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The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products drawing in new capital.
Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without considerable main creations or redemptions.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, maintaining favorable development momentum in current years. While conflicts in the wider region and international economic unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained 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 growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.
How to Browse the Cultural Nuances of Saudi EntryThe 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 establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat 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, 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring 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 control the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development easing 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 place the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay consisted of 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 actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Driving Performance Through Advanced GBS Designs in the Middle EastPublic-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.
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