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The Qatar Stock Exchange edged down marginally on the back of selling pressure, especially in the real estate and consumer goods sectors, a day after it lost heavily on global.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[68487]**concerns about China’s smaller cut in rates.The Gulf individuals were seen net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled mere 0.05% lower at 10,454.75 points.More than 55% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 2.12%.The foreign retail investors were seen net profit takers in the main bourse, which was on a rollercoaster ride for most part of the session with the index touching an intraday high of 10,533 points.The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying interests had its influence in the main market, whose capitalisation was down QR0.39bn or 0.06% to QR615.03bn with microcap segments losing the most.The local retail investors’ lower net buying also had its say in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn changed hands across five deals.The foreign funds continued to be net sellers but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index made gains vis-à-vis declines in the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was down 0.05% and All Share Index by 0.02%, while Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) was up 0.03% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The real estate sector index declined 0.8%, consumer goods and services (0.34%), transport (0.12%) and banks and financial services (0.04%); whereas telecom gained 0.71%, insurance (0.43%) and industrials (0.08%).Major losers in the main market included Widam Food, Inma Holding, Medicare Group, Ezdan, Salam International Investment, Qatari German Medical Devices, Al Meera and Mazaya Qatar. In the junior bourse, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar National Cement, Doha Insurance, Estithmar Holding, Mekdam Holding and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the gainers in the main market. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The Gulf individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR1.58mn compared with net buyers of QR1.48mn on August 21.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.06mn against net buyers of QR3.34mn on Monday.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased significantly to QR3.4mn compared to QR18.91mn the previous day.The local retail investors’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR2.32mn against QR5.27mn on August 21.However, the Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR2.68mn compared with net sellers of QR2.54mn on Monday.The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.07mn against net sellers of QR4.74mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking decreased substantially to QR6.33mn compared to QR21.72mn on August 21.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market tanked 18% to 126.58mn shares, value by 23% to QR334.67mn and deals by 25% to 14,160.The venture market saw an 87% contraction in trade volumes to 0.2mn equities, 88% in value to QR0.44mn and 83% in transactions to 58.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) has launched covered short selling as well as securities lending and borrowing (SLB) activities, as part of its reforms to make the market more liquid and attractive for the investors, especially foreign.The move, which indicates the imminent launch of derivatives, is also aimed at achieving 'developed' market status for the QSE from the present 'emerging' tag.The covered short selling will be allowed solely for market makers, liquidity providers, and qualified investors, including members, and any other cases approved by the Qatar Financial Market Authority or QFMA.The SLB transactions will be executed in the post-trading system of the Edaa (formerly Qatar Central Securities Depository) by its members or custodians licensed by the QFMA to conduct this activity under the designation "Securities Lending & Borrowing Agents."The roles and responsibilities of these agents have been defined under Article (3) of the SLB rules issued by the QFMA.SLB would aid in enhancing the liquidity in the capital market, which in turn would ensure reduced cost of capital and better valuations, market sources said.Abdulaziz Nasser al-Emadi, the acting chief executive officer of QSE, highlighted the significance of launching this initiative and its role in enhancing market liquidity and introducing new investment tools that will offer investors improved options for optimal investment in the market."Such initiatives are essential for launching the derivatives market and adopting the tradable investment instruments," he said, adding the availability of these tools, alongside other instruments, would contribute primarily to upgrading the Qatari market to advanced status.The covered short selling rules stipulate that transactions can only be executed at a price higher than the last traded price for the same security, where the 'Uptick Rule' will apply to all traders. Brokers will be responsible for ensuring that the covered short selling order is entered into the trading system at a price at least one point higher than the last traded price for that security.Most short selling is done by hedge funds and institutional investors to cushion their positions against falling stock prices.The covered short selling rules aim to enable investors to use different investment strategies in line with the best practices in the financial markets, according to market experts.In September last year, the QFMA had issued rules relating to the covered short selling and SLB in a bid to increase liquidity and volumes as well as expand the investment instruments for the investors.This contributes to increasing trading volumes and liquidity in the market, maximising the returns of stakeholders in the Qatari capital market, as well as broaden the scope of borrowing securities for various purposes.In its Capital Market Report 2020, the Qatar Financial Centre had suggested creating a derivatives market, initially offering single-stock futures contracts, as part of the key recommendations for the country’s capital market development.A derivatives market would add to the breadth of Qatar's capital market, offering investors risk management tool to hedge their investments and business exposure.

