Doha, May 14 (QNA) - Qatar Stock Exchange ended the week down 2.06 percent, losing 220.98 points to close at 10,493, under pressure across most sectors except insurance, which rose 0.87 percent.

The banking and financial services sector recorded the sharpest decline at 3.11 percent, followed by consumer goods and services at 1.58 percent.

Financial analyst Mubarak Al Tamimi told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the market faced notable selling pressure from foreign portfolios, contributing to a year-to-date decline of around 2.5 percent, amid caution driven by geopolitical tensions and anticipation of second-quarter corporate results for 2026.

He said the index may undergo technical corrections ahead of Eid Al Adha, with possible support near 10,227 points, seen as a potential accumulation zone for investors. Al Tamimi added that continued external pressure could push the index toward 9,735 points, while liquidity remains relatively weak, though activity is expected to improve by the end of the month as investors seek opportunities.

He noted that blue-chip stocks, particularly in the financial sector, are still under selling pressure despite strong fundamentals, leading investors to adopt more defensive strategies.

He advised focusing on fundamentally strong companies with stable earnings and dividends, avoiding speculative trading, and waiting for second-quarter results, which are expected to shape market direction in the second half of 2026.

He explained that a state of caution continues to dominate investor behavior, while the importance of carefully selecting stocks is increasing, with a focus on companies with strong financial fundamentals and the ability to maintain stable profit levels, despite volatility in global and regional markets. (QNA)