any material information in accordance with the requirements of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), in line with principles of and regulatory compliance.

Capital Intelligence, an international credit rating agency, has affirmed Qatar’s long-term foreign currency rating (LTFCR) and LT local currency rating (LTLCR) at ‘AA’.At the same time, CI has also affirmed the sovereign’s short-term (ST) FCR and ST LCR at ‘A1+’. The outlook on the ratings remains “stable”.The ratings reflect Qatar’s very strong external balances and budgetary performance, supported by still favourable liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices.The ratings also factored in the country’s capacity to absorb external or financial shocks given the large portfolio of foreign assets held by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and consequent comfortable net external creditor position when including these assets.The ratings continue to be supported by substantial hydrocarbon reserves, expanding LNG production and export capacity, and very high GDP (gross domestic product) per capita, as well as high and increasing official foreign reserves.Highlighting that external finances are “very strong”, it said the current account (CA) recorded a very large surplus of 17.2% of GDP in 2024 (from 17.1% in 2023) and is projected to see lower surpluses averaging 11.1% of GDP in 2025-27.This reflects its expectations of average oil prices $61.7 per barrel over the forecast period, as well as an increase in imports.Gross external debt is expected to have decreased further to 118.1% of GDP or174.7% of current account receipts (CARs) compared to 123.1% of GDP (175.3% of CARs) in 2023.Official foreign exchange reserves increased to $70.9bn in May 2025, from $70bn in December 2024, with the latter expected to cover short-term external debt on a remaining maturity basis by around 2.7 times in 2025.Qatar’s buffers remain large, and are considered a major supporting factor for the ratings, it said, adding very large CA surpluses have contributed to a very strong net external creditor position, when included the external assets of the QIA, whose total assets are estimated at around 230% of GDP in 2024.Finding that the public finances remain strong, CI said the government’s budget recorded a surplus of 0.7% of GDP in 2024, against a surplus of 5.6% in 2023.“Moving forward, the budget surplus is expected to average 1.1% of GDP in 2025-27, supported by an expected increase in LNG production capacity from the North Field which would offset the projected decline in hydrocarbon prices,” it said.While the reliance on hydrocarbon revenues remains a rating constraint, the government has ample leeway to respond to severe fluctuations in hydrocarbon prices given the size of fiscal buffers and the degree of expenditure flexibility.Central government deposits stood at 15.3% of GDP in May 2025, while total government and government institution deposits in the domestic banking system were around 44.7% of GDP.

Amidst rate uncertainty in the US over higher inflation expectation due to the tariff policies, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday saw its key index close in the negative, even as capitalisation add about QR3bn with gainers outnumbering losers.The Gulf individuals were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was down six points or 0.06% to 10,811.41 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,834 points.The transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 2.27%.However, about 60% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.83bn or 0.44% to QR643.41bn mainly on small and microcap segments.The Gulf institutions turned bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 418 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank) valued at QR952 trade across one deal.The Arab funds were seen net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was down 0.06% and the All Islamic Index by 0.01%, while the All Share Index rose 0.07% in the main market.The transport sector index shrank 0.68%, telecom (0.;11%), banks and financial services (0.04%) and insurance (0.04%); while real estate gained 1.42%, consumer goods and services (0.84%) and industrials (0.27%).Major shakers in the main market included Nakilat, QIIB, Doha Bank, Doha Insurance, Widam, Food, Lesha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Meeza and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Ezdan, Medicare Group, Beema, Mekdam Holding, QNB, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Mazaya Qatar, Barwa and Vodafone Qatar were among the movers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the tune of QR12.65mn compared with net buyers of QR2.25mn on Tuesday.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the extent of QR6.97mn against net buyers of QR2.04mn the previous day.The Arab funds were net profit takers to the tune of QR0.27mn compared with no major net exposure on July 15.The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened marginally to QR31.27mn against QR34.47mn on Tuesday.However, the domestic funds turned net buyers to the extent of QR8.05mn compared with net sellers of QR6.58mn the previous day.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR2.55mn against net sellers of QR0.23mn on July 15.The local retail investors’ net profit booking declined noticeably to QR20.31mn compared to QR29.62mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individuals’ net selling shrank perceptibly to QR1.68mn against QR2.35mn the previous day.The main market saw 57% jump in trade volumes to 204.16mn shares, 43% in value to QR563.57mn and 53% in deals to 28,432.In the venture market, a total of 7,249 equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across four transactions.

