How to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment instead of broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items bring in new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without significant main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide high-end and consumer brands. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are expected to launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Navigating the Upcoming GCC Economic Environment for Leaders

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, keeping positive growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and international financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now limited their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, 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 likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase 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 international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

How Does Business Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

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 increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage GCC Research for Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand 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 investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.