Foreign ownership limits in Qatar, a key issue in the Gulf state's potential upgrade by index compiler MSCI, are likely to remain at 25 per cent through June, the bourse's chief executive officer said yesterday.

"I wouldn't expect news on any changes by June," Qatar Exchange chief executive Andre Went said.

MSCI has delayed until June a decision on whether it will upgrade Qatar and the UAE from frontier market to emerging market status, a move that would boost liquidity on local markets.

Foreign ownership restrictions have been a central worry for MSCI, with Qatar limiting stocks to maximum 25pc foreign ownership.

Trading in Qatar Exchange's newly-launched junior market will likely begin by the end of the year, Went said. The exchange announced in May it would set up a secondary market for small to medium-sized businesses.-Reuters