MEEZA, which now has a total supply capacity of 24.4MW (megawatts) from operating five data centres, is planning to expand its capacity by 19.5MW over the next two to three years to meet the growing demand in Qatar.The company, which will Wednesday start trading on the Qatar Stock Exchange, is currently the market leader with about 50% market share based on Qatar estimated supply capacity.In the data centre industry, MWs are reserved for wholesale colocation customers that require enough power for thousands of servers and related IT hardware.MEEZA’s demand for data centre-related services is mainly driven by colocation and hosting services as well as IaaS (infrastructure as a service).According to a recent market study commissioned by MEEZA, the demand for colocation and hosting is expected to rise from $129mn in 2022 to $163mn in 2026, while demand for IaaS is expected to significantly grow from $71mn in 2022 to $279mn in 2026, indicating a huge growth potential for MEEZA over the next few years that can be serviced with an adequate expansion in capacity.Out of the total ICT market, the data centre market in Qatar accounts for about 0.12% of the global data centre market in 2022. In line with the current global market trends, the demand for data centres in Qatar is expected to grow by 13.3% per annum from 40 megawatts (MW) in 2022 to 66MW in 2026.Furthermore, total spending demand for Qatar on data centre systems and data centre IT-related services is expected to steadily rise from $0.86bn in 2022 to $1.28bn in 2026.This growth in demand for data centres is expected to be mainly driven by digital business process as a service (BPaaS), data centre services, desktop as a service (DaaS), data centre systems support, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and application managed services.Additionally, cybersecurity is also poised to follow the same growth dynamic, with total demand for cyber security service in Qatar forecasted to grow by 10.6% per annum from $347mn in 2022 to $520mn in 2026.The Qatari data centre space currently features three ICT (information, communication and technology) companies whose data centre colocation capacity is commercially available to third parties as part of their core business. Besides MEEZA, other ICT entities operating data centres in Qatar are Ooredoo and Mannai ICT.Ooredoo operates five data centres covering a total space of 60,000sq ft and its total supply capacity is estimated to be 22MW (46% market share based on Qatar estimated supply capacity, on par with MEEZA), the MEEZA prospectus filed with the QSE said.Mannai ICT – an integrated end-to-end solutions IT company in Qatar providing, among others, servers and storage services, peripheral IT hardware services and integrated IT solutions – currently operates one data centre with an estimated supply capacity of 2MW (4% market share based on Qatar estimated supply capacity).As per the latest Ministry of Communications data, ICT currently contributes to 1.9% of Qatar’s total gross domestic product. Investments in the digital landscape, particularly cloud computing, are at an all-time high as part of efforts to implement Qatar’s digital transformation agenda and construct a knowledge-based economy.

The country's famed industrial expo 'Made in Qatar' is all set to cross the Gulf Co-operation Council or GCC region to probably east Africa, as part of Qatar Chamber's efforts to better and effectively showcase Doha's manufacturing finesse before the global audience."It could be in Iraq or in country within the eastern African region," Qatar Chamber (QC) chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani told Monday at a media meet convened to announce the schedule of the ninth Made in Qatar exhibition.The expo, which is being organised by the QC, in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), will be held here from November 29 to December 2.In support of the QC's move to hold Made in Qatar outside the Gulf region; Sheikh Khalifa said the expo primarily aims at strengthening the national industry sector, support the state’s endeavours for industrial development, promoting the Qatari products both domestically and internationally, and encouraging the utilisation of Qatari-made products, and inspiring investors to increase investment in industrial projects and enhancing the partnership between the public and private sectors.About the expo to be held in Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, the exhibition serves as a large platform that brings together Qatari industries and products, aimed at bolstering the Qatari industry and promoting the local product, boosting co-operation among the Qatari businessman and domestic companies, and facilitating discussions on potential partnerships and alliances that can contribute to the advancement of the local industry.This year’s edition follows the success Qatar achieved in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he said, underscoring that the Qatari industry achieved remarkable development and success in recent years."These factors have bolstered the competitiveness and quality of the Qatari product, facilitating its penetration into global markets," Sheikh Khalifa said.The exhibition is expected to feature more than 450 Qatari industrial companies across six sectors, encompassing furniture, food, petrochemicals, services, SMEs, and various industries.The event would also see the participation of over 100 productive families to showcase their products in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Family.Saleh bin Majed al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce Affairs at the Ministry ofCommerce and Industry, reassured the ministry's initiatives in supporting exporters and increasing the Qatari exports.He emphasised on the collective efforts in fostering a conducive business environment and motivating companies to establish value-added projects that contribute to the national economy.He also underlined the significance of enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector for enabling the country's manufactured products, which hold economic advantages, to effectively compete both domestically and on the international stage.Abdulrahman al-Ansari, a QC board member and chairperson of the exhibition’s technical committee, said the state has built an advanced infrastructure, which will provide the private sector with opportunities for active contribution to the growth of the domestic production.

