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Ahead of Eid holidays, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday gained as much as 14 points on the back of buying interests, especially in the banks, real estate and consumer goods.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[130236]**sectors.The foreign institutions were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.14% to 9,924.16 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,890 points.The domestic institutions turned bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated further to 8.37%.The foreign individuals’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.24bn or 0.22% to QR576.3bn on account of midcap segments.The Gulf retail investors’ lower net profit booking pressure also had its say in the main market, which saw as many as 0.05mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.13mn trade across five deals.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic stocks were seen gaining slower than the other indices in the market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index grew 0.14%, the All Share Index by 0.19% and the All Islamic Index by 0.12% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The banks and financial services sector index gained 0.59%, realty (0.23%), consumer goods and services (0.22%), insurance (0.04%) and transport (0.01%); while telecom declined 1.1% and industrials (0.34%).Main gainers in the main bourse included Qatar Islamic Insurance, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar Oman Investment, Mekdam Holding, Widam Food, Qatar German Medical Devices, Estithmar Holding and Ezdan.Nevertheless, Beema, Inma Holding, Dlala, Qatari Investors Group, Ooredoo, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar and Gulf International Services were among the losers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR11.09mn compared to QR6.59mn on April 7.The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.58mn against net sellers of QR7.76mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net selling declined noticeably to QR2.02mn compared to QR3.6mn on Sunday.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking shrank perceptibly to QR0.1mn against QR0.51mn on April 7.However, the Arab individuals’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR11.67mn compared to QR0.54mn the previous day.The Qatari individuals’ net profit booking strengthened perceptibly to QR5.82mn against QR7.76mn on Sunday.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased considerably to QR2.94mn compared to QR10.06mn on April 7.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.01mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market were up 2% to 116.67mn shares, value by 3% to QR315.14mn and deals by 36% to 12,612.The venture market saw 68% contraction in trade volumes at 0.08mn equities, 68% in value to QR0.12mn and 65% in transactions to 9.

Qatar should adopt a five-point agenda, including opening up of more sectors, reducing trade-weighted tariff rates on non-agriculture and non-fuel products and expanding freehold ownership of real estates from the current designated zones, to further improve the country's business environment, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) working paper has suggested."A comprehensive, well-integrated and properly sequenced reform package, which exploits complementarities across reforms, would have the most success in boosting Qatar’s potential growth significantly," said the working paper from the Bretton Woods institution.Stressing the need for further trade openness, the paper said it could be achieved through multiple ways, including reducing trade-weighted tariff rates on non-agriculture and non-fuel products; enhancing services trade through lower non-tariff barriers, streamlining customs clearance procedures and simplifying documentation needs for trade transactions, and further easing trade in the banking, insurance, and commercial agencies.It could also be achieved through promoting free trade pacts and facilitating regional trade integration by aligning trade regulations and tax on goods and services within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the report said.Qatar established a single window electronic customs clearance system (Al-Nadeeb) to support trade. At present, there is a common external tariff among the GCC members but internal border posts are still in operation, and each GCC member maintains autonomy through its individual customs administration.While Qatar benefits from a number of bilateral trade pacts, the IMF paper said compliance costs for imports and exports remain above the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) median. Trade-weighted tariff rates for non-agricultural and non-fuel products remain well above the OECD level.The business environment improvement should promote foreign and private investment by opening up more sectors for foreign investment and allowing for majority foreign ownership, especially outside of the economic zones; and further expanding freehold ownership of real estates from the current designated zones.Despite recent reforms to liberalise foreign ownership, the IMF paper said restrictions remain on foreign investment in certain sectors (banking, insurance, and commercial agencies). Similarly, foreign ownership and leasing rights of real estates, while broadened, still limit to designated zones.Additionally, to support foreign investment in building a knowledge economy, enhancing digital infrastructure (improving internet speed) to effectively communicate, disseminate and process knowledge is crucial.In a bid to reduce the role of SOEs (state-owned enterprises), the paper suggested increasing competition and enhancing procurement bidding processes to boost private sector development."Revisiting preferential treatment given to large enterprises (including SOEs) in government procurement could help create a level playing field," it said.On easing small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) access to finance; it said there was a need to enhance the insolvency framework and the efficiency of the court system; increasing coverage of the credit bureau and credit registry; and protecting the legal rights of borrowers and lenders by enhancing property rights.It also suggested increasing the recovery rate by improving foreclosure/receivership proceedings and the efficiency of proceedings to reduce cost; and encouraging the use of a robust fintech ecosystem."While protecting personal data, simplifying procedures for banks to obtain information needed to grant credit would also facilitate access to finance," the working paper said.It also highlighted the need to further improve legislative and regulatory frameworks to reduce bureaucracy and streamline business regulations.

