How Does Operational Excellence Essential for Future Growth?

The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without substantial main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure concentrated on international high-end and customer 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 anticipated to introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Leading the Upcoming GCC Economic Environment for Leaders

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, maintaining favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider area and international economic unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have up until now limited their influence on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Improving ROI Using Data-Driven GCC Market Analysis

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the area materially ahead of the world average and a little 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 consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage GCC Research for Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments expand investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.