Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for Success

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items attracting brand-new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without considerable primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global high-end and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Crucial Insights From Latest GCC Market Analysis Reports

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, preserving favorable development momentum recently. While disputes in the larger region and worldwide financial unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually up until now limited their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development 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) jobs global development alleviating 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 expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and a little 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 remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for Regional Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening 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 control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 put 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 local danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Managing the 2026 Regional Economic Landscape for Leaders

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.