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The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) banks' capital buffers will remain "comfortable", while a slowdown in credit growth and higher earnings will contribute to the GCC lenders' "stable" capital metrics, according to Standard and Poor's (S&P), a global credit rating agency."The GCC banks have always operated with comfortable capital buffers, and we do not expect this to change," S&P said in a recent report.Finding that slower credit growth and higher earnings mean that the GCC banks' capital metrics will remain "stable", it said the banking systems in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait reported a Tier 1 regulatory capital ratio of 15% and above in 2022.The report highlighted that higher interest rates will reduce GCC banks' credit growth, but Saudi and UAE banks' performance will be more "resilient".S&P expects higher interest rates will reduce Kuwaiti banks' credit growth to about 3%, from almost 8% in 2022, and soften Saudi banks' total lending growth to about 10% in 2023, from 14% in 2022.The UAE banks, on the other hand, will benefit from still robust non-oil GDP (gross domestic product) growth, which will somewhat mitigate the negative effect of higher interest rates on credit growth, according to S&P.Expecting the UAE banks' credit growth to improve to approximately 7% in 2023 compared with 5% in 2022; the rating agency said yet, a long period of higher interest rates and the slowdown of the oil economy could pose challenges.Qatari banks, unlike their GCC peers, will continue to experience a sharper decline in credit growth. This is because the country's main infrastructure projects, which are a key driver for credit demand through contractors, were completed in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.Even though credit costs in the GCC region, with the exception of the UAE, will increase, "we still expect the GCC banks' return on assets (ROA) will improve in 2023, mainly due to higher margins and still satisfactory, albeit lower, lending growth in some GCC countries," it said.

Dukhan Bank will replace Vodafone Qatar in the Qatar Stock Exchange's (QSE) main barometer QE Index, effective October 1.The other constituents of the main barometer will remain QNB, Industries Qatar, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Woqod, QIIB, Nakilat, Ooredoo, Qatar Electricity and Water, Milaha, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Barwa, Qamco, Doha Bank, Gulf International Services, Baladna, Estithmar Holding and Ezdan.Dukhan Bank and Lesha Bank will join the QE Al Rayan Islamic Index, while Gulf Warehousing will be removed from the Islamic index.The other constituents of the Al Rayan Islamic Index are Industries Qatar, Qatar Islamic Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Woqod, QIIB, Ooredoo, Milaha, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, Barwa, Qamco, Vodafone Qatar, United Development Company, Baladna, Estithmar Holding, Al Meera, Medicare Group and Qatar National Cement.Dukhan Bank will join the QE All Share Index and QE Banks and Financial Services Index, while Mekdam Holding will join QE All Share Index and QE Consumer Goods and Services Index, and Beema will join QE All Share Index and QE Insurance Index.However, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution will be removed from QE All Share Index and QE Consumer Goods and Services Index.Under the new index practices, a review is carried out twice a year to ensure that the selection and weighting of the constituents continues to reflect the purpose of the index.All listed companies are ranked by giving free float market capitalisation with a 50% weight and average daily value traded also 50% weight. Companies with velocity less than 5% are excluded from the review, as are entities whereby a single shareholder can only own less than 1% of outstanding shares.Any qualifying component exceeding 15% weight in the index as of market close March 28, 2023 will have its weight capped at the 15% level and excess weight allocated to remaining stocks proportionately.The index free-float for a stock is total outstanding shares minus shares directly owned by government and its affiliates, those held by founders and board members and shareholdings above 10% or greater of the total outstanding (except those held by those held by pension funds in the country).The bourse has seven sectors – banks and financial services (with 13 constituents), insurance (seven), industrials (10), real estate (four), telecom (two), transportation (three) and consumer goods and services (12) in the ‘All Share Index’.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday lost as much as 50 points on the back of selling pressure, especially in the industrials, consumer goods, telecom and real estate sectors.The domestic institutions were increasingly net sellers as the 20-sock Qatar Index shed 0.48% to 10,319.28 points.The local retail investors were seen bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 3.39%.About 78% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.21bn or 0.53% to QR605.29bn with mid and large cap segments losing the most.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, which recovered from an intraday low of 10,288 points.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.04mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.34mn changed hands across 18 deals.The Arab funds were seen bearish 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 0.48%, the All Share Index by 0.40% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.77% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The industrials sector tanked 1.38%, consumer goods and services (1.07%), telecom (0.98%), and real estate (0.86%); while transport and insurance gained 1.18% and 0.85% respectively.Major shakers in the main market included Doha Insurance, Beema, Medicare Group, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Dukhan, Doha Bank, Doha Bank, Ahlibank Qatar, Lesha Bank, Inma Holding, Mannai Corporation, Al Meera, Industries Qatar, Qamco, United Development Company, Vodafone Qatar and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, Qatar Insurance, Nakilat, Qatar Oman Investment, Estithmar Holding and QIIB were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR15.6mn compared to QR13.37mn on September 13.The local individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR11.23mn against net buyers of QR18.11mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking grew markedly to QR3.08mn compared to QR0.06mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR0.16mn against net no major net exposure on September 13.The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened significantly to QR3.77mn compared to QR15.14mn the previous day.However, the Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR10.87mn against net sellers of QR9.98mn on Wednesday.The Gulf funds were net buyers to the extent of QR8.75mn compared with net profit takers of QR10.81mn on September 13.The foreign individual investors’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR6.68mn against QR0.98mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market soared 72% to 305.86mn shares and value more than doubled to QR1.11bn on 37% growth in deals to 25,973.The venture market saw 6% jump in trade volumes to 1.02mn equities and 25% in value to QR2.2mn but on 23% shrinkage in transactions to 113.