The US rate cut expectations continued to have its positive effect on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which Monday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[160811]**gaining as much as 94 points.A higher than average demand, especially in telecom and transport counters, helped the 20-stock Qatar Index gain 0.96% to 9,910.16 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,846 points.About 76% of the traded constituents in the main market extended gains in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 8.5%.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR5.42bn or 0.95% to QR575.06bn on account of midcap segments.The local retail investors’ substantially weakened net selling had its influence in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.1mn trade across 18 deals.The Gulf individuals’ lower net selling also had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic stocks were seen gaining faster than the other indices in the market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index grew 0.96%, the All Share Index by 0.95% and the All Islamic Index by 1.05% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The telecom sector index shot up 2.87%, transport (1.39%), banks and financial services (0.91%), real estate (0.81%), insurance (0.74%), consumer goods and services (0.65%) and industrials (0.57%).Main gainers in the main bourse included Qatar Oman Investment, Alijarah Holding, Ooredoo, Inma Holding, Gulf International Services, Masraf Al Rayan, Lesha Bank, Aamal Company, Mazaya Qatar, Barwa, Nakilat and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Mekdam Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Commercial Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Al Khaleej Takaful were among the shakers in the main bourse.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased considerably to QR10.06mn compared to QR2.12mn on April 4.The Qatari individuals’ net selling weakened substantially to QR7.76mn against QR49.63mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking declined perceptibly to QR0.51mn compared to QR1.66mn last Thursday.The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.01mn against sellers of QR0.03mn on April 4.However, the domestic institutions’ net selling strengthened perceptibly to QR7.76mn compared to QR6.89mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR3.6mn against net buyers of QR3.24mn last Thursday.The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.54mn compared with net buyers of QR0.55mn on April 4.The foreign institutions’ net buying declined significantly to QR6.59mn against QR52.28mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market tanked 40% to 114.6mn shares, value by 44% to QR306.03mn and deals by 52% to 9,256.The venture market saw a more than 12-fold jump in trade volumes at 0.25mn equities, more than 12-fold increase in value to QR0.383mn on more than quadrupled transactions to 26.

Notwithstanding the hints regarding a possible US rate cut, which came on Wednesday, and the upbeat Chinese manufacturing data, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) .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[160811]** remained bearish run with its key index losing as much as 127 points and market capitalisation melting more than QR4bn this week. The telecom, transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 1.28% this week, which saw Qatar’s purchasing managers index find further improvement in the country’s non-energy private sector’s business environment. The local retail investors were seen net profit takers in the main market this week which saw QNB completes $1bn Formosa bond issue. The Gulf institutions turned bearish in the main bourse this week which saw United Development Company and Vodafone Qatar replace Baladna and Ezdan in the main barometer. The Gulf individuals’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse this week which saw Fitch upgrades Commercial Bank’s credit rating to ‘A’ with “stable” outlook. The foreign retail investors’ lower net buying had its say in the main market this week which saw Capital Intelligence upgrade QIIB’s credit rating to ‘A+’ with “stable” outlook. However, the domestic funds were seen increasingly into net buying in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.03mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.06mn trade across 17 deals. The Arab institutions turned net sellers, albeit at lower levels in the main market this week which saw as many as 216 Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR2,160 change hands across five transactions. The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the banks and real estate sectors together constitute more than 60% of the total trade volumes. Market capitalisation eroded QR4.58bn or 0.8% to QR569.64bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills. Trade volumes and turnover were on the increase in the main market; whereas it was on the decline in the junior bourse this week which saw Qatar's ports witness brisk activities in the first quarter of 2024, auguring well for the logistics and allied services sectors. The Total Return Index shed 0.66%, the All Share Index by 0.52% and the All Islamic Index by 0.56% this week which saw Qatar's hospitality sector see considerable improvement in room yield this February, amid double digit growth in visitor arrivals. The telecom sector index plummeted 4.68%, transport (3.84%), banks and financial services (1.65%) and insurance (0.7%); while industrials gained 3.31%, real estate (2.82%) and consumer goods and services (0.81%) this week which saw Standard and Poor’s expect Mekdam Holding’s Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) to expand to as much as QR60mn by 2025 from an estimated QR50mn this year; helping it to reduce debt-Ebitda ratio. Major losers in the main market included Mekdam Holding, Commercial Bank, QIIB, Ahlibank Qatar, Medicare Group, Qatar Islamic Bank, Inma Holding, Mannai Corporation, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, United Development Company, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar, Nakilat and Milaha this week. Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qamco, Industries Qatar, Al Meera, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Doha Bank, Lesha Bank, Alijarah Holding, Qatari Investors Group, Gulf International Services, Beema, Barwa and Mazaya Qatar were among the major movers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value this week. The Qatari individuals’ net selling increased substantially to QR94.79mn compared to QR41.07mn the week ended March 28. The Gulf institutions were net profit takers to the tune of QR49mn against net buyers of QR5.79mn the previous week. The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the extent of QR0.03mn compared with no major net exposure a week ago. The Gulf individuals’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR1.55mn against QR2.45mn the week ended March 28. The foreign retail investors’ net buying shrank marginally to QR11.84mn compared to QR12.18mn the previous week. The Arab individual investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR0.6mn against QR1.11mn a week ago. However, the domestic funds’ net buying strengthened drastically to QR129.99mn compared to QR21.91mn the week ended March 28. The foreign institutions’ net profit booking declined noticeably to QR0.15mn against QR2.38mn the previous week. The main market witnessed 8% jump in trade volumes to 740.26mn shares, 4% in value to QR2.31bn and 11% in deals to 77,838 this week. In the venture market, trade volumes plunged 24% to 0.32mn equities, value by 22% to QR0.5mn and transactions by 16% to 51.

