Key Insights From 2026 Regional Market Research Reports

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items attracting new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without significant primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide high-end and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Driving Strategic Excellence in the GCC

Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving favorable growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader region and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually up until now limited their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing 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 somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

How Does Business Excellence Vital for 2026 Expansion?

Information 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 increase as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Is Business Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total 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 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 facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.