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The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items attracting new capital.
Trading activity stayed constant, 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 place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without considerable primary developments or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide high-end and customer brands. 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 progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.
Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving positive development momentum in recent years. While disputes in the larger region and global economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far limited their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 towards more positive total conditions.
Redefining Staff Member Benefits for a New UAE AgeThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development reducing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain included 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 governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected 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 infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable total conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development easing 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 expansion would place 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.
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