Reflecting the global concerns on China's smaller cut in rates, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Monday plunged 117 points on the back of selling pressure, especially in the.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[68162]**banks.The foreign institutions were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 1.11% to 10,459.78 points.About 73% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 2.07%.The Arab individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw the index touch an intraday high of 10,648 points.The Gulf institutions were seen bearish in the main market, whose capitalisation eroded QR6.04bn or 0.97% to QR615.42bn with small and midcap segments losing the most.The domestic funds’ weakened net buying had its influence in dampening the sentiments in the main bourse, which saw a total of 7,648 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.06mn changed hands across four deals.However, the local and foreign individuals were seen bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index fell 1.11%, All Share Index by 0.97% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 1.21% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The banks and financial services sector index shot up 1.26%, industrials (0.99%), consumer goods and services (0.91%, transport (0.64%), realty (0.64%) and telecom (0.12%); while insurance gained 0.82%.Major losers in the main market included Qatar National Cement, Qatari German Medical Devices, Ezdan, Masraf Al Rayan, Mazaya Qatar, Alijarah Holding, Qatar Islamic Bank, Salam International Investment, Mannai Corporation, Baladna, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Estithmar Holding, Qamco and Milaha. In the junior bourse, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Zad Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Insurance, Mekdam Holding and Ahlibank Qatar were among the gainers in the main market. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased substantially to QR21.72mn compared to QR9.97mn on August 20.The Arab individual investors’ net selling expanded noticeably to QR4.74mn against QR2.36mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.54mn compared with net buyers of QR5.41mn on Sunday.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased significantly to QR18.91mn against QR34.8mn on August 20.However, the local individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR5.27mn compared with net sellers of QR23.44mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR3.34mn against net profit takers of QR2.2mn on Sunday.The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR1.48mn compared with sellers of QR2.24mn on August 20.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were up 9% to 153.51mn shares, value by 33% to QR432.15mn and deals by 78% to 18,875.The venture market saw a 25% contraction in trade volumes to 1.57mn equities and 33% in value to QR3.65mn but on flat transactions at 332.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Sunday opened the week on a stronger note, albeit at lower levels, on the back of buying interests, especially in the telecom and insurance.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[67723]**sectors. The domestic funds were seen increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained more than five points or 0.05% to 10,576.82 points.The foreign institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 0.98%.The Arab individuals’ lower net profit booking was also visible in the main bourse, which saw the index touch an intraday high of 10,620 points.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, whose capitalisation however gained QR0.12bn or 0.02% to QR621.46bn with microcap segments gaining the most.The local retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse, which saw a total of 9,235 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn changed hands across three deals.The Gulf individuals were net profit takers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was up 0.05% and All Share Index by 0.02%, while Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) fell 0.14% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The telecom sector index shot up 1.05%, insurance (0.88%), banks and financial services (0.11%) and consumer goods and services (0.02%); while real estate shed 1.06%, transport (0.74%) and industrials (0.13%).Major gainers in the main market included Beema, Widam Food, Inma Holding, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatari German Medical Devices, Commercial Bank, QIIB, Qatar Insurance and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Al Khaleej Takaful, Alijarah Holding, Dlala, Masraf Al Rayan, Mazaya Qatar, Medicare Group, Qatari Investors Group, Gulf International Services, Qamco and United Development Company were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased significantly to QR34.8mn compared to QR2.62mn on August 17.The foreign funds’ net selling declined substantially to QR9.97mn against QR27.01mn the previous trading day.The Arab individual investors’ net selling eased perceptibly to QR2.36mn compared to QR4.34mn last Thursday.However, the local retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR23.44mn against net buyers of QR7.65mn on August 17.The Gulf individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR2.24mn compared with net buyers of QR0.89mn the previous trading day.The foreign retail investors’ net profit booking strengthened markedly to QR2.2mn against QR0.08mn last Thursday.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened considerably to QR5.41mn compared to QR20.27mn on August 17.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were up 4% to 140.57mn shares, while value shrank 25% to QR325.25mn and deals by 38 to 10,623.The venture market saw a 43% contraction in trade volumes to 2.09mn equities, 35% in value to QR5.39mn and 48% in transactions to 332.

The Qatar Free Zones (QFZs) have housed 400 firms to date, with 1mn sqm of land leased, representing more than $3bn in total investment and creating more than 6,000 jobs, its top official has said.In an interview to fDi Intelligence of Financial Times, QFZ Authority (QFZ) chief executive officer Sheikh Mohamed H. F. al-Thani said it is particularly focused on seven strategic sectors as emerging technologies, logistics and trading, food and agritech, industrial and consumer, aerospace and defence, biomedical sciences, and maritime development."These strategic sectors afford us many synergies, as we’re able to support individual companies including Google Cloud, Microsoft, Thales, DHL, Volkswagen and Gaussin, among many others, to achieve their goals, while developing new frontiers for priority sectors in Qatar," he said.He highlighted the longstanding partnership with Google Cloud and the launch of the Google Cloud region in Doha, which aims to support Qatar’s efforts in becoming a digital economy and providing opportunities for other investors in Qatari free zones and across the country.Research conducted by Access Partnership revealed that this ambitious project is expected to drive increased economic activity and contribute $18.9bn in higher gross economic output to Qatar’s economy by 2030.Stressing that each one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries has something unique to offer investors; Sheikh Mohamed said that’s why it doesn’t view itself as in competition with the neighbours; rather complement each other."That said, we are the right choice for those who are looking for the specific advantages Qatar and QFZ offer: a combination of unparalleled logistics and educational infrastructure, a multicultural environment, vast natural gas reserves, a seamless regulatory experience, grand-scale projects and connectivity to global markets by air, sea and land," according to him.Stressing on its commitment to sustainability, and the ways through which it supported both investors and the country in driving sustainability initiatives, he cited the production of the first electric vehicles in Qatar at the zones, as part of a partnership between zero-emission company Gaussin and QFZA.These vehicles are now in operation at Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port, helping to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate Qatar’s national ambition for electric vehicle adoption in the public transport network and wider mobility sector, he said.Qatar has two free zones up and running. Ras Bufontas (4 sqkm), is connected to Hamad International Airport; and the Umm Al Houl free zone (32 sqkm), which sits next to Hamad Port.

