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The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in brand-new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while minimizing or rotating out of others.
Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the region stays resilient and well capitalized to handle the situation.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.
Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, preserving positive growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the wider area and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.
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, reflecting a shift toward more favorable total conditions.
GCC News: Strategic Market Trends for 2026The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth relieving 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional 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 total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, 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 technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits 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 predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable total conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth relieving 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position 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 remain included 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 continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Maximizing Industrial Efficiency Via Operational ExcellencePublic-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.
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