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The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions 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 assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products drawing in new capital.
Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international high-end and customer brand names. 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 final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks across 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 region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have so far restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.
How to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 GrowthThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development alleviating 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 somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Data 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 governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development alleviating 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 put the area 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay 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 broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.
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