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The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF substantially exceeded. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allocation rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products drawing in new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.
Trading activity remained constant, with typical 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, making it possible for financiers to change positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on international high-end and consumer 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 connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.
In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, preserving positive development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger area and worldwide financial unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained 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 Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.
Navigating GCC Corporate Frameworks for Scalable SuccessThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, 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 rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.
3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating 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 towards more positive overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth relieving 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall 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 across the GCC is forecasted 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 infrastructure.
Future-Focused Operational Excellence for 2026 EcosystemsPublic-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.
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