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Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QSE surges to 3-year high on strong H1 corporate earnings
Satyendra Pathak Doha The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Index ended the trading week on a strong note, gaining 305.56 points or 2.8 percent to close at 11,220.76 points, its highest level in three years. The week's performance was driven by a combination of upbeat corporate earnings, attractive interim dividends, and rising interest from foreign institutional investors. Market capitalisation followed suit, rising by 2.5 percent to reach QR663.8 billion, up from QR647.6 billion at the end of the previous trading week. Of the 53 listed companies on the QSE, 36 ended the week with gains, 14 recorded losses, while three remained unchanged, indicating broad-based market strength across sectors. Trading activity during the week reflected increased investor participation. The total traded value rose by 3.7 percent to QR2,325.7 million compared to QR2,242.6 million in the previous week. Trading volumes surged by 23.5 percent, with 950.2 million shares changing hands compared to 769.6 million shares in the prior week. However, the number of transactions declined by 17 percent, falling to 94,990 from 115,627 in the previous week. Among individual stocks, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIBK) emerged as the best performer, posting a weekly gain of 7.3 percent. It was also the largest contributor to the index's rise, adding 126.45 points. QNB Group (QNB) and Industries Qatar (IQ) also played key roles in supporting the index, contributing 96.30 and 38.45 points respectively. On the other hand, Mannai Corporation (MCCS) was the worst-performing stock of the week, falling by 11.2 percent. Despite the decline, MCCS was the most traded stock in terms of value, with QR207.5 million worth of shares exchanged. Ezdan Holding Group (ERES) led in terms of traded volume, with 114.7 million shares traded during the week. Investor behaviour continued to show a clear divide between institutional and retail participants. Foreign institutional investors remained net buyers, recording a net inflow of QR159.1 million, slightly down from QR183.6 million the previous week. Qatari institutions continued to sell, with net outflows of QR21.1 million, nearly unchanged from QR21.8 million a week earlier. Foreign retail investors remained net sellers, posting QR8.2 million in sales, although this was an improvement from the QR19.9 million recorded the previous week. Qatari retail investors also remained bearish, with net selling of QR129.7 million compared to QR141.9 million in the previous week. Year-to-date, global foreign institutions have shown sustained interest in Qatari equities, registering a net buying position of $93.5 million. In contrast, institutional investors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) remain net sellers by $23 million, indicating a divergence in regional investment behavior. Commenting on the week's performance, financial market analyst Mubarak Al Tamimi told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that a number of positive factors contributed to the index breaching the key 11,000-point level. Chief among them, he said, were the solid performance of listed companies and their strong profits in the first half of the year, which were followed by interim dividend announcements. Al Tamimi noted that there is a growing trend of foreign and Gulf investment portfolios moving towards the Qatari market due to the opportunities it offers in comparison to other regional markets. He added that this trend is likely to strengthen in the coming period amid falling interest rates and rising returns on shares of Qatari companies. He emphasised that the current market conditions present a favorable environment for investors to enhance their portfolios, increase their buying activity, and inject more liquidity into the market. Al Tamimi encouraged investors to make the most of the attractive stock prices and strong dividend yields but warned against engaging in speculative trading without sufficient experience, due to the associated high risks. Concluding his analysis of the market, Al Tamimi said that the general index is now approaching its next technical resistance level at 11,500 points. If this level is breached, the index could move higher toward the next resistance mark of 11,917 points, indicating a continued upward trajectory if the market momentum remains intact. The strong performance of the QSE this week, underpinned by improving fundamentals, rising foreign inflows, and increased trading activity, signals growing confidence in the market. If these trends persist, the Qatari stock market could continue to deliver solid returns and attract further regional and international investment.
