Doha: The end of an embargo on Qatar has come at a handy time for the Gulf's biggest equity-focused exchange traded fund (ETF), just as the country is set to get a boost from hosting one of the world's most popular events.
Inflows to the Doha-based Al Rayan Qatar ETF jumped when news of the potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia emerged late last year. Daily volumes surged earlier this month as the end of a three-year rift that also included the UAE was finally confirmed.
Now, as Qatar gets ready to host the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament next year, the benefit for listed companies ranging from logistics to telecommunications and hospitality helps to build an investment case that could appeal to wealthy Saudi and Emirati individuals, according to the fund's manager.