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The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items drawing in new capital.
Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without significant primary productions or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide high-end and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected belief and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, keeping positive development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger region and international economic unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far limited their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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 favorable total conditions.
Driving Dubai Industrial Expansion through StrategyThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings 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 increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth relieving 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the region 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Driving Dubai Industrial Expansion through StrategyPublic-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening 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 dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.
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