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The sector also faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF substantially surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items bring in new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while decreasing or rotating 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 place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, preserving positive development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider region and worldwide economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 toward more positive overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing 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 position the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional 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 actually continued to increase as 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.
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, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat 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 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 actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Future-Focused Operational Models for 2026 EcosystemsPublic-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.
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