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The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products attracting brand-new capital.
Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without significant primary developments or redemptions.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure concentrated on worldwide high-end and consumer 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 anticipated to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually affected belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, maintaining positive development momentum recently. While disputes in the larger region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.
Key Benefits of Strategic Excellence in the GCCThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development relieving 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal 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, facilities, 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 rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.
Information 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 federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.
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