Optimism on potential US interest rate cuts substantially lifted sentiments on the Qatar Stock Exchange, which on Thursday gained as much as 124 points with industrials, real estate 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[130236]**banking counters registering higher than average demand.The foreign funds were seen bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 1.28% to 9,816.3 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,726 points.More than 69% of the traded constituents in the main market extended gains in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 9.37%.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR6.38bn or 1.13% to QR569.64bn on account of large cap segments.The foreign individuals’ marginally higher net buying had its influence on the main market, which saw as many as 1,915 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR4,371 trade across one deal.The Arab retail investors continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic stocks were seen gaining faster than the other indices in the market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index grew 1.28%, the All Share Index by 1.17% and the All Islamic Index by 1.34% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The industrials sector index shot up 1.65%, realty (1.64%), banks and financial services (1.38%), consumer goods and services (0.46%), insurance (0.34%) and telecom (0.15%); while transport was down 0.07%.Main gainers in the main bourse included Industries Qatar, Masraf Al Rayan, Beema, Qamco, QNB, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Barwa, Qatar Islamic Bank, Lesha Bank, Mazaya Qatar and Milaha.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Zad Holding, Nakilat, Al Meera, Dlala and Vodafone Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR52.28mn compared with net sellers of QR26.26mn on April 3.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR2.12mn against net profit takers of QR19.48mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net buying increased marginally to QR3.24mn compared to QR3.21mn on Wednesday.However, the Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR49.63mn against net buyers of QR30.17mn on April 3.The domestic institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR6.89mn compared with net buyers of QR8.57mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.66mn against net buyers of QR0.32mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.03mn compared with no major net exposure on April 3.The Arab retail investors’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR0.55mn against QR3.47mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market grew 32% to 191.85mn shares, value by 11% to QR549.14mn and deals by 1% to 19,231.The venture market saw a 50% plunge in trade volumes at 0.02mn equities and 57% in value to QR0.03mn but on 50% jump in transactions to 6.

Reflecting the global apprehensions that the US Federal Reserve may delay lowering the interest rate, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday fell 103 points and capitalisation eroded more than QR6bn.The foreign funds were seen increasingly into net selling as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 1.05% to 9,691.93 points, the lowest in five months. The market had touched an intraday high of 9,840 points.The telecom, insurance, banks and transport counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 10.51%.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR6.06bn or 1.06% to QR563.26bn on account of large and midcap segments.The foreign individuals’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across eight deals.The Gulf retail investors’ lower net buying also had its say on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic stocks were seen declining slower than the other indices in the market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index declined 1.05%, the All Share Index by 1.09% and the All Islamic Index by 0.86% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The telecom sector index plummeted 3.89%, insurance (2.15%), banks and financial services (1.52%), transport (1.49%) and consumer goods and services (0.43%); while industrials rose 0.43%. The real estate index was rather unchanged.More than 69% of the traded constituents in the main bourse were in the red with major losers being Ooredoo, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Insurance, Mekdam Holding, Inma Holding, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, QIIB, Meeza, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Vodafone Qatar, Milaha and Nakilat.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatari Investors Group and United Development Company were among the gainers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened considerably to QR26.26mn compared to QR17.12mn on April 2.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased marginally to QR19.48mn against QR18.14mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net buying declined noticeably to QR3.21mn compared to QR7.86mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.32mn against QR0.36mn on April 2.However, the Qatari individuals’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR30.17mn compared to QR27.32mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying expanded substantially to QR8.57mn against QR0.63mn on Tuesday.The Arab individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR3.47mn compared with net sellers of QR0.36mn on April 2.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the ninth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market grew 8% to 145mn shares, value by 18% to QR493.17mn and deals by 26% to 18,956.The venture market saw a 33% surge in trade volumes at 0.04mn equities, 75% in value to QR0.07mn and 33% in transactions to 4.

Qatar's non-energy private sector saw further improvement in business conditions in March with companies completing the outstanding work at the fastest rate in six months, even as cost pressures remained “stable”, according to the Qatar Financial Centre's purchasing managers index (PMI).Output, new orders, employment and purchasing activity all increased since February, and the 12-month outlook improved, according to the PMI survey data, compiled by S&P Global.The Qatar PMI indices are compiled from survey responses from a panel of around 450 private sector companies. The panel covers the manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services sectors, and reflects the structure of the non-energy economy according to official national accounts data.The headline PMI is a composite single-figure indicator of non-energy private sector performance. It is derived from indicators for new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of purchases.The PMI registered 50.6 in March, down slightly from 51.0 in February. The latest figure remained above the no-change mark of 50.0 and thereby signalled a sustained improvement in business conditions in the non-energy private sector economy.The three largest components of the PMI – output, new orders and employment – all registered above 50.0 in March, indicative of month-on-month expansions. As has been the case for the past four months, shorter suppliers' delivery times and a reduction in input stocks both weighed slightly on the headline figure.“The PMI remained firmly in stable territory in March, reflecting further growth in output, new orders and employment in the Qatari non-energy economy. In the first quarter of 2024, the headline index has trended in line with the average for the fourth quarter of 2023, indicating sustained economic growth," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, QFC Authority chief executive officer.Demand for goods and services in Qatar's non-energy economy continued to expand in March, it said, adding firms linked growth to new customers, competitiveness and high-quality products."The rate of growth eased slightly, enabling a faster reduction in the volume of outstanding business," the PMI said."Looking ahead towards the next 12 months, companies were optimistic on growth in March. Overall sentiment was linked to new clients, development strategies and efforts to raise profitability," it said.Qatari firms continued to expand their workforces, extending the current sequence of growth to over a year. Purchases of inputs rose for the first time in three months, albeit only slightly, as firms continued to deplete inventories.Pressure on supply chains remained limited as lead times were shortened for the twenty-third successive month.Average input prices were broadly stable in March, with similar trends for both wages and purchase costs and output prices rose for the first time in five months at the fastest rate since February 2023, suggesting improved profitability at Qatari non-energy private sector firms at the end of the first quarter."The latest data also signalled improving profitability. Input costs were broadly flat over the month, but charges for Qatari goods and services rose the most in over a year, pointing to higher margins," al-Jaida said.Qatari financial services companies recorded further growth in volumes of total business activity and new contracts in March. The seasonally adjusted Financial Services Business Activity and New Business Indices posted 51.2 and 50.7 respectively.

