Doha:The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index closed this week's trading session with a 1.88% decline, losing 181.33 points from the previous week to settle at 9,477 points. The index was impacted by downturns in five sectors, with the industrial sector experiencing the largest drop of 3.3%, followed by a 2.35% decline in the transportation sector. Conversely, the insurance sector saw a gain of 0.69%.

According to Qatar News Agency, financial markets analyst Youssef Bouhlaika indicated that global concerns over monetary tightening continue to affect market performance. He highlighted that the index's drop below the 9,532-point threshold presents a buying opportunity for investors, particularly those focused on the financial fundamentals of companies and capable of holding investments over the medium to long term.

Bouhlaika noted that despite a relative improvement in geopolitical conditions following a de-escalation agreement between the United States and Iran, which eased energy supply concerns, investor caution remains high. He attributed the ongoing market declines to worries about continued tight monetary policies aimed at curbing global inflation, which increase financing costs and impact investment decisions, especially for large-scale projects.

He further explained that leading stocks were under significant selling pressure as investors reassessed their positions while awaiting the third-quarter 2026 financial results of listed companies. These results are expected to provide insights into the market's potential to regain momentum.

The analyst emphasized the importance of selectivity in investment decisions during this period, advising a focus on companies with strong operating results and stable growth rates. He also stressed the need to monitor third-quarter earnings and other economic and geopolitical factors that could influence market trends in the coming weeks.