Market Eye Positive signals emanating from the US in inflation and tariff had their influence on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Tuesday gained more than 48 points and capitalisation added about QR4bn. The foreign funds turned net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.45% to 10,817.85 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,763 points. The banks, industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 2.33%. About 52% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.94bn or 0.62% to QR640.58bn mainly on mid and small cap segments. The Arab individual investors turned bullish in the main market, which saw as many as 4,620 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across three deals. The domestic funds’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise. The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. However, the local retail investors turned net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index rose 0.45%, the All Islamic Index by 0.23% and the All Share Index by 0.55% in the main market. The banks and financial services index gained 0.85%, industrials (0.57%), realty (0.53%) and consumer goods and services (0.17%); while telecom declined 0.73%, insurance (0.16%) and transport (0.04%). Major gainers in the main market included Mannai Corporation, QNB, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Meeza, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qamco, Qatar Electricity and Water, Barwa and Ezdan. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ooredoo, Doha Bank, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Baladna, Al Mahhar Holding, Milaha and Vodafone Qatar were among the losers in the main market. The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR34.47mn compared with net sellers of QR12.97mn the previous day. The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR2.25mn against net profit takers of QR0.44mn on Monday. The domestic institutions’ net selling weakened noticeably to QrR6.58mn compared to QR12.5mn on July 14. The foreign individual investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR0.23mn against QR0.39mn the previous day. However, the Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR29.62mn compared with net buyers of QR9.24mn on Monday. The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking expanded perceptibly to QR2.35mn against QR0.02mn on July 14. The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR2.04mn compared to QR17.08mn the previous day. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth consecutive session. The main market saw 29% jump in trade volumes to 130.05mn shares and 14% in value to QR395.06mn but on 10% decline in deals to 18,627. In the venture market, a total of 8,792 equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across five transactions.

A multi-pronged strategy - which includes strong industry-academia collaboration, targeted upskilling and reskilling and enhanced workforce inclusion - has been recommended by the Qatar Financial Centre and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainable growth of Qatar’s financial sector.Stressing that bridging the gap between education and labour market needs requires more than ad hoc co-ordination; the joint report of the QFC and the ILO suggested that relevant stakeholders must institutionalise co-operation mechanisms to ensure sustained alignment of supply and demand.In this regard, it said there is a need to establish structured engagement platforms involving QFC, financial institutions such as the Qatar Investment Authority, local banks, universities, and training providers to co-design curricula that reflect industry needs, especially in fintech, risk management, and data analytics.Highlighting the need for leveraging the newly established Financial Sectoral Council as the formal co-ordination body for this dialogue; the report said with representation from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar’s universities, Qatar Career Development Center, and other key stakeholders, the council can lead on defining skills priorities, setting qualification frameworks, and overseeing workforce planning.It suggested expanding joint academic-industry programmes, including dual education pathways, executive education courses, and industry-endorsed certification programmes.There is a need to ensure frequent curriculum reviews are aligned with evolving global trends, regulatory shifts, and digital transformation in the financial sector as well as to promote applied research collaborations among academia, industry, government, and global organisations to support evidence-based policymaking and innovation.Elaborating on the targeted upskilling and reskilling programmes; the joint report suggested addressing skills deficiencies and preparing the workforce for technological advancements, targeted training initiatives should be prioritised on high-impact areas.It recommended incentivising firms to adopt structured in-house training programmes, particularly for mid-career professionals, possibly through cost-sharing schemes; and designing modular training programmes tailored to support various stages of professional development, entry-level, midcareer, and senior leadership, with a focus on digital skills, regulatory compliance, and financial innovation.It also suggested improving Arabic proficiency among technical professionals through bilingual training to enhance communication and inclusion; and integrating mentorship and leadership development frameworks, especially for women and Qatari talent, to enhance retention and progression to senior roles.The QFC-ILO report suggested partnering with global institutions to deliver specialised programmes on emerging technologies and areas such as AI (artificial intelligence), business intelligence tools, blockchain, cybersecurity, and ESG (environmental, social and governance) finance.On enhancing workforce inclusion; it suggested fostering an inclusive workforce, promoting a diverse participation within the workforce is essential for long-term sustainability and competitiveness.There is a need to design targeted recruitment campaigns for underrepresented groups, particularly women, highlighting career pathways, flexible working options, and purpose-driven roles in finance; expand access to scholarships, internships, and entry level programmes for women and young Qataris, building early exposure to financial sector careers; and establish inclusive leadership and mentoring programmes that reflect gender-sensitive approaches and support retention.There is also a need to create sector-specific incentives, such as in-work benefits, career development programmes, and flexible work models, to attract and retain national talent in high demand areas; and develop internal mobility frameworks within QFC institutions to support progression and reduce turnover.

