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The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting 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 items attracting new capital.
Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without substantial main creations or redemptions.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure concentrated on worldwide 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 showed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has affected belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, maintaining positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 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, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.
Key GCC Market Research Insights for 2026The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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 technology and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth easing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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 increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Driving Dubai Industrial Growth via Operational ExcellencePublic-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.
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