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The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
The petrochemical ETF significantly outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment instead of broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items attracting brand-new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while decreasing or turning out of others.
Trading activity stayed stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without substantial main developments or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has affected belief and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.
Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, maintaining favorable development momentum recently. While conflicts in the wider region and worldwide financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their influence on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial 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 development forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.
Will Market Research Define Dubai Industrial Growth?The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, 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 rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive function 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 likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development alleviating 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 comparison, 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Information 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 increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Will Market Research Define Dubai Industrial Growth?Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement 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 earnings are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.
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