Market EyeThe continuing US tariff tension played spoilsport in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which saw an across the board selling, leading to 61 points decline in the key index and more than QR3bn erosion in capitalisation.The foreign funds were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.56% to 10,769.65 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,822 points.The transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 1.88%.More than 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.28bn or 0.51% to QR636.64bn mainly on small and microcap segments. The domestic institutions turned bearish in the main market, which saw mere 598 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank) valued at QR1,358 trade across one deal.The foreign individuals were seen net sellers but with lesser intensity 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.However, the local retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.1mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.05bn change hands across two transactions.The Total Return Index shed 0.56% and the All Islamic Index by 0.35% and the All Share Index by 0.52% in the main market.The transport sector index shrank 0.81%, telecom (0.68%), banks and financial services (0.56%), insurance (0.41%), industrials (0.39%), consumer goods and services (0.3%) and real estate (0.29%). Major losers in the main market included Meeza, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Oman Investment, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Ezdan, Barwa, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar, Nakilat and Gulf Warehousing. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Estithmar Holding, Al Mahhar Holding, Al Meera and Widam Food were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR12.97mn compared with net buyers of QR27.43mn the previous day.The domestic funds were net profit takers to the extent of QR12.5mn against net buyers of QR1.74mn on July 11.The foreign individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.39mn compared with net buyers of QR1.48mn on Sunday.However, the Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR17.08mn against net sellers of QR2.06mn the previous day.The Qatari individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR9.24mn compared with net sellers of QR23.72mn on July 11.The Arab individuals’ net profit booking weakened substantially to QR0.44mn against QR3.74mn on Sunday.The Gulf retail investors’ net selling decreased noticeably to QR0.02mn compared to QR1.12mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth consecutive session. The main market saw 3% shrinkage in trade volumes to 101mn shares but on 24% jump in value to QR345.69mn and 57% in deals to 20,634.In the venture market, a total of 0.23mn equities valued at QR0.63mn changed hands across 27 transactions.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week on a cautious note with investors awaiting clarity on the US tariff policy. The domestic funds were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, as the 20-stock Qatar index settled marginally higher by 0.03% to 10,830.72 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,794 points. The telecom, real estate, consumer goods and insurance counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date gains widened to 2.46%.More than 45% of the traded constituents were however in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.21bn or 0.03% to QR639.92bn mainly on microcap segments. The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw 8,733 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across eight deals.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.03% and the All Islamic Index by 0.21%, while the All Share Index was down 0.03% in the main market.The telecom sector index increased 0.53%, realty (0.23%), consumer goods and services (0.22%) and insurance (0.21%); while banks and financial services declined 0.12%, transport (0.1%) and industrials (0.04%).Major gainers in the main market included Meeza, Estithmar Holding, Vodafone Qatar, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and Qamco. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciated in value.Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Ahlibank Qatar, Gulf International Services, Dlala and Doha Insurance were among the shakers in the main market. The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.74mn compared with net sellers of QR4.12mn on July 10. The foreign individual investors’ net buying increased marginally to QR1.48mn against QR1.41mn last Thursday. The Gulf institutions’ net selling declined noticeably to QR2.06mn compared to QR12.74mn the previous trading day.

Commercial Bank, a leader in innovative digital banking solutions, has successfully hosted an exclusive 'Trade Finance and Cross-Border Transactions' workshop at Commercial Bank Plaza.The event brought together enterprise clients for an immersive session designed to optimise international trade, covering corporate internet banking for seamless international transfers, and strategic credit financing solutions.The workshop provided critical insights into navigating sanctioned markets while maintaining compliance, equipping attendees with practical tools to manage cross-border transactions efficiently.Participants engaged in networking discussions, fostering collaboration among diverse industry counterparts, and reinforcing Commercial Bank’s role as a catalyst for trade growth."In today’s interconnected global economy, businesses need strategic partners who make cross-border trade seamless. This workshop provided practical insights, from advanced digital transaction solutions to effective risk mitigation strategies, empowering our clients to navigate international markets with confidence and clarity," said Fahad Badar, EGM, Chief Wholesale and International Banking Officer.By combining technical expertise with real-world applications, Commercial Bank continues to bridge the gap between regional businesses and international opportunities, solidifying its position as Qatar's premier trade finance partner.