The AFC Asian Cup continued to have its positive contribution to Qatar's hospitality sector, which saw considerable improvement in room yield this February, as the country recorded double-digit growth in visitor arrivals, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The hotels' overall revenue-per-available-room surged on an annualised basis on increasing average room rate and occupancy. Four-star hotels as well as deluxe and standard hotel apartments saw higher than average room yield growth in the review period, according to PSA data.The robust yearly occupancy comes amidst visitor arrivals of 595,934 in February 2024. On a yearly basis, the total visitor arrivals shot up 53.1% in the review period.Visitors arriving by flight reported a 64.43% year-on-year jump to 284,771 (48% of total arrivals) in February 2024 and through land by 75.37% to 231,660 (39%); while those arriving through sea were down 5.29% to 79,503 (13%).The visitor arrivals from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) were 252,760 or 42% of the total; followed by Europe 161,223 (27%), other Asia (including Oceania) 96,036 (16%), other Arab countries 49,250 (8%), the Americas 28,971 (5%), and other African countries 7,694 (1%) in February 2024.On an annualised basis, the visitor arrivals from other Arab countries soared 113.1%, the GCC by 72.9%, other African countries by 68.8%, other Asia (including Oceania) by 34.4%, Europe by 33.4% and the Americas by 26.2% in February 2024.On a month-on-month basis, the visitor arrivals to Qatar fell 15.2% with those coming from the GCC declining 31.7%, other African countries by 14.2%, other Asia (including Oceania) by 7.4%, the Americas by 7.4% and other Arab countries by 4.5%; while those from Europe shot up 17.5% in the review period.Qatar's hospitality sector saw an 83.4% year-on-year surge in rooms yield to QR453 in February 2024 as average room rate increased by 23.2% to QR531 and occupancy by 28% to 85%.The five-star hotels' room yield soared 73.81% year-on-year to QR584 as average room rate grew 18.91% to QR698 and occupancy by 27% in the review period.The four-star hotels room yield zoomed 106.02% on a yearly basis to QR274 as the average room rate shot up 32.92% to QR323 and occupancy by 30% to 85% in February 2024.The three-star hotels' room yield expanded by 78.62% on an annualised basis to QR259 this February as average room rate grew 47.87% to QR278 and occupancy by 16% to 93%.The two-star and one-star hotels' room yield increased by 60.14% year-on-year to QR221 as the average room rate rose 28.99% to QR218 and occupancy by 20% to 102% in February this year.The deluxe hotel apartments registered a 96.63% surge in room yield to QR409 with the average room rate escalating 20.93% to QR468 and occupancy by 34% to 88% in the review period.In the case of standard hotel apartments, room yield shot up 110.53% year-on-year to QR240 in February 2024 as the average room rate increased by 42.34% to QR316 and occupancy by 25% to 76%.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) yesterday lost about 70 points on profit booking pressure, especially in the banks and financial services sector. .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[130236]** The foreign funds were seen increasingly into net selling as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.71% to 9,794.48 points, although it touched an intraday high of 9,882 points. The Gulf institutions were also increasingly bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 9.57%. The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR2.91bn or 0.51% to QR569.32bn with small and microcap segments leading the pack of gainers. The Arab retail investors were increasingly into net selling in the main market, which saw as many as 459 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR1,217 trade across five deals. However, the local retail investors were seen bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills. The Total Return Index declined 0.38% and the All Share Index by 0.36%, while the All Islamic Index was up 0.04% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The banks and financial services sector index shrank 1.02%, transport (0.11%) ad telecom (0.07%); while real estate gained 0.93%, consumer goods and services (0.45%), industrials (0.4%) and insurance (0.32%). Major losers in the main bourse included Commercial Bank, Medicare Group, QIIB, Nakilat, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Electricity and Water and Ezdan. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, more than 53% of the traded constituents extended gains with major movers being Qatari German Medical Devices, Qamco, Milaha, Barwa, QLM, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Gulf International Services, Mazaya Qatar and Gulf Warehousing were among the gainers in the main bourse. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR18.14mn compared to QR14.85mn on April 1. The foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened considerably to QR17.12mn against QR0.61mn the previous day. The Arab individual investors’ net selling grew marginally to QR0.36mn compared to QR0.02mn on Monday. The domestic institutions’ net buying declined substantially to QR0.63mn against QR121.93mn April 1. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR0.36mn compared to QR2.06mn the previous day. However, the Qatari individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR27.32mn against net sellers of QR105.7mn on Monday. The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR7.86mn compared with net sellers of QR2.81mn on April 1. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the eighth straight session. Trade volumes in the main market fell 8% to 134.29mn shares and value by 23% to QR417.67mn, while deals were up 2% to 14,986. The venture market saw flat trade volumes at 0.03mn equities but on 20% plunge in value to QR0.04mn and 50% in transactions to 3.