Commercial banks in Doha reported a 2.9% year-on-year growth in assets to QR1.87tn in July on the back of expansion in their domestic assets, according to the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) data.The banks’ domestic assets shot up 3.39% year-on-year to QR1.63tn, while foreign assets were down 0.61% to QR241.33bn in the review period.Of the total QR1.87tn assets in July 2023, local currency assets amounted to QR959.16bn or 53.06% of the total and foreign currency assets at QR876.97bn or 46.94%.The commercial banks’ total credit amounted to QR1.24tn in July 2023, which increased by 2.75% on an annualised basis. Their domestic credit was seen expanding 3.67% year-on-year to QR1.19tn; while overseas credit declined 13.18% to QR57.17bn in the review period.Domestic assets in local currency amounted to QR985.37bn and foreign currency QR641.7bn; while in the case of foreign assets; local denomination was valued at QR6.05bn and foreign currency at QR235.27bn in July 2023.Total public sector credit was seen expanding 1.13% year-on-year to QR379.29bn with domestic credit growing by 1.02% to QR360.11bn and foreign credit 3.28% to QR19.18bn in July 2023.Total private sector credit showed a 4.3% year-on-year growth to QR855.72 with domestic credit expanding 5.61% to QR819.14bn; while foreign credit declining 18.38% to QR36.59bn at the end of July.Theecurities portfolio totalled QR272.45 in July 2023, growing by 9.86% year-on-year with domestic securities portfolio expanding 6.73% to QR246.62bn and overseas portfolio by 52.69% to QR25.82bn.Within securities portfolio, total debt shot up 15.96% year-on-year to QR166.1bn with domestic and foreign debts soaring 13.45% and 53.27% to QR152.29bn and QR13.81bn respectively in July.Total sukuk amounted to QR99.46bn, which was up 1.02% year-on-year in July with foreign sukuk growing 94.39% to QR9.35bn. In the case of domestic sukuk, it fell 3.78% to QR90.11bn in the review period.Total claims on banks were up 3.34% year-on-year to QR161.29bn. Domestic claims shot up 38.16% to QR54.37bn; whereas foreign claims plummeted 20.42% to QR106.93bn.The commercial banks' cash and precious metals were valued at QR14.35bn in July compared to QR16.96bn the previous year period. Investments in subsidiaries and associated stood at QR47.79bn with domestic investments at QR7.25bn and overseas investments at QR40.54bn.The country's commercial banking system showed QR42.29bn in other assets in July with domestic assets at QR32.17bn and foreign assets at QR10.12bn.The commercial banks' net fixed assets amounted to QR8.33bn at the end of July 2023 compared to QR8.02bn in the comparable period of previous year.Their investments in real estate amounted to QR2.24bn with domestic portfolio at QR1.5bn and foreign portfolio at QR0.74bn in July.The commercial banks' required reserve stood at QR53.96bn in July 2023 against QR48.03bn the year-ago period.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday lost another 17 points on the back of selling pressure, especially in the telecom, real estate, industrials and banking counters.The domestic institutions turned net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.16% to 10,369.35 points.The Gulf institutions were seen bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 2.92%.The Arab individuals turned net sellers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.22bn or 0.2% to QR608.5bn with midcap segments losing the most.The foreign retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market, which had hit an intraday high of 10,392 points.However, the foreign institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw a total of 8,706 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn changed hands across four deals.The local retail investors turned 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 0.16%, All Share Index by 0.11% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.2% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the lower side.The telecom sector index shed 0.76%, real estate (0.41%), industrials (0.35%), and banks and financial services (0.21%); whereas insurance gained 1.01%, transport (1%) and consumer goods and services (0.2%).Major shakers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatari German Medical Devices, Inma Holding, Ooredoo, Industries Qatar, Estithmar Holding and Ezdan. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Meeza, Beema, Doha Insurance, Qatar Insurance, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Mannai Corporation, Qatar National Cement, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat. In the junior bourse, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic institutions were net sellers to the extent of 13.37mn compared with net buyers of QR7.86mn on September 12.The Gulf funds turned net profit takers to the tune on QR10.81mn against net buyers of QR4.75mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR9.98mn compared with net buyers of QR3.42mn on Tuesday.The foreign individual investors’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR0.98mn against QR6.08mn on September 12.However, the local individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR18.11mn compared with net sellers of QR23.22mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying expanded significantly to QR15.14mn against QR2.93mn on Tuesday.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.06mn compared to QR1.66mn on September 12.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the tune of QR0.16mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 29% to 177.69mn shares, value by 22% to QR547.58mn and deals by 13% to 18,930.The venture market trade volumes more than double to 0.96mn equities and value more than double to QR1.76mn on more than doubled transactions to 147.

