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Optimising Operational ROI through Advanced Market Research
Will Market Analytics Drive Middle East Corporate Success?
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Inform method with evidence: Usage independent information on market self-confidence, development, and customer demand to direct your tactical instructions. Verify financial investment plans: Guarantee resource allowance and initiatives are backed by credible market insight. Speed up positive choices: Gear up members of your executive group with clear, actionable insight to reach agreement rapidly and take decisive action.

1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA between the GCC and the UK is a Major Strategic Opportunity to Raise Economic Relations to New Horizons," October 20252 GCC, "Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation Between the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," May 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Development Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA programme reinforces international economic ties with 26 strategic contracts," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign open market pact 'soon'," September 20256 India Embassy Qatar, "India-Qatar Bilateral Relations," June 20257 Reuters, "Qatar's QIA prepares to at least double annual United States financial investments over next years," May 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position country as world's fourth-largest investor," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Reality Sheet: President Donald J.
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Overall possessions held broadly steady over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued rearranging and as a response to geopolitical news rather than a meaningful new capital deployment. International macro conditions set a tough backdrop.
The outcome was a quarter specified by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, rather than a clear directional trend. Oil related assets succeeded for the a lot of part. On the positive side, in January, the Boreas Outright Luxury ETF introduced on ADX to add more thematic ETFs. In Q1, 2 more Kraneshares have actually been authorized for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and will be approved by the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX). The GCC ETF universe made up 39 ETFs with a total AUM of $9.35 billion (as of Q1 2026). Efficiency across the market was broadly negative, with just 13 ETFs providing positive returns compared to 26 in decrease. Efficiency in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of distinctive winners, rather than broad market strength.
Egypt delivered strong performance in January and February. Despite a market pullback in March due to the war, both Egypt's market and its ETFs still posted positive returns for the quarter. The continuous Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have actually reshaped the outlook for emerging market equities in between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items attracting brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury 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 expected to introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.
How Data Redefines GCC Enterprise VisionIn spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining favorable development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and global financial unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have so far limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.
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