Qatar Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QSE bull run continues on strong earnings, rising foreign inflows
Satyendra Pathak Doha The bullish momentum in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) remained intact this week, with the benchmark QSE Index advancing by 88.01 points, or 0.81 percent, to close at 10,915.20 points. This upward movement was largely fueled by solid corporate earnings announcements and increasing inflows from foreign institutional investors, both of which contributed to a broader sense of optimism across the market. Market capitalisation followed suit, registering a week-on-week increase of 1.2 percent. The total value of listed companies on the exchange rose from QR640.1 billion at the end of the previous week to QR647.6 billion. Out of the 53 listed companies, 39 ended the week in the green, while 12 declined and two remained unchanged, reflecting overall positive sentiment among investors. One of the standout performers during the week was Mannai Corporation, which recorded a substantial gain of 15 percent, emerging as the best-performing stock. On the other end of the spectrum, Doha Bank posted the steepest decline of the week, with its share price falling by 4.2 percent. Several heavyweight stocks played a critical role in supporting the index's gains. Qatar Islamic Bank contributed the most to the index's advance, adding 40.9 points to the benchmark. QNB Group followed with a 28.7-point contribution, while Nakilat, the country's leading LNG shipping company, added a further 6.6 points. These blue-chip firms saw strong investor interest driven by robust earnings results and confidence in their long-term fundamentals. Trading activity surged compared to the previous week. The total value of shares traded on the exchange increased by 23.3 percent to reach QR2,242.6 million, up from QR1,819.3 million in the prior week. Trading volume also witnessed a significant rise of 20.3 percent, with a total of 769.6 million shares changing hands compared to 639.4 million shares in the previous week. Additionally, the number of executed transactions climbed by 23.1 percent, reaching 115,627 trades, up from 93,943. Mannai Corporation was not only the best performer in terms of price appreciation but also led in trading value, with QR138.3 million worth of its shares traded during the week. In terms of trading volume, Ezdan Holding Group came out on top, with 135.7 million shares traded. Investor behavior during the week showed a notable shift in capital flows. Foreign institutional investors maintained their status as strong net buyers, recording net purchases worth QR136.1 million, an increase from QR99.2 million in the previous week. Qatari institutional investors, while still net sellers, reduced their net selling position to QR21.8 million from QR32.8 million the week before. In contrast, foreign retail investors reversed their previous week's buying trend, turning into net sellers of QR19.9 million, compared to net buying of QR11.2 million in the earlier week. Qatari retail investors continued to offload shares, recording net sales of QR141.9 million, up significantly from QR77.6 million. On a year-to-date basis, global foreign institutions have been net buyers of $56.0 million in Qatari equities, underscoring their growing confidence in the local market. In contrast, institutional investors from the GCC region have remained net sellers, with total outflows amounting to $29.7 million. Commenting on the weekly performance, financial market analyst Youssef Bouhlaiqa told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the QSE is exhibiting a notable upward trajectory, backed by technical indicators that point to market strength and stability. He predicted that, if the current positive sentiment continues, the QSE Index is well positioned to breach the psychological resistance level of 11,000 points in the coming week. Bouhlaiqa attributed the market's performance to better-than-expected quarterly earnings from listed companies, which have reassured investors about the fundamental strength of the Qatari economy. He said that the results released so far have generally met or exceeded expectations, reinforcing the bullish outlook for key sectors. He also highlighted the role of foreign portfolios, which have become increasingly active in recent weeks. According to him, these investors are closely watching the Qatari market for opportunities, particularly in the context of global macroeconomic uncertainty and the relative stability offered by Qatar's economic and financial fundamentals. Bouhlaiqa emphasized that investor focus is gradually shifting towards stocks in the industrial, insurance, and telecommunications sectors. These sectors, he said, are showing signs of renewed strength and could drive the market higher in the short to medium term. He also advised investors to closely monitor supply and demand dynamics in individual stocks, as this can provide valuable clues about future price movements and institutional activity.
Qatar Tribune
16-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QIB net profit up 5.3% to QR2.18 billion in H1
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), the country's leading Shari'a-compliant financial institution, has reported a net profit of QR2,175 million for the six-month period ending 30 June 2025, marking a 5.3 percent increase compared to QR2,065 million recorded during the same period last year. The bank's earnings per share rose to QR0.92 in H1 2025 from QR0.87 in H1 2024, reflecting sustained profitability growth. In a move reinforcing its shareholder-friendly policies, QIB's board of directors has approved an interim cash dividend of QR0.40 per share, equivalent to 40 percent of the nominal share value. This payout, which is subject to regulatory approval from Qatar Central Bank, will be distributed to shareholders registered as of market close on July 24, 2025. QIB's total assets surged to QR212.1 billion as of 30 June 2025, registering a 5.6 percent growth from December 2024 and a 10.3 percent increase year-on-year. The bank attributed this robust asset growth primarily to increased financing and investing activities. Financing assets climbed to QR130.8 billion, reflecting a 4.4 percent increase from December 2024 and a 3.1 percent rise compared to June 2024. Investment securities reached QR60.1 billion, up 13.4 percent from December 2024 and 21.9 percent higher year-on-year, as QIB continued to diversify and strengthen its investment portfolio. Customer deposits increased to QR135 billion, registering an 8 percent rise since December 2024 and a 10 percent increase compared to June 2024. The finance-to-deposit ratio stood at 96.8 percent, one of the lowest among Qatari banks, underlining QIB's strong and stable liquidityprofile. QIB's total income for H1 2025 reached QR5,642.8 million, up slightly from QR5,609.3 million in the same period last year. Net income from financing and investing activities alone amounted to QR5,127.8 million, underscoring the bank's core revenue-generating strength. Operational efficiency remains a cornerstone of QIB's strategy. The bank's total operating expenses stood at QR537.7 million for the first half of 2025. Cost containment efforts brought the cost-to-income ratio down to 16.4 percent—once again the lowest in Qatar's bankingsector. On the asset quality front, QIB maintained its ratio of non-performing financing assets to total financing assets at 1.75 percent, showcasing strong credit risk management and prudent underwriting standards. Coverage for non-performing assets stood at 95.1 percent as of 30 June 2025, supported by a conservative provisioning strategy. QIB's shareholders' equity increased to QR28.1 billion, marking a 3.4 percent rise from December 2024 and a 9.2 percent increase year-on-year. The capital adequacy ratio (CAR), calculated according to the new Qatar Central Bank guidelines, stood at a robust 22 percent—well above the regulatory minimum and Basel III requirements. QIB's financial strength and stability were reaffirmed by major global credit rating agencies. In June 2025, Fitch Ratings affirmed QIB's long-term issuer default rating at 'A' with a stable outlook. Moody's maintained its 'A1' rating with a stable outlook, while Capital Intelligence Ratings (CI) affirmed a long-term rating of 'AA-' with a stable outlook in March 2025. As QIB continues to deliver on its strategic goals, the bank remains committed to sustainable growth, digital innovation, and value creation for its customers and stakeholders, further reinforcing its leading position in Qatar's Islamic banking sector.