Financial wealth in Qatar is expected to grow by 5.1% annually to reach $388bn by 2027 with ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals tipped to be the major contributors to the country's wealth growth, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG)."Representing 4.1% of the region's financial wealth in 2022, Qatar's trajectory signifies strong economic growth and resilience in the face of global challenges," said Markus Massi, managing director and senior partner at BCG.The country's thriving entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with calculated risk-taking, has contributed to this remarkable growth, demonstrating its leadership in the region, he said.Highlighting that UHNW individuals are the major contributors to Qatar's wealth growth; BCG said in 2022, approximately 38% of Qatar's wealth came from UHNW individuals, worth more than $100mn.This contribution is expected to increase to 40% by 2027. Additionally, individuals with wealth between $1mn and $20mn held 16% of Qatar's wealth in 2022, with this figure remaining the same in 2027. Meanwhile, individuals' worth under $250,000 held 28% of the wealth in 2022, expected to decrease to 27% by 2027."The success of Qatar in attracting and retaining high net worth individuals has been instrumental in driving its economic growth. These individuals not only drive innovation and investment in the region but also contribute to the continued prosperity of Qatar," said Nimrod Pais, managing director and partner, BCG.Equities and investment funds are the largest asset class in Qatar, making up 48% of total personal wealth in 2022, it said, adding life insurance and pensions are expected to have the fastest growth rate of 7.1% compound annual growth rate between 2022 and 2027.Highlighting the growth of real assets and liabilities in Qatar; it said real assets in Qatar decreased by 0.8% per year from 2017 to 2022, reaching $266bn, and are projected to increase by 5.1% per year to $341bn by 2027.In comparison, liabilities in Qatar grew by 1.3% per year during the same period and are expected to grow by 2.6% per year to $38bn by 2027. "This balanced growth reflects a nation that takes calculated risks, contributing to overall economic growth," it said.

Qatar's private sector credit is expected to continue to grow at a "significantly" reduced pace through 2023, even as higher interest rates is slated to support profitability of the country’s banking sector, according to Standard and Poor's (S&P), a global credit rating agency.Finding that credit to the private sector expanded by less than 1% at the end of May 2023, well below the growth rates of recent years; S&P said the completion of the country's major infrastructure projects in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup means that credit to contractors is no longer required.Trade and consumption lending are still likely to see the strongest growth, buoyed by the wealthy population and the still relatively high oil prices Qatar's liquefied natural gas prices are linked to, it said."Qatari banks' overall credit supply, as opposed to private sector credit, could decrease in 2023, as the Qatari government gradually reduces its debt burden," the credit rating agency said.Expecting higher interest rates will continue to support profitability; it said some banks' balance sheets shrunk in the first half of 2023, but most lenders reported gains in net profitability, which supports its expectation that ROE (return on equity) will expand in 2023.S&P said banks' underlying performance should bolster capitalisation, but potentially higher domestic funding costs and adjustments relating to the performance of subsidiaries in Turkiye could limit profit growth.Finding that external indebtedness has started to reduce but remains a key risk; the rating agency said both lower demand and the introduction of new prudential regulations to disincentivise non-resident-driven balance sheet growth has led to a reduction of nearly 10% ($18bn) in total external funding between the end of 2021 and May 2023.The reduction of almost 10% includes a decline in non-resident deposits of 37% and an increase in interbank lines of 25%, according to the report."We expect overall external liabilities will continue to decrease gradually for the rest of the year, as domestic funding sources replace shorter-term interbank borrowing. That said, replacing non-resident deposits with domestic sources will likely increase overall funding costs," it said.Expecting a "slight" deterioration in asset quality, but robust public sector exposure remains "significant"; S&P said it anticipates that higher-for-longer interest rates and subdued real estate prices could put pressure on Qatari borrowers and retail sub-sectors. Additionally, macroeconomic strains in Turkiye and Egypt will likely contribute to loan losses in 2023, it added.

