Qatar Business

Doha, Qatar: The US economy continues to display notable resilience against an increasingly complex and uncertain global backdrop, Qatar National Bank (QNB) said in its weekly economic commentary. QNB noted that this resilience comes despite several headwinds, including elevated uncertainty, persistent inflationary pressures, and the risk of higher-for-longer interest rates weighing on sentiment and purchasing power. Rising geopolitical tensions - including the ongoing conflict involving Iran and continual trade disputes - are fueling significant commodity price volatility and disruptions to global supply chains. Higher oil and shipping costs are feeding directly into transportation, energy, and goods prices, increasing input costs for firms and eroding households’ real purchasing power. Read Also Two Singapore residents isolated for hantavirus test negative Magyar to become Hungary's 'regime change' PM China records forecast-beating April trade figures These developments are likely to weigh on consumption dynamics going forward, even as demand continues to be supported by strong fundamentals. Against this backdrop, QNB said consumption - which accounts for close to 70% of US GDP - continues to expand at a moderate pace, remaining the main pillar of economic activity. While growth has normalized from the strong post-pandemic expansion, recent data still point to steady momentum in household spending. In particular, real personal consumption expenditures have grown at an annualized pace of around 2-3% in recent quarters, while retail sales volumes remain above their pre-pandemic trend. However, intensifying headwinds and building pressures on purchasing power will test the strength of consumer demand in the coming quarters. QNB identified three key factors that sustain US consumer demand. First, labor markets remain overall robust despite some moderation in job creation. The unemployment rate has slightly increased to around 4.3% from historical lows but remains within the range typically associated with a balanced labor market. At the same time, QNB added, wage growth continues to outpace inflation, with real wages rising by around 1-2% year-on-year in recent months, reinforcing households’ purchasing power. High-frequency indicators also point to continued resilience, with initial jobless claims remaining low by historical standards. As a result, consumption growth remains anchored in income fundamentals. Second, household balance sheets remain a key pillar of consumption, reflecting elevated asset valuations. US households continue to benefit from high levels of net wealth, particularly through equity and housing markets, with total household net worth exceeding USD 180 trillion in recent quarters. Strong corporate earnings have reinforced these trends, helping push major US equity indices to record highs and boosting household wealth. Additionally, house prices have remained firm, reflecting tight supply conditions and continued demand. These factors generate positive wealth effects, encouraging spending-especially among higher-income households, which hold a disproportionate share of financial assets. As a result, balance sheet strength continues to provide an important buffer against rising costs and supports overall consumption dynamics. Third, access to credit continues to sustain household spending, providing an additional buffer for consumption. Consumer credit outstanding remains elevated, with total credit exceeding USD 5 trillion, while credit card balances have surpassed USD 1 trillion in recent quarters. QNB said the expansion in borrowing has helped maintain consumption, particularly for more liquidity-constrained households. Credit flows have remained active across key segments, including credit cards and auto loans, reflecting continued demand for financing. At the same time, the broad availability of credit allows households to smooth consumption over time, even as cost pressures persist. As a result, credit remains a key channel sustaining the strength and continuity of US consumer demand. Overall, QNB concluded that US consumer demand continues to display notable resilience, underpinned by firm labor market conditions, strong household balance sheets, and continued access to credit. These factors have allowed consumption to remain the central driver of economic activity, even amid a challenging global backdrop. While headwinds from elevated uncertainty and rising costs are likely to test the strength of demand, the combination of income growth, wealth effects, and credit availability should continue to provide a solid foundation for household spending in the near term.

Qatar Business

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber recently concluded the second edition of the 'Qualification and Preparation of Arbitrators Programme' in 2026, held in cooperation with Qatar University’s Centre for Continuing Education. The programme aimed to prepare and qualify Qatari personnel through a scientific and training curriculum focused on arbitration. The closing ceremony was attended by QICCA Vice Chairman Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali Al-Thani. In statements, Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali said that the programme witnessed wide participation from trainees representing governmental and semi-governmental agencies, including jurists, engineers, and individuals interested in arbitration. Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali added that it contributes to enhancing knowledge of arbitration and clarifying the foundations of international arbitration. It also includes practical training in procedural, practical, and legal aspects, which are essential skills required in the field of arbitration, whether for arbitrators or lawyers. Sheikh Dr Thani stressed QICCA’s continued support for the programme’s graduates to further develop their expertise and apply their knowledge in practice, by organising workshops and seminars that connect them with real-world arbitration experience. Following the completion of the final stage, titled “Practical Mock Trial,” Sheikh Dr Thani presented certificates to trainees from various governmental, semi-governmental, and private entities. The programme, held at Qatar University’s premises, included five stages covering the concept of commercial arbitration and its practical applications, arbitration case management procedures, drafting arbitration awards and their key components, as well as practical training, including a mock trial with the participation of all trainees. QICCA further stated that it is worth noting that the 'Qualification and Preparation of Arbitrators' programme, launched in 2007 by the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration in cooperation with national and international partners, including Qatar University, aims to prepare and qualify Qatari and resident professionals in commercial arbitration through a practical and academic approach aligned with international standards. To date, it has graduated more than 1,000 participants.

Qatar Business

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), a leading national apex chamber representing over 150,000 companies across India, to strengthen bilateral trade, investment flows, and business connectivity between the two markets. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at promoting Qatar as a destination for Indian businesses and facilitating greater engagement between companies operating in both ecosystems. It builds on a series of high-level engagements of PHDCCI-led delegations to Qatar, which helped identify opportunities for deeper cooperation. Under the agreement, both parties will work closely with Invest Qatar and the Qatar Chamber to organise joint initiatives, including a dedicated roadshow in India. Commenting on the partnership, Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, said, “As a gateway to Qatar’s dynamic market, QFC continues to identify new avenues to facilitate investment inflows and strengthen cross-border trade and cooperation. This MoU with PHDCCI deepens Qatar–India economic ties by providing Indian companies with a clear pathway to establish their regional presence through QFC, which offers a world-class legal, regulatory and tax environment that supports business growth.” Dr Ranjeet Mehta, Chief Executive Officer & Secretary General, PHDCCI, further elaborated on the MoU;” The signing of the MoU between PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Financial Centre heralds a new era of collaboration, focused on fostering trade, investment and knowledge exchange. This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding global outreach and supporting businesses in exploring new markets and opportunities. It also underscores our shared vision of fostering sustainable growth and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both regions.”