.jpg)
Qatar Exchange is pleased to announce that it has maintained its position as the best performing market in the GCC and Arab region for the second consecutive year. The QE Index grew by 1.12% in 2011 and was the only market in the Arab region with positive price return, underpinning the robustness of the Qatar economy. The year 2011 ended with the total market capitalization of over QR 457 billion. This represents an increase of 1.59% adding over QR 7 billion to total market capitalization from 2010 when the total market capitalization closed at QR 450 billion. At the world stage, Qatar ranked number 8th in terms of total return performance (including dividends) with a total return of about 5.6%.
In addition to the performance of the market, QE has accomplished a range of important milestones during 2011. Clients from Qatar as well as across Europe, Asia and the US benefit from the resilience, liquidity and impressive growth of Qatar.
Early 2011 Qatar Exchange extended its trading hours and reduce the tick sizes which positively impacted liquidity and volumes of trade while providing greater trading opportunity for investors. In line with its strategy to enhance the market infrastructure and post trade environment, QE successfully implemented the DvP process in order to enhance the efficiency of the settlement process.
In 2011 QNB Financial Services, CB Investment Services and Al Ahli Brokerage started brokerage services, the first new members since 2006. A new Market Watch section was also added to the QE website to provide more real time information to our investors.
In October, QE launched an initiative aiming at allowing investors to have their dividends directly deposited in their bank accounts.
Closing out the year, QE listed short term T Bills which will attract the attention of banks, financial institutions as well as investors. The presence of a bond market will encourage companies to issue and list bonds as another alternative for financing and ultimately contribute to increasing liquidity in the market.
Commenting on QE's accomplishments, CEO Mr. Andre Went said ‘In line with the 3-5 year strategy to transform Qatar Exchange into a world class financial institution, several initiatives were implemented during the year and have contributed to our success. 'We are pleased with all that has been achieved in 2011 and we look forward to an even more successful 2012 where we can continue to contribute positively to the growth of the State of Qatar’.
