All Categories
Featured
Table of Contents
The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF considerably outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in brand-new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.
Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without substantial main creations or redemptions.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on international high-end and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving positive development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the larger area and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.
Saudi Organization Hubs: Where to Rotate Your Growth StrategiesThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand 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 increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.
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 development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth alleviating 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 expansion would put the area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay included 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 actually continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.
Latest Posts
Driving Strategic Excellence in the GCC
Driving Organizational Change for the 2026 GCC
Optimising Operational Efficiency through Strategic Business Planning
