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QSE bull run continues on earnings optimism in Q2
QSE bull run continues on earnings optimism in Q2

Qatar Tribune

time03-07-2025

  • Business
  • Qatar Tribune

QSE bull run continues on earnings optimism in Q2

Satyendra Pathak Doha The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) closed the trading week on a positive note, with the benchmark index gaining 74.83 points, or 0.70 percent, to settle at 10,759.49 points. The rally was driven by investor optimism ahead of upcoming quarterly earnings announcements from key listed companies, particularly QNB Group, which is set to unveil its second-quarter results next Wednesday. Market capitalisation mirrored the index's upward movement, increasing by 0.7 percent to reach QR635.7 billion, up from QR631.0 billion at the close of the previous week. The performance indicates growing investor confidence amid expectations of steady corporate earnings and stable macroeconomic indicators in Qatar. Out of the 53 companies traded during the week, 26 recorded gains, 24 saw declines, and three closed unchanged. The week's top performer was Mannai Corporation, which surged by 16.4 percent, reflecting renewed investor interest in diversified industrial and services firms. On the other end of the spectrum, Qatar Cinema & Film Distribution Company (QNCD) registered the steepest drop, falling by 5.9 percent, likely due to profit booking and low liquidity in the entertainment sector. Blue-chip stocks played a pivotal role in lifting the index. QNB Group (QNB), Industries Qatar (IQ), and Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) were the top contributors to the week's gain, collectively adding nearly 70 points. QNB led the charge with a contribution of 25.93 points, followed by IQ with 21.97 points and QIB with 20.83 points. Their robust performance signals solid fundamentals in the banking and industrial sectors. Despite the index's rise, overall trading activity slowed during the week. Total traded value dropped sharply by 35.6 percent to QR1.95 billion, down from QR3.02 billion in the previous trading week. The traded volume also fell by 36.1 percent to 779.4 million shares, compared with 1.22 billion shares a week earlier. The number of transactions declined to 96,706, representing a 16.8 percent decrease from the previous week's 116,232 transactions. Baladna led both the volume and value charts, with a total traded volume of 151.9 million shares and a traded value of QR194.1 million. The dairy producer's stock remained actively traded throughout the week, driven by investor appetite for consumer staples and food security-linked stocks. On the investment front, foreign institutions remained net buyers, though at a reduced pace. They posted net purchases worth QR56.1 million, compared to a significantly higher QR730.7 million in the previous week. Qatari institutions continued to provide liquidity, recording net selling of QR30.4 million, slightly lower than their QR634.5 million net selling in the prior week. Foreign retail investors ended the week with net buying of QR8.5 million, up from QR5.8 million, while Qatari retail investors offloaded QR34.2 million in stocks. Year-to-date, global foreign institutions are net buyers of Qatari equities by $3.9 million, while GCC institutions remain net sellers by $27.1 million. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), financial market analyst Youssef Bouhlaiqa expressed confidence in the positive trajectory of the market as more listed companies are set to reveal their second-quarter earnings in the coming weeks. 'The announcement of the financial results for the second quarter, beginning with QNB Group next Wednesday, is likely to have a significant positive impact on the stock exchange's performance,' Bouhlaiqa said. 'We expect companies to post profit growth rates ranging between 5 and 7 percent, and some firms could surpass these levels, which will drive investor confidence and trading volumes upward.' Bouhlaiqa also emphasised the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in shaping modern investment strategies. He noted that AI-based models are increasingly being adopted by institutional and retail investors alike to analyse market trends and optimise portfolio decisions. Commenting on local investment dynamics, Bouhlaiqa observed that local portfolios have remained cautious in recent weeks despite the market's upward momentum. However, he highlighted the importance of recent strategic initiatives such as the launch of the $200 million Fiera Qatar Equity Fund by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in collaboration with Fiera Capital. The fund, dedicated to investing in shares of Qatari listed companies, is seen as a key instrument for enhancing market liquidity, broadening the investor base, and supporting Qatar's asset management sector. On the other hand, foreign investment portfolios have shown increasing dynamism, with several institutional investors signaling interest in acquiring Qatari equities. Bouhlaiqa said this trend is expected to gain further momentum as earnings reports continue to be released, offering clarity on company performance and market valuations. Concluding his weekly market review, Bouhlaiqa noted the resilience and cohesion of the QSE's general index, which has remained stable in the face of global economic uncertainties and regional geopolitical developments. He reiterated that the upcoming earnings season, combined with strategic investments and AI-enhanced analytics, could provide a fresh catalyst for the Qatari market in the second half of the year. The upcoming weeks are expected to be crucial in shaping investor sentiment and setting the tone for the rest of 2025, as market participants await earnings results and reassess their portfolio strategies accordingly.

Petrol prices remain unchanged, slight drop in diesel
Petrol prices remain unchanged, slight drop in diesel

Qatar Tribune

time31-05-2025

  • Business
  • Qatar Tribune

Petrol prices remain unchanged, slight drop in diesel

DOHA: QatarEnergy has announced the fuel prices for June, with petrol prices remaining steady and a slight drop in diesel rates. According to social media posts by QatarEnergy on Saturday, the price of Super-grade petrol will stay at QR1.95 per litre, while Premium-grade petrol will continue to be sold at QR1.90 per litre. Diesel, however, will see a minor decrease, dropping from QR1.95 in May to QR1.90 per litre in June.

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