Qatar's industrial production expanded 4.2% year-on-year in June 2023 on faster extraction of hydrocarbons and higher growth in certain non-oil sectors such as food products and chemicals, according to official data.The country's industrial production index (IPI), shot up 4.2% on a monthly basis in the review period, according to the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The PSA introduced IPI, a short-term quantitative index that measures the changes in the volume of production of a selected basket of industrial products over a given period, with respect to a base period 2013.The mining and quarrying index, which has a relative weight of 82.46%, soared 5.3% on a yearly basis owing to a 5.3% increase in the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas and 2.8% in other mining and quarrying sectors.On a monthly basis, the sector index was seen gaining 5% on account of a 5% surge in the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas, even as other mining and quarrying sectors fell 1.1% in the review period.The manufacturing index, with a relative weight of 15.85%, shrank 1.1% year-on-year this June as there was a 11.3% contraction in the production of rubber and plastics products, 9.1% in printing and reproduction of recorded media, 6.3% in refined petroleum products, 5.6% in cement and other non-metallic mineral products, and 2.7% in basic metals.Nevertheless, there was a 4.1% jump in the production of food products, 1.8% in chemical and chemical related products, and 0.4% in beverages in the review period.On a monthly basis, the manufacturing index was down 0.4% owing to 5.8% decline in the production of basic metals, 4.3% in printing and reproduction of recorded media, 1% in food products, and 0.9% in chemicals and chemical related products.However, there was a 6.5% expansion in the production of refined petroleum products, 4.7% in beverages, 2.7% in rubber and plastics products, and 0.1% in cement and other non-metallic mineral products in the review period.Electricity, which has a 1.16% weight in the IPI basket, saw its index decline 0.8% year-on-year but shot up 8.4% month-on-month in June 2023.In the case of water, which has a 0.53% weight, the index was seen expanding 2.1% on both annual and monthly basis respectively in the review period.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday lost more than 17 points, dragged mainly by the telecom, insurance, transport and real estate sectors.The local retail investors were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.17% to 10,386.28 points.The Arab institutions were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses stood at 2.76%.About 64% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR1.22bn or 0.2% to QR609.72bn with midcap segments losing the most.The Gulf funds’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, which had hit an intraday high of 10,415 points.However, the domestic institutions turned bullish in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.07mn changed hands across five deals.The foreign individuals were increasingly net buyers 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 0.17%, the All Share Index by 0.18% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.49% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The telecom sector index tanked 1.04%, insurance (0.74%), transport (0.42%), real estate (0.38%) and banks and financial services (0.24%); while consumer goods and services gained 0.25% and industrials (0.19%).Major shakers in the main market included Salam International Investment, Widam Food, Mazaya Qatar, Masraf Al Rayan, Qamco, Alijarah Holding, Mannai Corporation, Baladna, Meeza, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qatar Insurance, United Development Company and Ooredoo.In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Al Khaleej Takaful, Gulf International Services, Commercial Bank, Zad Holding, Al Meera, Industries Qatar, Barwa and Gulf Warehousing were among the gainers in the main bourse.The local individuals’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR23.22mn compared to QR20.81mn on September 11.The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.16mn against no major net exposure the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened significantly to QR2.93mn compared to QR23.27mn on Monday.The Gulf institutions’ net buying also decreased markedly to QR4.75mn against QR12.45mn on September 11.However, the domestic institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR7.86mn compared with net sellers of QR6.93mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying grew noticeably to QR6.08mn against QR2.45mn on Monday.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR3.42mn compared with net sellers of QR7.15mn on September 11.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR1.66mn against QR3.27mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 15% to 249.32mn shares, while value shot up 7% to QR697.77mn and deals by 3% to 21,604.The venture market saw a 24% expansion in trade volumes to 0.41mn equities, 2% in value to QR0.66mn and 4% in transactions to 48.

