QSE index advances on strong banking sector results in H1
Doha
The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) recorded a positive performance this week as the benchmark index rose 40.86 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 11,261.62 points. The uptick was supported by strong buying interest in key heavyweights, particularly in the banking and telecom sectors, despite a noticeable slowdown in overall trading activity.
Market capitalisation followed suit, edging higher by 0.7 percent to QR668.3 billion compared with QR663.8 billion at the end of the previous trading week. Analysts said the steady growth in market value underscores investors' confidence in Qatar's blue-chip stocks, particularly ahead of upcoming earnings and dividend announcements.
Trading patterns showed mixed sentiment among investors. Out of the 53 listed companies, 30 advanced, 20 declined, and three remained unchanged. Qatar Cinema emerged as the week's top gainer, surging 8.4 percent, while Qatar Electricity & Water was the biggest loser, shedding 3.5 percent.
The main index was bolstered by Ooredoo, which alone contributed 28.22 points to the weekly rise. Commercial Bank of Qatar added 26.09 points, while Estithmar Holding supported the index with a 4.03-point contribution. The performance of these stocks outweighed the drag from utilities and some industrial names, keeping the overall market momentum positive.
Despite the upward trend in the index, trading activity reflected investor caution. The total traded value declined 14.9 percent to QR1,979.2 million compared to QR2,325.7 million in the previous week. Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) led the market in terms of traded value, accounting for QR149.2 million. Traded volume dropped 23.5 percent to 726.7 million shares from 950.2 million in the prior week. Baladna was the most active by volume, with 100.9 million shares changing hands. The number of transactions also fell 6.7 percent to 89,525 from 94,990.
Foreign institutions continued to provide the main support for the market. They remained net buyers with inflows of QR157.1 million, compared to QR159.1 million a week earlier. On the other hand, Qatari institutions maintained a bearish stance, recording net selling of QR3.2 million, though significantly lower than the QR21.1 million in the prior week.
Retail investors continued to exit positions. Foreign retail investors recorded net selling of QR10.3 million against QR8.2 million in the previous week, while Qatari retail investors were the largest net sellers with QR143.6 million, up from QR129.7 million in the week before. On a year-to-date basis, global foreign institutions remain firm net buyers of Qatari equities, with cumulative inflows of $126.8 million, while GCC institutions are net short by $12.9 million.
Commenting on the market's performance, financial market analyst Youssef Bouhlaiqa told Qatar News Agency that the QSE index held firm above the crucial 11,200-point support level throughout the week. 'This stability, combined with the recent gains, indicates strong resilience in the Qatari market. The index has gained 6.53 percent since the start of 2025, supported by robust sectoral performances and healthy foreign inflows,' he said.
Bouhlaiqa drew attention to the solid half-yearly results of the banking sector, which remains the cornerstone of the Qatari market. The sector's net profits rose by 1.4 percent in the first half of 2025, reaching QR15.1 billion compared to the same period last year. Out of the nine listed banks, eight reported growth in earnings, reflecting the sector's strong fundamentals and operational efficiency. Lesha Bank led the pack with an impressive 52.29 percent jump in net profits. Qatar National Bank (QNB), the region's largest lender, accounted for 54 percent of the sector's profits with QR8.4 billion, marking a 2.93percent year-on-year increase.
'The banking sector's resilience highlights its ability to adapt quickly to evolving market conditions. Despite global headwinds, Qatar's banks continue to demonstrate strength, liquidity, and growth, providing confidence to both local and international investors,' Bouhlaiqa added.
Weekly turnover remained robust, with the total trading value standing at QR1.979 billion, translating into a daily average of around QR396 million. Across all sectors, the number of executed transactions reached 89,525, underscoring consistent market activity despite lower volumes.
Looking ahead, the report said, analysts expect QSE to maintain its positive trajectory, supported by ongoing foreign institutional inflows, solid earnings in the financial sector, and Qatar's continued economic diversification efforts. The index's ability to sustain above the 11,200-point support level will be crucial in determining the next phase of market diection.
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