The positive signals on the US tariff in the initial days of the week had its overarching influence on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which closed on a positive note despite remaining flat for the last two sessions.Notwithstanding the uncertainties around the US tariff in the latter part of the week, the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.63% this week which saw Gulf International Services (GIS) intend to list its associate Amwaj on the QSE as the catering arm explores opportunities for collaboration in new global markets.The industrials and insurance counters witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw QNB disclose net profit of QR8.4bn in the first six months of this year.More than 64% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market this week which saw Mekdam Holding Group seek patent for its advanced centralised alarm monitoring system in the US.The foreign institutions’ increased net buying had its influence on the main bourse this week which saw Aamal Company announce its intent to initiate negotiations with a related party, Al Jazi Real Estate, for the potential acquisition of a mixed-use tower (residential and commercial) located in Dafna area.The Gulf individuals were seen bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main market this week which saw Hamad Port, Qatar’s main gateway to world trade, launch new shipping service offering direct weekly sailing to major ports in East Asia and the West Coast of North America.The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its effect on the main bourse this week which saw Dukhan Bank's first half net profit at QR811.29mn.The Arab retail investors continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main market this week which saw the Qatar Central Bank's international reserves and foreign currency liquidity grow 3.5% year-on-year to QR258.9bn in June 2025.The Gulf funds were seen net profit takers in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.13mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.3mn trade across 41 deals.The domestic institutions were also increasingly bearish in the main market this week which saw 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.04mn change hands across four transactions.The Arab funds turned net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market this week, which saw market capitalisation add QR4.4bn or 0.69% to QR640.13bn on the back of mid and small cap segments.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in both the main and junior bourses this week which saw the consumer goods, banking and industrials sectors together constitute about 73% of the total trade volumes.The Total Return Index rose 0.63%, the All Islamic Index by 0.59% and the All Share Index by 0.59% this week.The industrials sector index shot up 1.5%, insurance (0.82%), banks and financial services (0.61%), consumer goods and services (0.58%) and real estate (0.26%); while transport and telecom declined 0.96% and 0.41% respectively this week.Major gainers in the main market included Mannai Corporation, Lesha Bank, Medicare Group, Ezdan, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, Salam International Investment, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company, GIS and Qamco this week.Nevertheless, Dlala, Vodafone Qatar, Meeza, Milaha, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and Mekdam Holding were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value this week.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased markedly to QR136.08mn compared to QR104.05mn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.11mn against net profit takers of QR7.02mn the week ended July 3.The local retail investors’ net selling declined significantly to QR77.58mn compared to QR111.41mn a week ago.However, the Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR36.67mn against net buyers of QR9.27mn the previous week.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking strengthened significantly to QR32.83mn compared to QR11.38mn the week ended July 3.The foreign individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.46mn against net buyers of QR0.32mn a week ago.The Arab institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR0.2mn compared with net buyers of QR0.01mn the previous week.The Arab individual investors’ net buying shrank perceptibly to QR13.55mn against QR16.18mn the week ended July 3.The main market saw an 18% fall in trade volumes to 639.66mn shares, 7% in value to QR1.82bn and 3% in deals to 93,943 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes plummeted 72% to 0.35mn equities, value by 73% to QR0.97mn and transactions by 65% to 103.

The Qatar Stock Exchange closed flat Wednesday despite buying interests in four of the seven sectors.The domestic funds were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was down mere 0.04% to 10,829.86 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,858 points.The Arab individuals were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 2.49%.More than 48% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was flat at QR639.44bn.The local retail investors continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across one deal.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on 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 Arab individuals’ lower net buying had its effect on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was down 0.04%, the All Share Index by 0.03% and the All Islamic Index by 0.01% in the main market.The transport sector index shed 0.82%, telecom (0.28%) and industrials (0.21%); while insurance gained 0.53%, real estate (0.14%), banks and financial services (0.13%) and consumer goods and services (0.07%).Major losers in the main market included Mannai Corporation, Milaha, Meeza, Vodafone Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatar National Cement, Mazaya Qatar, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Ezdan, Beema, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Dukhan Bank and Qatar Oman Investment were among the gainers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net selling increased significantly to QR12.62mn compared to QR0.06mn on July 8.The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the tune of QR1.61mn against net buyers of QR0.4mn on Tuesday.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased markedly to QR18.9mn compared to QR29.19mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying shrank perceptibly to QR1.41mn against QR4.55mn on July 8.However, the Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR0.83mn compared with net sellers of QR1.98mn on Tuesday.The Qatari individuals’ net selling weakened considerably to QR1.29mn against QR25.29mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR5.62mn compared to QR6.75mn on July 8.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the tune of QR0.07mn on Tuesday.The main market saw a 24% contraction in trade volumes to 110.78mn shares, 26% in value to QR320.34mn and 43% in deals to 14,943.In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.08mn changed hands across 15 transactions.

