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The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in new capital.
Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without significant primary developments or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on international 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 release in April pending a last approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.
Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, preserving favorable development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger region and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far limited their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.
3.2 percent development 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, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.
Advanced Planning for Regional SuccessThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area 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 stay included and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.
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