Qatar's maritime sector witnessed brisk activities in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024 on an annualised basis on the back of higher container handling, vehicles (RORO), livestock and building materials through Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports, according to the official estimates.The positive momentum in the maritime sector is expected to continue in the light of 12-month optimistic outlook, especially for the country’s non-energy private sector, as indicated by the latest purchasing managers’ index of the Qatar Financial Centre.The container handling through the three ports stood at 351,564 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in Q1-2024, surging 4.07% year-on-year. The containers handled was seen at the maximum in March at 136,851 TEUs.In March this year, Hamad Port registered a new volume of container moves for one ship, the MSC CLORINDA, at the equivalent of 10,400 TEUs with the crane productivity at 39.1 gross moves per hour and the vessel productivity at 173 gross moves per hour.Hamad Port – which features an intermodal transport network that offers direct and indirect shipping services to more than 100 destinations, facilitating efficient transportation and logistics services locally and abroad – saw a total of 136,501 TEUs in March 2024.The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhancing ease of doing business as well as supporting the achievement of economic diversification, which is one of the most important goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.Coinciding with Ramadan, the three ports were seen handling 221,125 livestock heads in January-March this year, showing a 46.26% surge year-on-year. The heaviest movement of livestock through three ports was reported in March at 118,569 units. Hamad Port alone handled 11,993 livestock heads in March 2024.The building materials traffic through the three ports amounted to 142,886 tonnes in the review period, which shot up 6.13% on a yearly basis. In March, as much as 52,242 tonnes of building materials were handled by ports.The three ports handled as many as 19,200 RORO in the first three months of 2024, registering a 4.46% increase on an annualised basis. In March this year, RORO movements was to the tune of 5,971 units, of which 5,936 was through Hamad Port.The number of ships calling on Qatar's three ports stood at 647 in January-March 2024, which saw a 2.56% decline compared to the previous year period. March 2024 saw the maximum number of ships berthed at 232, of which 126 was at the Hamad Port.The general cargo through three ports amounted to 367,350 tonnes in Q1-2024, plunging 40.52% on an annualised basis. Cargo handling in March this year stood at 139,097 tonnes.Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock – was seen handling 123,134 freight tonnes (F/T) of breakbulk and 10,000 F/T of bulk in March this year.

Reflecting the optimism in the global markets on upbeat Chinese manufacturing data, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday gained more than 17 points after remaining under.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[130236]**bearish spell for the previous five sessions.The domestic institutions’ substantially strengthened net buying gave an impetus to the 20-stock Qatar Index, which rose 0.18% to 9,864.41 points, recovering from an intraday low of 9,798 points.The insurance, banks, industrials and real estate counters experienced higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 8.92%.As much as 64% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.64bn or 0.29% to QR572.23bn with small cap segments leading the pack of gainers.The Gulf retail investors were increasingly into net buying in the main market, which saw as many as 6,141 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across five deals.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.The Total Return Index gained 0.47% and the All Share Index by 0.5%, while the All Islamic Index was down 0.09% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The insurance sector index shot up 1.44%, banks and financial services (0.89%), industrials (0.85%), realty (0.45%) and consumer goods and services (0.24%); whereas transport and telecom declined 2.09% and 1% respectively.Major gainers in the main market included Qamco, Qatari German Medical Devices, Dlala, Mekdam Holding, Qatar Insurance, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, United Development Company, Milaha, Doha Insurance, QIIB, Zad Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Vodafone Qatar and Ooredoo were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR121.93mn compared to QR5.75mn on March 31.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR2.06mn against QR0.46mn the previous day.The foreign funds’ net profit booking declined considerably to QR0.61mn compared to QR8.44mn on Sunday.The Arab individual investors’ net selling weakened markedly to QR0.02mn against QR2.5mn on March 31.However, the Qatari individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR105.7mn compared with net buyers of QR3.04mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions turned net profit takers to the extent of QR14.85mn against net buyers of QR1.34mn on Sunday.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.81mn compared with net buyers of QR0.35mn on March 31.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the seventh straight session.Trade volumes in the main market grew 19% to 146.23mn shares, value by 82% to QR545.93mn and deals by 48% to 14,738.The venture market saw an 86% plunge in trade volumes to 0.03mn equities, 84% in value to QR0.05mn and 81% in transactions to 6.