Market Eye The Qatar Stock Exchange on Tuesday gained about 33 points despite a mixed response in the regional bourses due to uncertainties around the US tariff policies. Buying interests, especially in the industrials and consumer goods sectors, led the 20-stock Qatar Index to gain 0.3% to 10,833.87 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,850 points. The Arab individuals were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 2.49%. More than 47% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.06bn or 0.17% to QR639.47bn mainly on account of microcap segments. The foreign retail investors turned bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, which saw 0.06mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank) valued at QR0.13mn trade across six deals. The local individuals’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise. The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf institutions’ lower net profit booking had its effect on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index rose 0.3%, the All Share Index by 0.21% and the All Islamic Index by 0.23% in the main market. The industrials sector index gained 0.69%, consumer goods and services (0.32%), banks and financial services (0.28%) and transport (0.12%); while telecom declined 1.39% and insurance 0.86%. The real estate index was rather unchanged. Major movers in the main market include Mannai Corporation, Qamco, Qatar Islamic Bank, Gulf International Services, Medicare Group, Industries Qatar and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Ooredoo, Qatar Insurance, Meeza, Inma Holding and Zad Holding were among the shakers in the main market. The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR4.55mn compared with net sellers of QR3.42mn on Monday. The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.4mn against net profit takers of QR2.22mn the previous day. The Qatari individual investors’ net selling weakened noticeably to QR25.29mn compared to QR31.19mn on July 7. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined markedly to QR6.75mn against QR14.73mn on Monday. The Arab institutions’ net selling eased marginally to QR0.07mn compared to QR0.12mn the previous day. However, the domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.06mn against net buyers of QR11.3mn on July 7. The Gulf individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR1.98mn compared with net buyers of QR1.26mn on Monday. The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased significantly to QR29.19mn against QR39.12mn the previous day. The main market saw a 10% jump in trade volumes to 144.95mn shares, 11% in value to QR430.75mn and 22% in deals to 26,226. In the venture market, a total of 0.16mn equities valued at QR0.44mn changed hands across 37 transactions.

Market Eye Positive signals from the US on tariff front had its ripple effect on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Monday crossed the 10,800 levels, on the back of strong buying interests of foreign institutions. The telecom, insurance and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.46% to 10,801.67 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,754 points. The domestic institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 2.18%. More than 60% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.53bn or 0.4% to QR638.41bn mainly on account of small cap segments. The Gulf retail investors turned bullish in the main market, which saw 0.05mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.13mn trade across 12 deals. However, the Gulf individuals were profit takers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise. The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf institutions turned bearish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index rose 0.46%, the All Share Index by 0.33% and the All Islamic Index by 0.48% in the main market. The telecom sector index shot up 1%, insurance (0.62%), industrials (0.61%), banks and financial services (0.38%), real estate (0.21%) and consumer goods and services (0.1%); while transport declined 0.36%. Major movers in the main market include Mannai Corporation, Qatar Electricity and Water, QIIB, Ooredoo, Gulf International Services, Commercial Bank, Industries Qatar and QLM. Nevertheless, Zad Holding, Meeza, Nakilat, Medicare Group, Qatar Oman Investment and Salam International Investment 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 significantly to QR39.12mn compared to QR12.34mn the previous day. The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR11.3mn against net sellers of QR27.333mn on July 6. The Gulf individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR1.26mn compared with net sellers of QR0.18mn on Sunday. However, the Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR31.19mn against net buyers of QR7.09mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR14.73mn compared with net buyers of QR3.17mn on July 6. The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.42mn against net buyers of QR5.44mn on Sunday. The foreign retail investors’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR2.22mn compared to QR0.44mn the previous day. The Arab institutions’ net profit booking strengthened marginally to QR0.12mn against QR0.02mn on July 6. The main market saw 30% jump in trade volumes to 132.27n shares and 46% in value to QR386.6mn on more than doubled deals to 21,579. In the venture market, a total of 0.07mn equities valued at QR0.2mn changed hands across 21 transactions.