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The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items bring in new capital.
Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without significant primary productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region stays durable and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.
In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, keeping positive growth momentum recently. While disputes in the wider region and global economic unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift towards more favorable total conditions.
Winning Local Hearts: A Guide to Saudi Market EntryThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth 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 put the area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand 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 financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct 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 growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable general conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the area 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Winning Local Hearts: A Guide to Saudi Market EntryPublic-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.
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