Doha's listed companies have reported a cumulative net profit of QR47.44bn in 2023 with banks and industries contributing about 80% to the total net earnings, according to 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[130236]**data compiled by the Qatar Stock Exchange.However, the net earnings of the listed companies was seen declining 3.03% year-on-year in January-December 2023 against a 10.28% growth in 2022, reflecting the challenging macroeconomic environment amidst geopolitical uncertainties and high interest rate environment.The 2023 net profitability contraction was on account of double-digit decline in the earnings in the industrials sector as well as marked slowdown in the net profit growth in the real estate, telecom and transport sectors.The industrials sector, which has 10 listed constituents, saw a 35.94% year-on-year plunge in net profitability to QR9.46bn in 2023 compared to a 9.4% jump in 2022. The sector contributed 19.94% to the overall net earnings of the listed entities in 2023 against 30.19% in 2022.Within the industrials sector, the country’s underlying firms that have direct linkages with the hydrocarbons sectors saw their earnings growth weaken substantially owing to the subdued demand across most commodity sectors.The consumer goods and services sector, which has 13 listed entities, saw its total net profit tank 4.73% year-on-year to QR1.76bn at the end of 2023 against a 1.07% dip in 2022. The sector contributed 2.94% to the overall net profitability in the review period against 3.76% in 2022.The telecom sector, which has two constituents, reported net profit of QR3.56bn, which was 7.5% of the total net profits in 2023 against 5.85% the previous year period. The sector had reported 24.22% growth in net profit in 20223 compared to 664.76% in 2022.The realty segment, which has four listed entities, saw total net earnings grow 6.46% year-on-year to QR1.76bn in 2023 against a 32.12% surge in 2022. The sector constituted 3.71% to the overall net profitability in 2023 compared to 3.37% in 2022.The transport sector, which has three listed constituents, saw total net profits grow 4.14% year-on-year to QR2.8bn compared to 16.88% surge in 2022. The sector's net profit constituted 5.9% to the total net profit of the listed companies in 2023 against 5.49% in 2022.The banks and financial services sector, which has 13 listed entities, reported a 7.64% year-on-year jump in total net profit to QR28.47bn against a 7.91% expansion in 2022. The sector contributed 60.01% to the total net profits of the listed companies in January-December 2023 compared to 54.04% in 2022.The insurance sector, which has seven companies, registered a 73.12% annual decline in net earnings to QR0.36bn against 173.92% contraction in 2022. The sector contributed 0.76% to the overall net profitability in 2023 against 2.74% in January-December 2022.The proposed mandatory health insurance and the substantial expansion planned in the North Field are slated to augur well for the insurance sector in the future, according to reports.

The concerns on the US inflation data before its release on Friday had its lingering effect on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), whose key index shed as much as 268 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[158522]**market capitalisation erode QR15bn this week.The local retail investors were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 2.62% this week which saw Fitch, an international credit rating agency, upgrade Qatar’s seven banks, following the upgrade of sovereign rating.The transport, insurance and banking counters experienced higher than average selling pressure this week which saw QatarEnergy and Nakilat sign a long-term charter agreement for 25 liquefied natural gas vessels.The foreign institutions were seen bearish in the main market this week which saw Masraf Al Rayan and Aamal Company begin negotiations for selling the former’s stake Ci-San Trading.The Gulf individuals’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse this week which saw the QSE move to ‘T+2’ settlement cycle from ‘T+3’.More than 88% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Fitch upgrade Nakilat’s credit rating to ‘AA-‘ from ‘A’ with stable outlook.However, the domestic funds turned bullish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.03mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.06mn trade across 12 deals.The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market this week which saw as many as 2,573 Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.03mn change hands across six transactions.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the banks and real estate sectors together constitute about 57% of the total trade volumes.Market capitalisation melted QR14.78bn or 2.51% to QR574.22bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.Trade volumes and turnover were on the increase in both the main and junior bourses his week which saw Masraf Al Rayan enter into pact with Edaa for dividend distribution.The Total Return Index tanked 2.36%, the All Share Index by 2.49% and the All Islamic Index by 2.15% this week.The transport sector index plummeted 4.25%, insurance (3.28%), banks and financial services (2.92%), realty (2.24%), consumer goods and services (1.81%), industrials (1.21%) and telecom (1.1%) this week.Major losers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Insurance, Doha Insurance, Zad Holding, Qatari German Medical Devices, Widam Food, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Lesha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Dlala, Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan, Barwa, Milaha, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Mekdam Holding, United Development Company, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the gainers in the main bourse this week.The Qatari individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR41.07mn against net buyers of QR37.42mn the week ended March 21.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the extent of QR2.38mn compared with net buyers of QR53.71mn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR2.45mn against QR2.72mn a week ago.However, the domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR21.91mn compared with net sellers of QR77.06mn the week ended March 21.The foreign retail investors’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR12.18mn against QR6.74mn the previous week.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR5.79mn compared with net profit takers of QR24.22mn a week ago.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR1.11mn against QR0.78mn the week ended March 21.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure compared with net sellers to the tune of QR0.11mn the previous week.The main market witnessed less than 1% jump in trade volumes to 688.19mn shares, 12% in value to QR2.22bn and 5% in deals to 70,265 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes zoomed 62% to 0.42mn equities, value by 60% to QR0.64mn and transactions by 11% to 61.