Qatar saw as many as 666 building permits issued in August 2023, growing 5% month-on-month, mainly on faster pace in permits issued in Umm Slal, Al Khor, Doha and Al Daayen municipalities, according to the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority.Al Rayyan, Doha and Al Wakra municipalities together constituted 67% of the total building permit issued in August 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 61 permits, i.e. 24% of the total; followed by Doha 152 permits (23%), Al Wakra 134 permits (20%), Al Daayen 109 permits (16%), Umm Slal 48 permits (7%), Al Khor 41 permits (6%), Al Shahaniya 14 permits (2%), and Al Shamal seven permits (1%) in the review period.On a monthly basis, the total building permits issued in Umm Slal saw a 78% surge, Al Khor 17%, Doha 9% and Al Daayen 2%; whereas those in Al Shamal, Al Wakra and Al Rayyan witnessed 36%, 3% and 1% decrease respectively in August 2023. In the case of Al Shahaniya, the permits issued were flat.Total building permits issued in Al Shamal plummeted 53.3% year-on-year this August, followed by Al Shahaniya (36.4%), Al Wakra (23.9%), Al Rayyan (21.5%), Doha (16.5%) and Al Daayen (9.9%); those in Al Khor and Umm Slal reported 57.7% and 29.7% growth respectively.The new building permits (residential and non-residential) constituted 249 permits or 37% of the total building permits issued in August 2023, additions 386 (58%) and fencing 31 (5%).Of the new residential buildings permits, villas topped the list, accounting for 90% (190 permits), apartments 5% (10) and dwellings on housing loans 4% (nine).Among the non-residential sector, commercial structures accounted for 38% or 15 permits, the industrial buildings as workshops and factories 33% (13 permits) and mosques 15% (six permits).Qatar saw a total of 384 building completion certificates issued in August 2023, of which 321 or 84% was for the new buildings (residential and non-residential) and 63 or 16% for additions.The total building completion certificates issued in the country saw a 3% month-on-month decline in August 2023 with Al Khor registering 47% plunge, followed by Wakra (24%), and Al Daayen (21%). In the case of Al Shahaniya, there was a 200% surge, Umm Slal (61%), Al Shamal (50%), Al Rayyan (7%) and Doha (2%).The total building completion certificates issued in the country saw a 4.2% dip on an annualised basis in August 2023 with Al Wakra registering 28.4% shrinkage, followed by Doha (14.8%), Al Daayen (9%) and Umm Slal (2.2%); while Al Shamal saw 71.4% surge, Al Khor (42.9%), Al Shahaniya (33.3%) and Al Rayyan (17.3%).Al Rayyan constituted 115 certificates or 30% of the total number of certificates issued in the review period, Al Wakra 73 (19%), Al Daayen 71 (18%), Doha 46 (12%), Umm Slal 45 (12%), Al Shamal 12 (3%), Al Shahaniya 12 (3%), and Al Khor 10 (3%) in August 2023.Of the 264 residential buildings completion certificates issued this July, as many as 227 were for villas, 18 dwelling on housing loans, 13 for apartments and six others.Of the 227 villas completion certificates issued in August 2023, as many as 74 were in Al Rayyan, 54 in Al Daayen, 33 in Umm Slal, 28 in Al Wakra, 15 in Doha, 10 in Al Shahaniya, seven in Al Khor and , six in Al Shamal.In the case of 13 apartments, Al Daayen issued five completion certificates; four in Doha, two in Al Rayyan, and one each in Al Wakra and Umm Slal.

Qatar's merchandise trade surplus soared 64.6% year-on-year to QR354.85bn in 2022 with Asia being the principal destination of exports and the first origin of Qatar’s imports, according to the official estimates.However, trade surplus witnessed a considerable slowdown from 129.5% increase in 2021, but far better than the 41% and 16.8% plunge in 2020 and 2019 respectively, according to the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority.Asia was the principal destination of Qatar’s exports and the first origin of Qatar’s imports, representing 66.2% and 39.5% respectively, followed by the European Union, accounting for 22.7% and 27.1% respectively, and the GCC or Gulf Co-operation Council with 6.8% and 5.4% respectively.In 2022, the value of Qatar’s total exports (including exports of domestic goods and re-exports) amounted to QR476.7bn, which increased by 50.2% on an annualised basis. Exports had seen a 69.3% expansion in 2021; whereas in 2020 and 2019, they reported 29.4% and 13.5% contraction respectively.The robust expansion in total exports during 2022 was mainly due to increased shipments of mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials by QR148.2bn, registering a growth of 55.3%; chemicals and related products by QR7.5bn (25.7%); manufactured goods classified chiefly by material by QR2.4bn (28.9%); crude materials, inedible, except fuels by QR1.2bn (52.8%); miscellaneous manufactured articles by QR0.9bn (85.2%). On other hand, machinery and transport equipment exports fell by QR1bn (11.3%).Qatar’s imports in 2022 was QR121.9bn; increasing by 19.6% on a yearly basis. Imports witnessed an 8.9% increase in 2021 but reported 11.9% and 7.9% shrinkage in 2020 and 2019 respectively.The increase in imports during 2022 has been on miscellaneous manufactured articles by QR9bn (50.2%); machinery and transport equipment by QR3.4bn (8.6%); food and live animals by QR3.3bn (31.1%); chemicals and related products by QR1.3bn (12.7%); manufactured goods classified chiefly by material by QR1.3bn (8.2%); mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials by QR1.1bn (102.4%); and crude materials, and inedible, except fuels, by QR0.5bn (11.8%).The country's trade volume shot up 42.8% year-on-year to QR598.58bn in 2022 with Asia's share at QR363.71bn or 60.76% of the total volume; followed by European Union QR141.31bn (23.61%), the GCC QR39.11bn (6.53%), and the US QR24.37bn (4.07%) in the review period.In 2022, trade volume with other European countries amounted to QR9.4bn, other American countries (QR5.08bn), Oceania (QR4.5bn), Africa, except Arab countries (QR4.34bn), other Arab countries (QR3.92bn), and other non-specified countries (QR2.85bn).

