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The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items bring in brand-new capital.
Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide high-end and customer brand names. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to release in April pending a final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.
Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining favorable development momentum recently. While conflicts in the wider area and global economic uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.
Why Future-Focused Strategy Reshapes the GCC EconomyThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Corporate Strategy for a Evolving GCC MarketPublic-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.
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