The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) is the principal stock market of Qatar, established in 1995 under its initial name, the Doha Securities Market (DSM). It officially began operations in 1997 and was renamed the Qatar Stock Exchange in 2009 following a strategic partnership with NYSE Euronext[3][5]. The QSE is a full member of the World Federation of Exchanges and has been upgraded by the MSCI and the S&P Dow Jones Indices[3]. ## Key Objectives and Features - Primary Aim: The QSE aims to support Qatar's economy by providing a platform for capital raising and trading securities in a transparent and efficient manner[3]. - Sector Coverage: The exchange includes companies from various sectors such as banks & financial services, consumer goods & services, industrials, insurance, real estate, telecoms, and transportation[1][4]. - Venture Market: The QSE offers a Venture Market program designed for smaller entrepreneurial companies needing access to capital[1]. - Regulation: The Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) regulates and supervises the financial markets in Qatar, including the QSE[5]. ## Trading Characteristics - Trading Days: From Sunday to Thursday, excluding official holidays[5]. - Trading Hours: One daily session from 09:00 am to 01:15 pm, with specific periods for pre-opening, continuous trading, pre-closing, and closing auctions[5]. - Trading Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)[5]. - Settlement: T+2 (two days after the trade date)[5]. ## Major Companies Some of the major companies listed on the QSE include Qatar National Bank, Salam International, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company, Qatar Insurance Company, Ezdan Holding, Ooredoo, and Qatar Navigation[1].