Qatar saw a 3.4% month-on-month jump in trade surplus to QR18.07bn in February 2024 as shipments to South Korea registered expansion, according to the official estimates.Total exports (valued free on board) were QR28.17bn, while the total imports (cost, insurance and freight) amounted to QR10.1bn in the review period, said the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority. However, the trade surplus shrank 21.1% year-on-year in February 2024.The country's total exports of domestic goods amounted to QR28.17bn, which declined 8.8% and 9.2% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in February 2024.As much as 66% of Qatar's exports went to the Asian/South Asian countries in the review period.Qatar's shipments to China amounted to QR7.19bn or 25.5% of the total exports of the country in February this year, followed by South Korea QR4.53bn (16.1%), India QR3.16bn (11.2%), Singapore QR1.93bn (6.9%) and Japan QR1.66bn (5.9%).On a monthly basis, the country's exports to South Korea shot up 8.38%; whereas those to Japan plummeted 25.59%, India by 22.02%, Singapore by 16.55% and China by 3.88% in the review period.On a yearly basis, Qatar's exports to China soared 18.89%; while those to Japan plunged 50.64%, India by 20.37%, Singapore by 14.56% and South Korea by 10.23% in February 2024.The country’s exports of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons shrank 10.7% month-on-month to QR17.58bn, crude by 9.9% to QR4.47bn and non-crude by 20.3% to QR1.64bn; while those other commodities were up 0.8% to QR3.16bn in February 2024.On a yearly basis, the exports of petroleum gases were seen declining 10.4%, crude by 7%, non-crude by 33.1% and other commodities by 2.9% in the review period.The share of petroleum gases in the country's total export basket has been declining on an annualised basis, while those of crude and non-crude were on the increase.Petroleum gases accounted for 65.41% of the total exports in February 2024 compared to 65.13% a year-ago period, crude 16.65% (15.93%), non-crude 6.11% (8.13%) and others 11.77% (10.82%).Qatar's total imports showed a 24.8% decline on a monthly basis but soared 24.6% on an annualised basis in February 2024.The country's imports from China amounted to QR1.47bn or 14.5% of the total imports; followed by the US QR1.31bn (12.9%), the UK QR0.83bn (8.2%), India QR0.63bn (6.2%) and Germany QR0.54bn (5.4%) in the review period.On a monthly basis, the country's imports from India declined 23.6% and China by 17.41%; whereas those from the UK expanded 90.53%, the US by 37.33% and Germany by 20.22% in February 2024.On a yearly basis, Qatar's imports from the UK more than tripled; those from the US shot up 23.32%, China by 15.98%, India by 12.88% and Germany by 4.64% in the review period.In February 2024, the group of "Motor Cars & Other Motor Vehicles for The Transport of Persons” was at the top of the imported group of commodities and valued at QR0.5bn, which increased 28.4% year-on-year.In second place was the "Electrical Apparatus for Line Telephony/Telegraphy, Telephone Sets Etc. and parts thereof" group, which saw imports of QR0.35bn, an increase of 26.7% on an annualised basis in February 2024.The imports of "Parts of Aeroplanes or Helicopters” were valued at QR0.29bn, showing an increase of 37.4% on an annualised basis.

International credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings has upgraded seven Qatari banks on the country's upgrade.The rating agency has upgraded QNB's long-term (LT) issuer default ratings (IDRs) to 'A+' from 'A' and affirmed the short-term (ST) IDR at 'F1'.Fitch has also upgraded the LT IDRs of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Dukhan Bank, QIIB and Ahlibank Qatar to 'A' from 'A-' and their short-term IDRs to 'F1' from 'F2'.The outlooks on all LT IDRs are "stable".The banks' viability ratings (VRs) and ‘xgs’ (ex-government support) ratings are unaffected. ‘xgs’ communicates Fitch’s view of the creditworthiness of an entity or financial obligation excluding assumptions of extraordinary government support.The rating actions follow the upgrade of Qatar's sovereign rating to 'AA' (with stable outlook) and they reflect the agency's view of the increased ability of the Qatari authorities to support the banks.Qatar's sovereign rating upgrade reflects Fitch's greater confidence that debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) will remain in line with or below the 'AA' peer median after falling sharply in recent years, while Doha's external balance sheet will strengthen from an already strong level. Qatar is likely to retain budget surpluses until the 2030s a result of the North Field expansion.Qatar's 'AA' ratings are supported by large sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA), one of the world's highest ratios of GDP per capita and a flexible public finance structure.The seven banks' IDRs are driven by sovereign support, as reflected in their government support ratings (GSRs). The "stable" outlooks reflect that on the Qatari sovereign rating.The banks' GSRs of 'a’ are in line with Fitch's D-SIB GSR of 'a'; reflecting Fitch's view that the Qatari authorities have a strong propensity to support domestic banks, irrespective of their size or ownership.They also have a strong ability to do so, as indicated by the sovereign rating and substantial net foreign assets and revenue, albeit weakened by the Qatari banking sector's high reliance on external funding and rapid asset growth in recent years. The 'a' GSR for Qatari D-SIBs is three notches below the sovereign 'AA' IDR.The seven banks' short-term IDRs of 'F1' are the lower of two options mapping to 'A+' and 'A' long-term IDRs because a significant proportion of the banking sector's funding is government-related, and financial stress at these banks likely to come at a time when the sovereign itself is experiencing some form of stress.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday lost more than 68 points and its key index fell below 10,000 points, as the US inflation data concerns had its repercussions for the third straight.