Doha [Qatar], April 10: The Qatar Stock Exchange closed the week on a strong note, surging by 4.05 percent to gain 414.50 points and settle at 10,641.68 points, buoyed by improved investor sentiment following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.
The rally reflects renewed confidence among investors, as easing geopolitical tensions in the region encouraged a return to risk appetite and strategic positioning in equities. Market participants responded swiftly to the development, driving the index above the key 10,600-point level.
The gains were broad-based, with all sector indices ending the week in positive territory. The transport sector led the rally with a sharp rise of 7.33 percent, followed by industry, which climbed 6.81 percent.
Banking and financial services posted solid gains of 2.98 percent, while consumer goods and services rose by 2.87 percent. Telecommunications advanced 2.65 percent, insurance added 2.56 percent, and real estate recorded a more moderate increase of 1.67 percent.
The positive momentum significantly boosted the overall market capitalization, which rose from QR604.856 billion in the previous week to approximately QR629.704 billion, reflecting an increase of nearly QR24.85 billion. This sharp rise underscores the scale of investor re-engagement and capital inflows into the market.
Commenting to QNA on the development, Mostafa Abouela, financial analyst and Head of Strategy at Fortress Investment, said the QSE index reacted quickly to the ceasefire and the relative calm in the region, closing the week with gains exceeding 400 points. He noted that the easing of tensions has enhanced investor and trader appetite to capitalize on opportunities, particularly as stock valuations remain attractive.
He further explained that recent geopolitical pressures in the Middle East had weighed heavily on global and regional markets, and that any signals of de-escalation tend to have an immediate and positive impact on investment instruments, especially equities. The ceasefire announcement, therefore, acted as a strong catalyst for market recovery.
Trading activity remained robust throughout the week, highlighting sustained investor participation. Total traded volume exceeded 1.01 billion shares, with a value of more than QR2.311 billion across 117,865 transactions spanning all sectors. This level of activity reflects heightened market engagement and growing confidence among both institutional and retail investors.
Abouela added that financial markets have entered a positive phase, with the QSE index not only reclaiming but also stabilizing above the 10,600-point mark. He expressed optimism that the market could witness a new upward trajectory toward the 11,000-point level, provided that positive geopolitical developments continue and the ceasefire leads to a broader easing of regional tensions.
The week's performance highlights the sensitivity of regional markets to geopolitical developments, while also reaffirming the underlying strength and resilience of Qatar's financial market. As stability returns, the QSE appears well-positioned to sustain its upward momentum in thenear term.
Source: Qatar Tribune
