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The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only 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 larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without substantial main productions or redemptions.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.
Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, preserving favorable development momentum recently. While disputes in the broader region and worldwide financial uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now limited their impact on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.
3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.
Corporate Planning for Middle East LeadershipThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.
3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 toward more favorable total conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included 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 continued to rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Traditional Vs Global Strategy in the MENA RegionPublic-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.
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