All Categories
Featured
Table of Contents
The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in new capital.
Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without substantial main creations or redemptions.
In January, Boreas launched 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 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.
In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, preserving favorable development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and international financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.
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 development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth relieving 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 growth 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.
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 continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout 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 technology and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated 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 development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth reducing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place 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 threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.
Boosting Regional Industrial Growth StrategiesPublic-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening 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 dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.
Latest Posts
Unlocking Operational Excellence in the Industrial Sector

How to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Growth

Expanding Corporate Operations Within Dubai and the GCC