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The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products attracting brand-new capital.
Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without significant main developments or redemptions.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer brands. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider area and worldwide financial uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually so far limited their influence on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.
3.2 percent growth 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, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.
How Does Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development alleviating 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 position the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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 investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, 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 dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.
3.2 percent growth 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, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth 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 comparison, 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, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
How Does Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.
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