Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, preserving positive development momentum recently. While disputes in the wider area and global financial uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth alleviating 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Strategy for GCC Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

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 growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Essential Insights Within Latest GCC Market Analysis Reports

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.