Doha [Qatar], February 23: The Qatar Stock Exchange announced that the outcomes of the semi-annual review of the FTSE Russell Global Equity Index Series will take effect for the Qatari market at the opening of trading on March 23, 2026. The update forms part of the regular rebalancing process carried out by FTSE Russell to ensure its indices accurately reflect market developments and company performance.
According to the statement issued by QSE and published on its website on Sunday, the review introduces limited changes to the composition of Qatari stocks across market-cap segments. Zad Holding Company will be added to the Micro Cap segment, while Qatar National Navigation & Transport will be removed from the Mid Cap segment. In addition, Dlala Brokerage & Investment Holding Company, Inma Holding and Qatar Oman Investment Company will be deleted from the Micro Cap segment. The exchange noted that the review did not involve any reclassification of Qatari companies between segments.
Market observers view such reviews as important signals for institutional investors, as inclusion in or exclusion from widely tracked indices can influence fund allocations and trading activity. Changes to index composition often lead to portfolio rebalancing by passive and active funds that track FTSE Russell benchmarks, potentially affecting liquidity and short-term price movements in the affected stocks.
The review also holds broader relevance given the importance of the FTSE Emerging Markets Index for global investors. The index is widely used as a benchmark by international asset managers and is followed closely by European, British and global investment funds, as well as major financial institutions. As a result, any changes linked to FTSE Russell reviews can shape capital flows into emerging markets, including Qatar.
QSE said the latest update reflects the routine semi-annual assessment cycle and does not signal a structural change in the classification of Qatari companies. Market participants are expected to monitor the impact of the adjustments as funds realign their portfolios in line with the revised index composition ahead of the effective date.
Source: Qatar Tribune
