The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) recorded its third consecutive week of gains, with its key index climbing 102 points despite global concerns over tech company valuations. Stronger-than-expected economic data from the US helped bolster market sentiment, pushing the bourse’s total market capitalisation up by nearly QR5 billion.
The 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.93%, driven by robust demand for transport, telecom, and banking counters. The positive performance came as Qatar’s listed companies reported a collective net profit of QR41.08 billion for the first nine months of 2025.
Sector and Stock Performance
The transport sector led the market with a 2.55% surge in its index, followed by telecom at 2.1% and banks and financial services at 1.24%. The consumer goods and insurance sectors also posted modest gains. In contrast, the industrials and real estate sectors saw declines of 0.8% and 0.07% respectively.
Despite the overall index gain, the market was skewed towards decliners, with 26 companies losing value compared to 24 that advanced. Major movers included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Nakilat, QIIB, Ooredoo, and Doha Bank. On the venture market, Techno Q shares appreciated in value.
Shifting Investor Sentiment
The week was marked by a notable shift in investor behaviour. Net selling pressure from local retail investors and domestic funds weakened significantly, providing crucial support to the market. Gulf institutional funds continued to be net buyers, although their activity was less intense than in the previous week.
Conversely, foreign and Arab retail investors adopted a more bearish stance, increasing their net selling. Overall trading activity picked up, with volumes on the main market rising 7% to 588.61 million shares and transaction value increasing 2% to QR1.68 billion.
Key Corporate and Economic Highlights
Several key corporate announcements punctuated the week’s trading. Qatari German Medical Devices signed a memorandum of understanding with Dawa Holdi Egypt and Dawa USA to expand its regional presence, a move that reflects the growing business ties between Qatar and Egypt. The gains also came as Qatar’s maritime sector reported higher cargo movements through its main hubs, including the ports at Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais.
In the banking sector, Standard & Poor’s affirmed Commercial Bank’s issuer credit ratings at ‘A-/A-2’ with a stable outlook. Additionally, QIIB appointed a syndicate of ten international and regional banks as joint lead managers for an upcoming US dollar-denominated sukuk issuance.
Overall, the QSE demonstrated resilience, closing the week in positive territory. The gains, driven primarily by small and mid-cap segments, were supported by reduced selling from local investors and positive corporate news. However, the higher number of declining stocks suggests that investor caution persists amid global economic uncertainties.