The Qatar Stock Exchange yesterday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index surging 109 points to inch towards 10,350 points on an across the board buying, especially in the industrials sector.The domestic institutions were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 1.06% to 10,346.43 points.The Arab individuals were seen bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated further to 3.13%.As much as 74% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR5.39bn or 0.89% to QR608.37bn with mid and large cap segments gaining the most.The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which recovered from an intraday low of 10,230 points.The Gulf individual investors turned bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.13mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.58mn changed hands across 26 deals.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 1.06%, the All Share Index by 0.89% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 1.15% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The industrials sector index shot up 1.93%, banks and financial services (0.71%), transport (0.62%), real estate (0.45%), insurance (0.3%), telecom (0.19%) and consumer goods and services (0.12%).Major movers in the main market included Lesha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatari Investors Group, Mazaya Qatar, Alijarah Holding, Qatar Islamic Bank and Medicare Group. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Zad Holding, Qatar National Cement, Commercial Bank, Inma Holding, Widam Food and Vodafone Qatar were among the shakers in the main market.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased considerably to QR16.59mn compared to QR8.72mn on September 7.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR8.16mn against net sellers of QR14.69mn last Thursday.The foreign individuals’ net buying grew noticeably to QR1.49mn compared to QR0.56mn the previous trading day.The Gulf retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.9mn against net profit takers of QR0.1mn on September 7.However, the local individuals’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR37.14mn compared to QR35.54mn last Thursday.The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.08mn against no major net exposure the previous seven sessions.The foreign institutions’ weakened significantly to QR5.3mn compared to QR23.88mn on September 7.The Gulf institutions’ net buying also decreased markedly to QR4.77mn against QR17.18mn last Thursday.Trade volumes in the main market rose 12% to 246.02mn shares and value by 5% to QR578.97mn, while deals were down 19% to 16,244.The venture market saw a 10% contraction in trade volumes to 0.44mn equities, 10% in value to QR0.93mn and 5% in transactions to 74.

Notwithstanding the weak Chinese data and uncertainties over the US rates, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) witnessed about 43 points gain in its key index this week.The foreign institutions were net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.42% this week which saw the Qatar Financial Centre’s purchasing managers’ index disclose that Doha's non-energy private sector’s strong expansion in August on notable boost to new orders in the manufacturing and financial services.The industrials sector witnessed robust demand this week which saw Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company expected to start the initial operations of its subsidiary Gizaz (Gulf Glass Factory) to produce as much as 1mn glass containers per day by mid of November 2023.The Gulf retail investors turned bullish in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar's maritime sector report brisk growth in general cargo, livestock, vehicles (RORO) and building materials movement through Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports during the first eight months of this year.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market this week which saw Qatar register a robust double-digit year-on-year growth in sales of new private vehicles this July, even as the automobile sector on the whole was on a reverse gear.The foreign individuals were also net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse this week which saw Aamal Company’s intent to start negotiations with Al Faisal Holding on the sale of a land parcel owned by the company.The Arab retail investors were net profit takers in the main market this week which saw QNBFS to start liquidity provision activity for the shares of Meeza.The Islamic index outperformed the other indices this week which saw a total of 0.38mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.84mn trade across 32 deals.The local individuals turned bearish in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.15mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR1.43mn change hands across 101 transactions.Market capitalisation rose QR0.86bn or 0.14% to QR602.98bn on the back of microcap segments this week which saw the industrials, consumer goods and banks together constitute more than 78% of the total trade volume in the main market.The Total Return Index added 0.42% and the All Islamic Index by 0.78%, while the All Share Index was down 0.03% this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The industrials index shot up 5.28%, real estate (0.14%) and transport (0.09%); while banks and financial services declined 2.16%, insurance (1.98%), consumer goods and services (0.41%) and telecom (0.06%) this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Major gainers in the main bourse included Industries Qatar, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qamco, Gulf International Services, Inma Holding, Qatar National Cement, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance this week.Nevertheless, about 57% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Baladna, Meeza, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatari German Medical Devices, Estithmar Holding, QNB, Doha Bank, Alijarah Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Beema, QLM and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their share depreciate in value this week.The foreign funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR8.18mn compared with net sellers of QR310.59mn the week ended August 31.The Gulf individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR4.17mn against net sellers of QR1.44mn the previous week.However, the Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR70.88mn compared with net buyers of QR33.67mn a week ago.The Arab retail investors were net profit takers to the extent of QR11.09mn against net buyers of QR44.35mn the week ended August 31.The local individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR5.06mn compared with net buyers of QR133.87mn the previous week.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened markedly to QR68.91mn against QR81.33mn a week ago.The foreign individuals’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR5.77mn compared to QR18.82mn the week ended August 31.The Arab funds had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the extent of QR0.02mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 2% contraction in trade volumes to 1.02bn shares and 10% in value to QR2.54bn but on 9% jump in deals to 96,601 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes surged 34% to 5.23mn equities, value by 28% to QR10.87mn and transactions by 19% to 981.

