Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items drawing in brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving positive growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader region and international financial uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth easing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.