Tracking strong momentum in the global markets, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday posted solid gains, with its benchmark index rising by more than 120 points and market capitalisation expanding by over QR7 billion.
Supported by strong buying interest in telecom, banking and insurance stocks, the 20-stock Qatar Index climbed 1.07% to close at 11,336.59 points. The index briefly dipped to an intraday low of 11,204 points before recovering, reflecting active trading throughout the session.
Market capitalisation rose by QR7.2 billion, or 1.07%, to reach QR680.12 billion, driven mainly by large- and mid-capitalisation stocks. Gains were recorded by around 54% of listed companies, helping push the main market’s year-to-date advance to 5.33%.
Foreign institutional investors played a central role in the rally, sharply increasing net purchases, while Gulf institutions also showed growing optimism. Their buying activity supported higher turnover and volumes across the market. In contrast, local retail investors were increasingly seen taking profits, while domestic institutional investors remained net sellers.
The Islamic index advanced at a slower pace than other market measures. Exchange-traded funds sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank recorded limited activity, with around 30,000 units traded, valued at QR0.15 million. There was no trading in sovereign bonds or treasury bills during the session.
All major market indices ended higher, with the Total Return Index rising 1.07%, the All Share Index gaining 1.1% and the All Islamic Index adding 0.97%.
Sector-wise, telecom stocks led the advance with a gain of 1.8%, followed by banks and financial services, which rose 1.57%, and insurance, up 1.14%. Industrials gained 0.71%, real estate added 0.7% and consumer goods and services edged up 0.03%. The transport sector was the only decliner, falling 1.04%.
A total of 29 stocks closed higher, while 17 declined and eight ended unchanged. Notable gainers included Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar National Cement, Qatar Insurance, QNB, Industries Qatar, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar. On the downside, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Milaha, Nakilat, Qamco and Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution saw selling pressure.
Foreign institutions’ net buying surged to QR155.21 million, up sharply from QR15.2 million the previous session, while Gulf institutions increased net purchases to QR33.32 million. Meanwhile, Qatari retail investors recorded net selling of QR132.64 million, and domestic institutions sold QR49.06 million.
Trading activity strengthened, with volumes rising 7% to 135.44 million shares. The value of trades jumped 61% to QR627.67 million, while the number of transactions increased 39% to 32,118. In the venture market, limited activity saw 10,000 shares traded across seven deals.
