Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for Growth

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly outperformed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in brand-new capital. This shows that investors were targeting specific exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually led to more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region stays durable and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

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

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining positive growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the broader region and worldwide financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually up until now restricted their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 region 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Navigating the Upcoming GCC Economic Landscape for Leaders

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase 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 international development reducing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize Market Research for Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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 rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening 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 anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.