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The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items bring in brand-new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.
Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without substantial main productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area remains durable and well capitalized to deal with the circumstance.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.
Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, keeping positive development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader area and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive total conditions.
Leveraging Market Research to Drive Strategic GrowthThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth easing 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 put the region 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of 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 rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.
3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected 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) projects international development 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the area 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 regional risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout 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 facilities.
How to Secure a Competitive Advantage in 2026Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.
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