In just two days after its launch, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has received as many as 25 applications from fintech companies to offer 'Buy Now Pay Later' (BNPL) services, indicating the growing prominence of digitalisation in the country's growing e-commerce space."In just two days, since the launch of BNPL QCB campaign, the fintech licensing and registration platform has received more than 25 requests to apply for the service," the central bank said in a post in its social media platform X.The applications will be accepted until November 3, 2023.The QCB issued the BNPL regulations, following the launch of its fintech strategy earlier this year, stipulating that on an ongoing basis, a minimum capital of QR5mn should be maintained by the BNPL provider as initial paid-up capital or 15% of the outstanding loans, whichever is higher.The BNPL provider should calculate the outstanding loan amount as per the average daily balance for the last 90 days. The maximum credit amount at any point in time should not exceed QR25,000 for each customer from all BNPL providers.While BNPL products and services are currently being offered in Qatar, albeit on a limited scale, through licensed financial institutions in Qatar, the BNPL regulations seek to regulate the provision of BNPL products and services via separately licensed BNPL service providers.BNPL represents a quantum leap in the field of e-commerce in the country, and creates a favourable environment to explore digital opportunities and services in this field, while adhering to the regulatory standards set by QCB, the central bank said.According to Al Tamimi and Co, a leading law firm in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), BNPL is gaining traction throughout the Mena region.BNPL is essentially a short term (no more than 12 months) interest free credit facility that allows a customer to split its transaction amount into instalment payments to allow repayment over a period of time to the BNPL service providerUnder the BNPL regulations, a BNPL provider is lender that undertakes the credit risk of a BNPL product or service but cannot provide or lend cash to the customers.The BNPL product or service is provided to an individual customer resident in Qatar (age 18 or above) for the purchase of products or services from Qatar or non-Qatar based merchants. The BNPL Provider undertakes the complete credit risk of the provided facility. It is an unsecured lending product.The BNPL regulations has applicability throughout Qatar and applies to any BNPL provider set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), or any other free zone authority or commercial licensing entity.The BNPL regulations take into consideration the offering of both conventional and Shariah compliant BNPL products and services.For Shariah-compliant structures, the BNPL provider must appoint a Shariah adviser (subject to QCB approval) to advice on the relevant structures and characteristics of Shariah-compliant BNPL products and service offering.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday gained for the second day as its key index surpassed 10,200 levels on the back of buying interests, especially in the industrials and telecom sectors.The foreign institutions turned bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 97 points or 0.96% to 10,237.64 points.The Gulf institutions were also seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated further to 4.15%.As much as 49% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR5.34bn or 0.89% to QR602.98bn with small cap segments gaining the most.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, which recovered from an intraday low of 10,157 points.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling weakened in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.08mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.19mn changed hands across eight deals.However, the local retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main index in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.96%, the All Share Index by 0.79% and the Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.93% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The industrials sector index shot up 2.25%, telecom (1.63%), consumer goods and services (0.66%), banks and financial services (0.34%), real estate (0.21%) and transport (0.05%); while insurance declined 0.74%.Major movers in the main market included Qamco, Industries Qatar, Inma Holding, Gulf International Services, Ooredoo, Commercial Bank, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatari Investors Group and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Oman Investment, Beema, Salam International Investment, Estithmar Holding and Meeza were among the shakers in the main market. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR23.88mn compared with net sellers of QR2.01mn on September 6.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR17.18mn against net profit takers of QR4.54mn the previous day.The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.56mn compared with net sellers of QR0.59mn on Wednesday.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking weakened marginally to QR0.1mn against QR0.13mn on September 6.However, the local individuals’ net selling strengthened substantially to QR35.54mn compared to QR11.79mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR14.69mn against net buyers of QR9.59mn on Wednesday.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR8.72mn compared to QR9.47mn on September 6.The Arab institutions continued to have no major net exposure for the seventh consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market fell 14% to 218.81mn shares, value by 8% to QR553.94mn and deals by 19% to 19,943.The venture market saw a 17% contraction in trade volumes to 0.49mn equities, 19% in value to QR1.03mn and 36% in transactions to 73.

