Qatar Sport

Doha: The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index closed the current week up 1.780 percent, adding 190.35 points to its tally, to stand at 10,903 points compared to last week's closing. QSE's figures showed that the banking and financial services sector achieved the largest profits with a growth rate of 2.74 percent, followed by the insurance and telecommunications sectors with 2.61 percent each. In this context, financial market analyst Youssef Buhulaiqa told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the QSE is poised to achieve significant gains during the coming period and the beginning of next year, based on positive results that enhance investor confidence and support economic growth opportunities. He expected the upward trend to continue with improved sentiment and the influx of new liquidity into the market. Bouhaliqa highlighted the QSE's reaction to the announcement of the 2026 state budget and the interest rate cut. He added that lower interest rates encourage borrowing and reduce debt costs, which positively impacts company profitability and increases the attractiveness of stocks. Conversely, bonds typically become more attractive when interest rates rise, as they are considered safer and offer higher returns. The financial market analyst indicated that the interest rate cut, although usually associated with an economic slowdown, reinforces the importance of adopting a long-term investment vision, especially in light of the current shifts in monetary policies. He noted that current investor expectations favor stronger performance for the indices, with leading sectors, particularly real estate and banking, clearly benefiting. He also pointed out that small businesses are often the first to benefit from interest rate cuts, whether through lower financing costs or an improved economic cycle in the early stages of recovery.

Football

Doha, Qatar: Iraq secured their place in the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) U-23 Gulf Cup semi-finals at the Aspire field in Doha after a 1-0 win over the UAE in the final group-stage match yesterday. Iraq finished with 6 points, joining the UAE at the top of Group B. In the group’s other match, Yemen and Oman drew 1-1, leaving both teams eliminated. From Group A, Qatar and Saudi Arabia had already booked their semi-final spots ahead of the last round, which also features Kuwait and Bahrain.

Horse Racing

Doha. Qatar: One Nation continued his stellar season with a polished display to claim the Brooq Cup, a Thoroughbred Handicap (85–105) for 4YO+ over 1900m at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. Settling just behind early leaders Nuvolari and CeiConnah, the 5YO chestnut gelding bided his time before unleashing a decisive run in the home straight. Guided by Arnaud De Lepine, he swept past the front pair with ease and pulled away to secure a convincing two-length victory. Dubawi Spectre finished strongly for second, while Local Law took third. Earlier in the day, Lord Deputy, ridden by Marco Casamento, won the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate; Mashhoor, partnered by Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi, claimed the Thoroughbred Handicap (55–75); Maximus Alexios, again with Marco Casamento, took the Thoroughbred Handicap (60–80); Al Kazim, guided by Casamento, won the Purebred Arabian Handicap (60–80); Khaled Al Shahania, ridden by Salman Fahad Al-Hajri, captured the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (60–80); and Maysara, under Pierre Charles Boudot, extended her unbeaten streak in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0–80).