Reflecting the global concerns on the US rate hike and sluggish economic recovery in China, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) saw its key index lose as much as 164 points and.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[66993]**market capitalisation erode QR9bn this week.The foreign institutions were seen increasingly into net profit booking as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 1.53% this week which saw the listed companies report a total net profit of QR24.55bn in the first half (H1) of this year.The transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main bourse this week which saw Woqod extend its petroleum products’ sale and purchase agreement with the country’s hydrocarbon bellwether QatarEnergy.As much as 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Estithmar Holding’s subsidiary Elegancia Healthcare establish a branch in Iraq.The domestic funds turned net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw the bourse announcement that Meeza will start trading from next week.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices this week which saw Qatar’s consumer price index inflation surge 3.11% year-on-year in July 2023.The local retail investors were seen bearish in the main market this week which saw Gulf International Services’ net profit at QR281mn in H1-2023.The Arab institutions turned net profit takers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar Insurance Company’s H1-2023 net profit at QR325mn.The Gulf individuals were net sellers in the main market this week which saw a total of 0.05mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.11mn trade across 16 deals.The Arab retail investors continued to be net profit takers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 0.07mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.72mn change hands across 42 transactions.Market capitalisation melted QR8.87bn or 1.41% to QR621.34bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw the banks and industrials sectors together constitute more than 66% of the total trade volume in the main market.The Total Return Index shed 1.53%, the All Share Index by 1.3% and the All Islamic Index by 1.18% this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The transport sector index plummeted 1.77%, banks and financial services (1.76%), industrials (1.4%), telecom (1.14%) and consumer goods and services (0.72%); while insurance shot up 4.09% and real estate (0.03%) this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Major losers in the main market included Inma Holding, Mannai Corporation, Beema, Industries Qatar, QNB, Commercial Bank, QIIB, Masraf Al Rayan, Alijarah Holding, Widam Food, Estithmar Holding, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo, Nakilat and Gulf Warehousing. In the juniour bourse, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Gulf International Services, Al Khaleej Takaful, Dlala, Qatar Insurance, QLM, Mekdam Holding, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qamco and QLM were among the gainers. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value this week.The foreign funds’ net selling increased considerably to QR39.41mn compared to QR25.24mn the week ended August 10.The domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR21.59mn against net buyers of QR30.27mn the previous week.The local retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR5.74mn compared with net buyers of QR8.19mn a week ago.The Arab funds turned net profit takers to the tune of QR0.13mn against no major net exposure the week ended August 10.The Gulf individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR0.1mn compared with net buyers of QR2.24mn the previous week.However, the Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR53.13mn against QR4.97mn a week ago.The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR16.04mn compared with net sellers of QR2.33mn the week ended August 10.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking weakened markedly to QR2.2mn against QR18.09mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 10% jump in trade volumes to 717.81mn shares, 9% in value to QR1.91bn and 8% in deals to 76,405 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes almost doubled to 8.71mn equities and value more than doubled to QR19.28mn on 86% surge in transactions to 1,650.

The Group Securities, QNB Financial Services and Commercial Bank Financial Services together accounted for about 85% of the share trade turnover of the brokerages in the Qatar Stock Exchange during the first seven months of this year.The QNB and Commercial Bank's brokerage subsidiaries saw their share trade turnover improve year-on-year during January-July 2023, according to the Qatar Stock Exchange data.The Group Securities’ share stood at 39.43% in January-July 2023 compared to 37.93% the previous year period. Its trading turnover tanked 28.22% year-on-year to QR58.26bn. The transactions through it expanded 7.34% on an annualised basis to 1.9mn even as volumes fell 14.73% to 29.53mn shares at the end of July 31, 2023.The QNB subsidiary QNBFS' trade turnover amounted to QR47.33bn, which constituted 32.03% of the total traded value during January-July 2023 against 32.16% a year-ago period. The turnover shrank 31.21% year-on-year as volumes fell 1.81% to 9.23mn equities and transactions by 10.06% to 1.61mn in the review period.The Commercial Bank Financial Services accounted for 13.39% of trade turnover compared to 12.43% during January-July 2023. The brokerage house's trade turnover tanked 25.6% year-on-year to QR19.79bn as volumes lost 8.73% to 5.23mn stocks, even as deals shot up 22.73% to 0.71mn in the review period.The Commercial Bank Financial Services was the first bank brokerage in the country to launch margin trading product.The Qatar Financial Market Authority had approved the Group Securities and Commercial Bank Financial Services as liquidity providers, while saying other licenses are on the pipeline. In May 2013, the financial market regulator had approved the liquidity provision scheme that can be carried out by the financial services firms.Qatar Securities accounted for 7.02% of trade turnover during January-July 2023 compared to 7.41% the previous year period. The brokerage's trading turnover dipped 3.22% year-on-year to QR10.37bn as volumes fell 11.45% to 2.32mn shares and transactions by 6.67% to 0.28mn at the end of July 2023.Wasata Financial Securities' share was 3.63% of trading turnover during January-July 2023 compared to 4.05% in the comparable period of 2022. Its trade turnover plummeted 38.06% year-on-year to QR5.37bn as volumes tanked 21.88% to 2mn equities but deals soared 30.77% to 0.17mn at the end of July 31, 2023.Dlala Brokerage, a stock broking business arm of Dlala Holding, accounted for 3.27% of trade turnover (QR4.83bn), which plunged 42.84% year-on-year. The brokerage’s share was 3.95% the previous year period. The deals through it shrank 12.5% on a yearly basis to 0.14mn and volumes by 25.72% to 2.05mn stocks at the end of July 2023.Al-Ahli Brokerage, a subsidiary of Ahlibank Qatar, saw its trade turnover tank 58.6% on an annualised basis to QR1.83bn, cornering a market share of 1.24% during the first seven months of 2023 compared to 2.07% a year ago period. The volumes handled by the banking subsidiary declined 46.99% to 0.44mn shares and deals through it by 44.44% to 0.05mn during the review period.