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The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allotment instead of broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting brand-new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting particular direct exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.
Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually happened in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have led to more financial pressure on GCC nations, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury 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 expected to introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually affected belief and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.
In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining favorable development momentum in current years. While conflicts in the broader region and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have so far limited their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.
Beyond Wage: What Keeps UAE Professionals Loyal Today?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 simply 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 local threat conditions remain consisted of 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 continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.
3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise 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) projects global growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place 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.
Information 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 rise as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.
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