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The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
The petrochemical ETF significantly surpassed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while lowering or turning out of others.
Trading activity stayed stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without substantial primary creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resistant and well capitalized to deal with the circumstance.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on international high-end and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.
Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, maintaining favorable growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the larger region and global economic uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.
Boosting Regional Industrial Growth through Operational ExcellenceThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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, showing a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase 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 rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.
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