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday lost more than 92 points and its key index fell below 10,600 levels, on the back of selling pressure, especially in the banks and financial services counter.The foreign institutions were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.86% to 10,571.63 points. The market has been on a slippery path for the fourth consecutive session.The Arab retail investors were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which reported higher year-to-date losses of 1.02%.The foreign individuals turned net bearish in the main bourse, which saw the index touch an intraday high of 10,703 points.About 73% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market, whose capitalisation melted QR5.21bn or 0.83% to QR621.34bn with large and midcap segments losing the most.The Gulf individuals’ weakened net buying interests had its influence in the main bourse, which saw a total of 7,069 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.07mn changed hands across six deals.The local retail investors’ net buying also slackened in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.86%, Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.63% and All Share Index by 0.84% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The banks and financial services sector index declined 1.15%, telecom (0.69%), industrials (0.68%), transport (0.49%), consumer goods and services (0.42%) and realty (0.28%); while insurance gained 0.34%.Major losers in the main market included Beema, Commercial Bank, Alkhaleej Takaful, Alijarah Holding, QNB, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatari German Medical Devices, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company, Qatari Investors Group, Estithmar Holding, Qamco, Ooredoo, Mazaya Qatar and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, Dlala, Mekdam Holding, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance and Vodafone Qatar were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their shares appreciate in value.The foreign funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR27.01mn compared with net buyers of QR17.12mn on August 16.The Arab individual investors’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR4.34mn against QR2.94mn the previous day.The foreign individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR0.08mn compared with net buyers of QR0.51mn on Wednesday.The local retail investors’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR7.65mn against QR8.76mn on August 16.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.89mn compared to QR1.14mn the previous day.However, the Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR20.27mn against QR0.92mn on Wednesday.The domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.62mn compared with net sellers of QR25.4mn on August 16.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the extent of QR0.13mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market were up 1% to 134.82mn shares, value by 5% to QR433.08mn and deals by 7% to 17,155.The venture market saw trade volumes more than double to 3.66mn equities and value more than double to QR8.32mn on more than doubled transactions to 641.

Qatar's inflation, based on consumer price index (CPI), rose 3.11% in July 2023 on an annualised basis, mainly due to communication, entertainment, housing and education sectors, according to official data.The country's CPI inflation was higher by 0.37% month-on-month this July, according to the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The International Monetary Fund forecasts that inflation in Qatar would average 2.1% in 2023-27. The country's CPI inflation is expected to average to 3% this year, which is below 9.9% projected in the Arab world and 3.3% in the Gulf Co-operation Council region, according to Kamco Invest.Qatar's core inflation (excluding housing and utilities) rose 2.77% and 0.62% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively during the review period.Communication, which carries a 5.2% weight, saw its group index surge 15.85% and 1.3% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in July 2023.The index of recreation and culture, which has an 11.1% weight in the CPI basket, zoomed 6.84% and 3.52% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in July this year.The index of housing, water, electricity and other fuels – with a weight of 21.2% in the CPI basket – increased 4.49% year-on-year but fell 0.7% month-on-month in July 2023.The education sector, which has 5.8% in the CPI basket, saw its index surge 4.06 on a yearly basis this July, even as it was unchanged from the previous month.The index of transport, which has a 14.6% weight, was seen gaining 2.53% and 0.96% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in July 2023.The sector has the direct linkage to the dismantling of the administered prices in petrol and diesel as part of the government measures to lower the subsidies.The price of petrol (super) and diesel remained flat on an annualised basis but that of premium rose 2.63% in July 2023. On a monthly basis, the prices of super, premium and diesel were unchanged.The index of furniture and household equipment, which has 7.9% weight in the CPI basket, was seen shooting up 2.13% year-on-year but was down 0.13% month-on-month in July 2023.Food and beverages group, which carry 13.5% weight in the CPI basket, became costlier by 1.54% and 1.63% on a yearly and monthly basis respectively in July 2023.The index of health, which has a 2.7% weight, was up 0.33% on a yearly basis, while it shrank 1.28% month-on-month in July 2023.However, the restaurants and hotels group, with a 6.6% weight, saw its index plunge 4.65% and 3.49% on a yearly and monthly basis respectively in July 2023, reflecting the lower demand in view of the summer holidays.The index of clothing and footwear, which has a 5.6% weight in the CPI basket, fell 0.31% year-on-year but rose 0.17% on a monthly basis in the review period.The index of miscellaneous goods and services, with a 5.7% weight, slid 0.08% and 1.64% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively this July.The tobacco index, which has a 0.3% weight, was unchanged on yearly and monthly basis in the review period.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Wednesday saw a rollercoaster ride in the initial period to finally close mere 10 points lower despite gainers outnumbering losers.The domestic institutions were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index fell 0.09% to 10,662.56 points. The market has been on a bearish for the third consecutive day.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers in the main market, which reported year-to-date losses of 0.16%.The foreign individuals’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, which saw the index touch an intraday high of 10,713 points.The Gulf institutions’ lower net buying support also had its say in the main market, whose capitalisation was down QR0.23bn or 0.04% to QR626.55bn with microcap segments losing the most.However, the foreign funds turned bullish in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.04mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.39mn changed hands across 24 deals.The local retail investors were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main index in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index fell 0.09%, Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.06% and All Share Index by 0.08% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The telecom sector index shrank 0.53%, consumer goods and services (0.22%), banks and financial services (0.17%) and transport (0.14%); whereas insurance gained 0.8%, real estate (0.29%) and industrials (0.2%).Major losers in the main market included Doha Insurance, QLM, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatar Oman Investment, Woqod, Estithmar Holding and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Dlala, Medicare Group, Ezdan, Qatar Insurance, Aamal Company, Al Meera, Qatari Investors Group and Mazaya Qatar were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic funds were net sellers to the tune of QR25.4mn compared with net buyers of QR1.12mn on August 15.The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the extent of QR2.94mn against net buyers of QR0.44mn the previous day.The Arab institutions were net profit takers to the tune of QR0.13mn compared with no major net exposure on Tuesday.The foreign individual investors’ net buying declined considerably to QR0.51mn against QR10.22mn on August 15.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased noticeably to QR0.92mn compared to QR6.52mn the previous day.However, the foreign funds turned net buyers to the extent of QR17.12mn against net sellers of QR4.72mn on Tuesday.The local individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR8.76mn compared with net profit takers of QR11.24mn on August 15.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR1.14mn against net sellers of QR1.55mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 3% to 133.48mn shares, while value expanded 19% to QR412.85mn and deals by 8% to 16,096.The venture market saw a 9% contraction in trade volumes to 1.54mn equities, 8% in value to QR3.44mn and 7% in transactions to 315.

