Qatar Stock Exchange keen to develop diverse investor base

Over the past two days, through a combination of one-to-one and group meetings, Qatar’s listed companies met with more than fifty fund managers, as part of  New York roadshow.
The road show was held  by Qatar Stock Exchange’s (QSE), with the support of QNB Financial Services and HSBC. The New York event was aimed at providing an opportunity for the senior management of listed companies to meet key decision makers from a number of the world’s largest international fund managers, QSE said yesterday.  
Qatar Stock Exchange places great emphasis on the importance of market liquidity and its relationship to financial market development given its links to investors, for whom more liquid markets mean lower costs of trading, an ability to move more easily in and out of the market, lower price volatility, and ultimately improved price formation, the bourse said in a statement.
“We are pleased to once again be working with HSBC and QNBFS in showcasing some of our leading companies.  We believe developing a diversified investor base, including retail investors, domestic institutions and a range of international institutional investors with different investment horizons and perspectives, is central to the development of our equity markets and hence our ongoing commitment to events such as these”, said  Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, CEO of Qatar Stock Exchange, who led the delegation.
Whilst liquidity in the secondary markets is a clear objective in terms of capital allocation, QSE also believe its role in capital formation.  Issuers are attracted to more liquid markets, since liquid markets reduce the cost of capital and lead to more accurate share price valuations. Qatar Stock Exchange thus value the increased attractiveness to issuers and investors, as this has a direct link increased confidence in the market overall and brings benefits to the whole economy, Al Mansoori said.
Eleven listed companies, representing blue-chip investment opportunities in the Qatari market, used the opportunity to meet with the world’s leading fund managers.  The Qatari companies took part in the road show were  Qatar National Bank, Doha Bank, Commercial Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Ooredoo, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Company, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar Electricity & Water, Nakilat and Milaha.