Qatar's maritime sector saw brisk growth in general cargo, livestock, vehicles (RORO) and building materials movement through Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports during the first eight months of this year, according to official data.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 general cargo through three ports amounted to 1.3mn tonnes during January-August this year, showing a robust 27.26% expansion on an annualised basis. So far this year, the cargo handling was seen the highest in March, when it was 297,009 tonnes and the lowest in June at 21,688 tonnes.Hamad Port 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.Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO (vehicles), grains and livestock – was seen handling 102,263 freight tonnes (F/T) of bulk and 53,148 F/T of breakbulk in August alone this year.The three ports had handled 318,450 livestock heads during the first eight months of this year, showing a 163.58% surge year-on-year. The heaviest movement of livestock through three ports was reported in April when it was 70,182 units and the lowest in July at 5,468 units.The building materials traffic through the three ports amounted to 356,014 tonnes in the review period, which shot up 9.49% on a yearly basis. In May 2023, as much as 62,456 tonnes of building materials were handled by three ports.The three ports handled as many as 54,081 vehicles (RORO) in January-August 2023, registering a 1.1% increase on an annualised basis. April saw the maximum number of RORO movements at 8,025 units.However, the container handling through the three ports stood at 853,807 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during January-August this year, declining 8.99% year-on-year. The containers handled was seen the maximum in August at 119,936 TEUs and the minimum in May at 95,317 TEUs.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.The number of ships calling on Qatar's three ports stood at 1,791 in January-August 2023, which saw a 5.74% decline compared to the previous year period. Seven of the eight months saw Qatar ports receive more than 200 ships.Al Ruwais Port plays a pivotal role in meeting the needs of the domestic market along with its role in stimulating regional trade exchange.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Wednesday gained more than 74 points on the back of strong buying interests, especially in the transport, industrials, insurance and real estate sectors..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[73993]**The Arab individual investors were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.74% to 10,140.67 points.The Gulf institutions’ substantially weakened net selling had its great influence in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 5.06%.As much as 74% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.96bn or 0.67% to QR597.64bn with small and midcap segments gaining the most.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which had touched an intraday high of 10,175 points.The local retail investors turned net sellers in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.07mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.37mn changed hands across 19 deals.The foreign institutions were net profit takers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.74%, All Share Index by 0.72% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.62% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The transport sector index shot up 2.43%, industrials (1.98%), insurance (1.5%), realty (1.43%) and banks and financial services (0.15%); while telecom declined 1.35% and consumer goods and services 0.35%.Major movers in the main market included Qatar Oman Investment, Dlala, Al Khaleej Takaful, Inma Holding, Lesha Bank, Qatari German Medical Devices, Meeza, Mannai Corporation, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatar National Cement, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Barwa and Nakilat. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Ooredoo, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Electricity and Water, Woqod and Masraf Al Rayan were among the shakers in the main bourse.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR9.59mn compared with net sellers of QR0.11mn on September 5.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking decreased significantly to QR4.54mn against QR47.3mn the previous day.However, the local individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR11.79mn compared with net buyers of QR26.49mn on Tuesday.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.01mn against net buyers of QR3.73mn on September 5.The foreign individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR0.59mn compared with net buyers of QR1.6mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors turned net profit takers to the tune of QR0.13mn against net buyers of QR2.61mn on Tuesday.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR9.47mn compared to QR12.98mn on September 5.The Arab institutions continued to have no major net exposure for the sixth consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market rose 9% to 255.8mn shares, value by 15% to QR604.67mn and deals by 30% to 24,613.The venture market saw a 37% plunge in trade volumes to 0.59mn equities, 36% in value to QR1.27mn and 29% in transactions to 122.

The Qatar Stock Exchange Tuesday lost 65 points and its key index fell below 10,100 levels, reflecting the concerns in the global market over weak services sector in China 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[73576]** lower oil prices. The transport, insurance, banking and real estate sectors witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.64% to 10,066.31 points. The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly into net profit booking in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 5.76%. As much as 80% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR4.51bn or 0.75% to QR593.68bn with midcap segments losing the most. The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market, which had touched an intraday low of 10,116 points. However, the local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.16mn changed hands across 13 deals. The domestic institutions were also increasingly bullish 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 0.64%, All Share Index by 0.81% and Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.41% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise. The transport sector index tanked 2.02%, insurance (1.99%), banks and financial services (1.16%), realty (1.08%), consumer goods and services (0.35%) and telecom (0.1%); while industrials gained 0.32%. Major shakers in the main market included Doha Bank, Qatar Insurance, Nakilat, Meeza, Qatar Oman Investment, Masraf Al Rayan, QNB, Dlala, Qatari German Medical Devices, Baladna, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan, Barwa and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Salam International Investment, Al Khaleej Takaful, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Electricity and Water, and Industries Qatar were among the gainers in the main bourse. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased significantly to QR47.3mn compared to QR25.96mn on September 4. The foreign institutions’ net buying declined perceptibly to QR3.73mn against QR6.27mn the previous day. However, the local individuals’ net buying grew noticeably to QR26.49mn compared to QR25.5mn on Monday. The domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR12.98mn against QR4.28mn on September 4. The Gulf retail investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR2.61mn compared to QR1.41mn the previous day. The foreign individual investors’ net buying increased notably to QR1.6mn against QR0.76mn on Monday. The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking shrank considerably to QR0.11mn compared to QR10.25mn on September 4. The Arab institutions continued to have no major net exposure for the fifth consecutive session. Trade volumes in the main market zoomed 60% to 234.75mn shares, value by 20% to QR528.04mn and deals by 2% to 18,910. The venture market saw a 64% plunge in trade volumes to 0.94mn equities, 64% in value to QR1.97mn and 65% in transactions to 172.