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The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items bring in new capital.
Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region stays durable and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on international luxury and customer brands. 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 progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving favorable development momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader area and international financial uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually up until now limited their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.
Navigating the Regulative Tides of the Qatari Business SectorThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 position the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively 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 represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth relieving 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
7 Actions to Establishing Your Brand Name in Emerging Saudi CitiesPublic-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.
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