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The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in brand-new capital.
Trading activity stayed steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without significant main creations or redemptions.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on international luxury and consumer 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 expected to introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.
In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, keeping positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have so far restricted their influence on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.
Maximizing Corporate Efficiency Via Operational InnovationThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across 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 financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
GCC News: Strategic Market Trends for 2026Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.
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