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The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
The petrochemical ETF substantially surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This shows that investors were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.
Trading activity remained stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC countries, the area stays resilient and well capitalized to deal with the circumstance.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on global high-end and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.
In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, preserving positive development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and international financial uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have so far restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.
3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.
Navigating the 2026 GCC Economic Environment for LeadersThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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 increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

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 rise as governments broaden 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.
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