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[130236]**session.Dragged mainly by telecom, insurance and transport sectors, the 20-stock Qatar Index lost 0.68% to 9,958.01 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,031 points.The domestic funds were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 8.06%.As much as 61% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR3.03bn or 0.53% to QR573.77bn with small and microcap segments leading the pack of losers.The Gulf institutions turned bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 795 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR7,957 trade across one deal.The foreign institutions were seen net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.68%, the All Islamic Index by 0.65% and the All Share Index by 0.63% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The telecom sector index tanked 1.4%, insurance (1.29%), transport (1.06%), banks and financial services (0.89%), consumer goods and services (0.48%) and real estate (0.08%); while industrials gained 0.2%.Major losers in the main market included Doha Insurance, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Al Khaleej Takaful, Baladna, Milaha, Qatar Islamic Bank, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, QLM, Ezdan, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Meeza, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Beema, United Development Company and Mazaya Qatar were among the gainers in the main bourse.In the venture, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR37.99mn compared with net buyers of QR135.64mn on March 26.The Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR15.94mn against net buyers of QR2.48mn on Tuesday.The foreign funds turned net profit takers to the tune of QR0.17mn compared with net buyers of QR11.32mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying declined perceptibly to QR0.25mn against QR0.4mn on March 26.The foreign retail investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR4.27mn compared to QR4.46mn on Tuesday.However, the Qatari individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR44.14mn against net sellers of QR150.01mn the previous day.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.45mn compared with net profit takers of QR4.3mn on March 26.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 31% to 123.12mn shares, value by 27% to QR428.23mn and deals by 5% to 14,198.The venture market saw a 30% contraction in trade volumes to 0.07mn equities, 27% in value to QR0.11mn and 23% in transactions to 10.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday saw its key index plummet more than 122 points and capitalisation erode QR9bn, reflecting the global concerns, ahead of the US inflation.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[130236]**data.An across the board selling, particularly in the banks and industrials counters, dragged the 20-stock Qatar Index 1.2% to 10,092.68 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,213 points.The foreign institutions were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 6.81%.More than 89% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR8.9bn or 1.51% to QR579.03bn with large and midcap segments leading the pack of losers.The Gulf institutions’ lower net buying interests had its marginal influence in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn trade across eight deals.However, the local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 1.19%, the All Islamic Index by 0.78% and the All Share Index by 1.37% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The banks and financial services sector index tanked 1.71%, industrials (1.36%), real estate (1.12%), transport (0.83%), consumer goods and services (0.71%), insurance (0.55%) and telecom (0.54%).Major losers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Qatari German Medical Devices, Lesha Bank, QNB, Doha Bank, Dlala, Meeza, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan and Nakilat. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Mekdam Holding, Al Meera and Qatari Investors Group were the three constituents that extended gains to investors in the main bourse.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR36.72mn compared with net buyers of QR20.58mn on March 24.The Gulf institutions’ net buying decreased marginally to QR8.59mn against QR9.36mn the previous day.However, the local retail investors’ net buying increased drastically to QR42mn compared to QR0.73mn on Sunday.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR6.24mn against net profit takers of QR2.15mn on March 24.The foreign individuals’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR1.38mn compared to QR0.37mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR0.97mn against QR0.2mn on Sunday.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking shrank perceptibly to QR22.45mn compared to QR29.08mn on March 24.The Arab funds had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shot up 29% to 136.21mn shares, value by 68% to QR461.64mn and deals by 69% to 16,344.The venture market saw 91% plunge in trade volumes to 0.02mn equities, 91% in value to QR0.03mn and 91% in transactions to 3.

Qatar's stock market will move to 'T+2' settlement cycle from 'T+3', effective from today, in a bid to help investors receive their cash faster and substantially.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[130236]**reduce the operational and counterparty risks.The strategic move focuses on shortening the settlement period at the Qatar Stock Exchange and complements the Qatar financial market development initiatives. The move to T+2 further align the Qatar's capital market with international standards and make it more attractive to both domestic and foreign investors.The endeavour is to follow the best international practices in the global financial markets in order to provide the best ways and functions to enhance the efficiency of Qatar’s securities market.The settlement cycle has remained at trade date plus three business days (T+3) in Qatar, where the global fund managers have been eyeing the fastest growing economy due to its strong macro fundamentals, especially after Doha unveiled its plans to enhance its liquefied natural gas production from the present 77mn tonnes per annum, which offered indirect benefits to the private sector as well.The ‘T+2’ settlement cycle ensures seamless international fund management, which in turn, helps in enhancing the competitive edge of the Qatari capital market, market sources said.In conjunction with the launch of T+2 settlement, the QSE has amended the covered short selling procedures for exchange traded fund (ETF) units, and of the market maker, liquidity provider and qualified investor.A key industry demand has been to shorten the settlement cycle in view of Qatar having the necessary enablers such as the market and technological infrastructure.A cost-benefit analysis of the shortened settlement cycle has found that major bourses across the world favour shortened settlement period as it helps reduce clearing and settlement risk as well as the overall costs for the securities' industry, thus making the market safer.The significant improvements in straight through processing and the underlying technology over the last few years call for a shortened settlement cycle, which at this point of time greatly improves volume and liquidity in the system, market experts said.