QTerminals, Qatar's port management company, has acquired a majority stake in Kramer Holding, a provider of integrated logistics and container services in the Port of Rotterdam, as part of its expansion into the European maritime sector.The acquisition represents an important milestone in the expansion of QTerminals, as the Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and is a significant addition to QTerminals group’s diversification.In addition, this acquisition further reinforces QTerminals Group’s commitment to contribute towards Qatar National Vision 2030 which aims for the diversification of the national economy and foreign investments."Kramer Group is an important strategic step for QTerminals as we will expand our presence into Europe’s largest port. Kramer Group complements QTerminals and adds existing business, a robust value-creating service offering and European network to QTerminals portfolio," QTerminals Group chief executive officer Neville Bissett.QTerminals will retain Kramer’s key management personnel and employees, including André Kramer, who will continue as the chief executive officer.Kramer Group has both core and strategic importance to the Port of Rotterdam, as it supplements the port’s activities whilst having direct access to the deep-sea terminals of the Port of Rotterdam.The Kramer Group is an integrated container handling and storage, terminal, container development and logistics services provider, located in the Port of Rotterdam, and is the only independent terminal in the Maasvlakte area, and one of the few multi-user depot terminals in the port.The acquisition of the Kramer Group by QTerminals allows its entry and presence in the largest port in Europe which makes QTerminals Group’s position stronger in relation to future opportunities in Europe and other developed global markets.The presence of QTerminals in the Port of Rotterdam is strategic and reputable for QTerminals Group in particular and for Qatar in general as QTerminals' profile will become known in the largest European port.“Today, we mark the beginning of a new chapter joining forces with QTerminals. I believe that their expertise, resources, and industry insights will enable us to expand our horizons and explore untapped opportunities. Whilst maintaining our culture, organisation, core team and our commitment to delivering the superior quality services to our clients in almost all aspects of container logistics”, said Kramer.By acquiring Kramer Group, QTerminals will continue to develop its world leading technical and operational know-how to enhance and optimize its potential as one of the leading providers of integrated container logistics services in Europe.

The foreign institutions’ increased net profit booking Monday steered the Qatar Stock Exchange to the negative terrain as it lost 70 points in key index and QR3bn in capitalisation.Selling pressure, especially in the banking counter, led the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.65% to 10,708.35 points.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market, whose year-to-date gains weakened to 0.26%.The Arab retail investors’ lower net buying interests also had its say in the main bourse, which saw the index touch an intraday high of 10,793 points.The Gulf individuals continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity in the main market, whose capitalisation shed QR3.15bn or 0.5% to QR628.86bn with midcap segments losing the most.The foreign individual investors turned bullish in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.18mn changed hands across 11 deals.The local retail investors were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main index in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index fell 0.65%, Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.58% and All Share Index by 0.56% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The banks and financial services sector index declined 0.95%, consumer goods and services (0.46%), industrials (0.44%), transport (0.39%) and real estate (0.32%); whereas insurance shot up 2.1% and telecom 0.49%.Major losers in the main market include General Insurance and Reinsurance, QIIB, QLM, Widam Food, Zad Holding, QNB, Industries Qatar and Nakilat. Ion the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Gulf International Services, Al Khaleej Takaful, Dlala, Doha Insurance, Qatar Insurance, Alijarah Holding, Qatar National Cement, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Beema and Gulf Warehousing were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the junior market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased noticeably to QR17.06mn compared to QR7.74mn on August 13.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased considerably to QR6.52mn against QR19.68mn the previous day.The Arab individuals’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR1.08mn compared to QR3.55mn on Sunday.However, the foreign individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.97mn against net sellers of QR0.6mn on August 13.The domestic funds were net buyers to the extent of QR2.68mn compared with net sellers of QR2.6mn the previous day.The local retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.03mn against net profit takers of QR11.94mn on Sunday.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR0.22mn compared to QR0.35mn on August 13.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure.Trade volumes in the main market fell 6% to 150.6mn shares, while value expanded 15% to QR385.14mn and deals by 55% to 17,194.The venture market saw a 90% surge in trade volumes to 1.2mn equities, 106% in value to QR2.55mn and 103% in transactions to 237.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining more than 42 points to inch towards 10,800 levels on the back of increased.