Qatar Tribune
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Visit Qatar launches first ‘QTF Summer Camp'
Tribune News Network Doha Visit Qatar has announced the launch of the Qatar Toy Festival's first Summer Camp. Dubbed 'QTF Summer Camp', a specially designed programme for children and teens taking place at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) from July 6 to August 4, 2025. A dynamic and structured programme tailored to children aged four to 12. Operating daily from 8am to 1pm throughout the duration of the festival, the camp offers a variety of engaging, educational, and recreational experiences. Children enrolled in the camp will enjoy sessions in art and design, science experiments led by Science Street, interactive play with beloved characters, and a range of physical activities such as obstacle courses and movement games. The camp accommodates up to 150 children across different age groups and is priced at QR750 per week or QR2,000 for the full month.
Qatar Tribune
28-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Rawabi Hypermarket launches ‘Win One Million' campaign
Satyendra Pathak Doha Rawabi Hypermarket has launched one of its most exciting and rewarding customer campaigns to date — the 'Win One Million' campaign, set to run from May 26 to December 31, 2025, across all Rawabi outlets in Qatar. This grand initiative will see 528 lucky winners walk away with incredible prizes, culminating in a Mega Draw on January 1, 2026. Customers spending QR50 or more at any Rawabi Hypermarket will automatically receive a digital e-raffle coupon via SMS, ensuring a completely paperless and seamless participation process. Among the 528 lucky winners, three will drive away with the grand prize – the GWM TANK 500 SUV. Additionally, 35 winners will receive Rawabi shopping vouchers worth QR3,000, 75 winners will receive vouchers worth QR2,000, 140 winners will be awarded QR1,000 vouchers, and 280 winners will take home vouchers worth QR500. Monthly digital draws will be held from June to December 2025, selecting 75 winners each month for shopping vouchers. The campaign will conclude with a mega draw on January 1, 2026, where the top winners, including the SUV recipients, will be announced. Commenting on the campaign, Rawabi Group Managing Director Mohammed Abdulla said, 'Our customers are at the core of everything we do. The 'Win One Million' campaign is our heartfelt way of thanking them for their continued loyalty and support. With exciting rewards and a fully digital, hassle-free experience, we aim to elevate every customer's journey with Rawabi while reaffirming our commitment to exceptional service and unmatched value.' Consistently at the forefront of Qatar's retail landscape, Rawabi Hypermarket remains dedicated to community-focused initiatives and customer-first experiences. From weekly promotions to festive celebrations, Rawabi continues to offer a distinctive shopping experience across a wide range of categories — from groceries and electronics to home essentials, fashion, and more — all at unbeatable prices. In addition to the exciting raffle campaign, Rawabi Hypermarket is fully geared up for the upcoming Eid season with a host of exclusive festive offers. Shoppers can take advantage of special Buy 2 Get 1 Free deals on a wide selection of garments, footwear, and ladies' bags, showcasing the latest trends at unbeatable prices. Adding to the seasonal celebrations is the much-anticipated Jackfruit Festival — a treat for jackfruit enthusiasts. The festival features over 18 unique varieties of jackfruit, specially sourced from India, Uganda, and Thailand. Some of the most sought-after varieties include Ayoor Jack, Sindhoor Varikka, Kabodiyal Nadan Varikka, Then Varikka, Disabar Honey, Muttan Varikka, Super Harli, Bunrotti, Puthukot, Jackfruit Uganda, Lotus, Chalakkudi, and Tender varieties. 'Customers are invited to visit any Rawabi Hypermarket outlet, spend QR50 or more, and be part of this thrilling digital raffle experience. At Rawabi, shopping is more than just a purchase — it's a chance to celebrate, save, and win big,' Rawabi Hypermarket said in a statement issued on theoccasion.