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[65083]**buying interests from the Gulf funds.The real estate, industrials and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.39% to 10,777.99 points.The foreign institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market, whose year-to-date gains strengthened further to 0.91%.The local retail investors’ lower net profit booking also had its say in the main bourse, which saw the index regain from an intraday low of 10,745 points.The Arab individuals continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, whose capitalisation added QR1.8bn or 0.29% to QR632.01bn with small and microcap segments gaining the most.The domestic institutions were seen bearish in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.09mn changed hands across nine deals.The Gulf individual investors were increasingly into net profit booking in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the main index in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.39%, Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.6% and All Share Index by 0.37% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The realty sector index jumped 0.94%, industrials (0.67%), banks and financial services (0.5%), and consumer goods and services (0.19%); whereas insurance declined 0.95%, transport (0.47%) and telecom (0.18%).Major gainers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qamco, QLM, Qatar German Medical Devices, Zad Holding, QIIB, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services and Barwa. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Dlala, Qatar Insurance, Beema, Inma Holding, Mazaya Qatar, Mannai Corporation, Nakilat and Gulf Warehousing were in the red in the major bourse.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR19.68mn compared to QR15.8mn on August 10.The foreign institutions’ net selling declined noticeably to QR7.74mn against QR11.25mn the previous trading day.The local retail investors’ net profit booking shrank markedly to QR111.94mn compared to QR13.9mn last Thursday.The foreign individual investors’ net selling weakened notably to QR0.6mn against QR2.81mn on August 10.However, the domestic funds were net sellers to the tune of QR2.6mn compared with net buyers of QR7.89mn the previous trading day.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR0.35mn against QR0.08mn last Thursday.The Arab individuals’ net buying decreased notably to QR3.55mn compared to QR4.34mn on August 10.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure.Trade volumes in the main market rose 17% to 159.85mn shares, while value declined 9% to QR334.63mn and deals by 27% to 11,121.The venture market saw a 66% plunge in trade volumes to 0.63mn equities, 69% in value to QR1.24mn and 68% in transactions to 117.

The realty prospects appeared to be greater outside Doha as building permits issued in Al Shamal, Al Daayen and Al Khor grew higher than the national average in July 2023, according to official data.Qatar saw as many as 634 building permits issued in July 2023, which grew15.1% on an annualised basis but was down by marginal 0.5% month-on-month in the review period, according to the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority.Al Rayyan, Doha and Al Wakra municipalities together constituted 70% of the total building permit issued in July 2023.The building permits data is of particular importance as it is considered an indicator for the performance of the construction sector which in turn occupies a significant position in the national economy.Of the total number of new building permits issued, Al Rayyan constituted 163 permits or 26% of the total, followed by Doha 139 (22%), Al Wakra 138 (22%), Al Daayen 107 (17%), Al Khor 35 (6%), Umm Slal 27 (4%), Al Shahaniya 14 (3%) and Al Shamal 11 (2%) in July 2023.Total building permits issued in Al Shamal zoomed 175% year-on-year this July, followed by Al Daayen (75.4%), Al Khor (52.2%), Al Rayan (10.1%), Al Wakra (3%) and Doha (0.7%); while those in Al Shahaniya declined 6.7%. The permits issued in Umm Slal were unchanged.On a monthly basis, the total building permits issued in Umm Slal saw a 34% decline, Al Shahaniya (30%), Al Khor (20%), Al Rayyan (11%) and Al Daayen (4%); whereas those in Al Shamal, Al Wakra and Doha witnessed 38%, 23% and 19% increase respectively in July 2023.The new building permits (residential and non-residential) constituted 228 permits or 36% of the total building permits issued in July 2023, additions 387 (61%) and fencing 19 (3%).Of the new residential buildings permits, villas topped the list, accounting for 86% (158 permits), dwellings on housing loans permits 7% (12) and apartments 6% (11).Among the non-residential sector, commercial structures accounted for 40% or 18 permits, the industrial buildings as workshops and factories 29% (13 permits) and governmental buildings and mosques 13% (six permits each).Qatar saw a total of 397 building completion certificates issued in July 2023, of which 320 or 81% was for the new buildings (residential and non-residential) and 77 or 19% for additions.The total building completion certificates issued in the country saw a 28.9% growth in July 2023 with Al Khor registering 90% surge, followed by Al Daayen (55.2%), Al Rayyan (46.6%) and Al Wakra (45.5%); while Al Shamal saw 33.3% decline, Umm Slal (22.2%) and Doha (8.2%). Those issued in Al Shahaniya was flat.Qatar saw an 11% month-on-month expansion in the total building completion certificates issued in July 2023 with Al Shamal registering 100% increase, followed by Al Rayyan (37%), Al Khor (36%), Al Wakra (28%), Al Daayen (25%) and Umm Slal (4%). However, there was 75% decline in completion certificates issued in Al Shahaniya and 37% in Doha.Al Rayyan constituted 107 certificates or 27% of the total number of certificates issued in the review period, Al Wakra 96 (24%), Al Daayen 90 (23%), Doha 45 (11%), Umm Slal 28 (7%), Al Khor 19 (5%), Al Shamal eight (2%) and Al Shahaniya four (1%) in July 2023.Of the 264 residential buildings completion certificates issued this July, as many as 226 or 86% were for villas, 22 or 8% for apartments and 14 or 5% for dwellings on housing loans.Of the 226 villas completion certificates issued in May 2023, as many as 75 were in Al Rayyan, 63 in Al Daayen, nine in Al Khor, seven in Al Shamal, five in Doha and three in Al Shahaniya.In the case of 22 apartments, Doha issued nine completion certificates; Al Daayen (eight), Al Wakra (three), and Al Rayyan (two).Among the non-residential building completion certificates issued, commercial structure numbered 34 or 61% of the total; followed by industrial buildings 14 or 25% and government buildings five (9%).

Private vehicles constituted more than 85% of the total automobiles sales in Qatar in June 2023, according to the official estimates.The overall sales in the vehicles market were on a slippery road during the review period, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) data.The country saw 6,593 new vehicles registered in June 2023, declining 17.7% and 19.7% on an annualised and monthly basis respectively in the review period.The registration of new private vehicles stood at 4,466, which shrank 9.9% and 23.9% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2023. Such vehicles constituted 67.74% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration of new private transport vehicles stood at 1,141; which declined 23.6% and 11.2% on a yearly and monthly basis respectively in June 2023. Such vehicles constituted 17.3% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The new registration of other non-specified vehicles stood at 621 units, which however zoomed 235.6% and 8.4% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively this June. These constituted 9.41% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration of new private motorcycles stood at 218 units, which plummeted 80.6% and 5.6% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2023. These constituted 3.3% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new heavy equipment stood at 118, which constituted 1.79% of the total registrations in June 2023. Their registrations had seen a 43.3% and 48.7% contraction year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.The registration of trailers amounted to 29 units, which reported a 37% decline on an annualised basis but grew 7.4% month-on-month in the review period.The renewal of registration was reported in 67,250 units, which saw 5.9% and 12.8% shrinkage on yearly and monthly basis respectively in June 2023. It constituted 57% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The transfer of ownership was reported in 33,145 vehicles in June 2023, which declined 2% and 6.2% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. It constituted 28% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The modified vehicles’ registration stood at 4,408; which declined 45.8% and 28.5% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2023. They constituted 3.72% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of lost/damaged vehicles stood at 3,493 units, which tanked 60.5% and 19.2% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2023. They constituted 2.94% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of vehicles meant for exports stood at 2,075 units, which reported a 1.4% and 13.8% decrease on a yearly and monthly basis respectively in June 2023. It constituted 1.75% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of cancelled vehicles was 1,149; shrinking 47.4% and 32.3% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2023.The re-registration of vehicles stood at 102, which tanked 34.2% and 51.4% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2023.The clearing of vehicle-related processes stood at 118,485 units, which was down 12.5% and 12.8% on a yearly and monthly basis respectively in the review period.

The foreign institutions' profit booking pressure dampened the sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), whose key index fell more than 63 points this week..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[64312]**An across the board selling – particularly in the telecom, real estate, transport, insurance and industrials sectors – dragged the 20-stock key index 0.59% this week which saw market heavyweight Industries Qatar (IQ) report net profit of QR2.09bn in the first half (H1) of 2023.About 64% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Milaha’s H1 net profit at QR648mn.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding (MPHC) report QR584.85mn net profit in H1-2023.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices this week which saw Qamco register net profit of QR239.84mn in January-June 2023.The Gulf institutions’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence in the main market this week which saw Lesha Bank’s net profit at QR44.72mn.However, the local retail investors were bullish in the main bourse this week which saw the Qatari Investors Group record QR101.61mn net profit in the first six months of this year.The Gulf individual investors were seen net buyers in the main market this week which saw Qatar Islamic Insurance and Beema report net profit of QR64.23mn and QR32.34mn respectively in H1-2023.The foreign individuals continued to be bearish but with lesser vigour in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.29mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.67mn trade across 35 deals.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking eased marginally in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.03mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.31mn change hands across 23 transactions.Market capitalisation eroded QR7.21bn or 1.13% to QR630.21bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw the banks and industrials sectors together constitute more than 64% of the total trade volume in the main bourse.The Total Return Index shed 0.59%, the All Share Index by 0.85% and the All Islamic Index by 0.52% this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The telecom index tanked 2.05%, realty (1.94%), transport (1.68%), insurance (1.26%), industrials (0.97%), banks and financial services (0.51%) and consumer goods and services (0.34%) this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Major losers in the main market included QLM, Salam International Investment, Qamco, Barwa, QNB, Lesha Bank, Mannai Corporation, IQ, MPHC, Estithmar Holding, Qatar Insurance, Mazaya Qatar, Vodafone Qatar, Ooredoo, Nakilat, Milaha and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week which saw Baladna’s H1 net profit at QR42.3mn.Nevertheless, Dlala, Beema, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Inma Holding, QIIB, Gulf International Service and Qatar Islamic Insurance were among the gainers in the main market which saw Qatari German Medical Device report net profit of QR1.56mn in January-June 2023.The foreign funds were net sellers to the tune of QR25.24mn against net buyers of QR158.63mn the week ended August 3.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased substantially to QR4.97mn compared to QR57.06mn the previous week.However, the domestic institutions turned net buyers to the extent of QR30.27mn against net sellers of QR92.53mn a week ago.The local retail investors were net buyers to the tune of QR8.19mn compared with net sellers of QR86.43mn the week ended August 3.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the extent of QR2.24mn against net sellers of QR1.28mn the previous week.The foreign individuals’ net profit booking shrank drastically to QR2.33mn compared to QR15.39mn a week ago.The Arab retail investors’ net selling eased marginally to QR18.09mn against QR19.85mn the week ended August 3.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure compared with net sellers of QR0.21mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 28% contraction in trade volumes to 652.92mn shares, 24% in value to QR1.76bn and 13% in deals to 70,680 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes plunged 24% to 4.49mn equities, value by 30% to QR9.39mn and transactions by 6% to 889.