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Inform method with proof: Use independent data on market self-confidence, development, and customer demand to guide your tactical direction. Verify financial investment plans: Make sure resource allowance and efforts are backed by reliable market insight. Speed up positive choices: Gear up members of your executive team with clear, actionable insight to reach agreement rapidly and take decisive action.
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Total assets held broadly steady over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued rearranging and as a response to geopolitical news rather than a significant brand-new capital implementation. Worldwide macro conditions set a tough background.
The result was a quarter defined by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, rather than a clear directional pattern. Oil related assets did well for the a lot of part. On the positive side, in January, the Boreas Outright High-end ETF launched on ADX to add more thematic ETFs. In Q1, 2 more Kraneshares have been authorized for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and are about to be approved by the Abu Dhabi Stock Market (ADX). The GCC ETF universe made up 39 ETFs with a total AUM of $9.35 billion (as of Q1 2026). Performance across the market was broadly unfavorable, with just 13 ETFs providing positive returns compared to 26 in decline. Performance in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of distinctive winners, rather than broad market strength.
Egypt provided 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 favorable returns for the quarter. The ongoing Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have actually reshaped the outlook for emerging market equities between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF substantially outshined. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation instead of broad market involvement. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items bring in brand-new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while minimizing or rotating out of others.
Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without substantial main developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually led to more financial pressure on GCC nations, the area remains durable and well capitalized to deal with the circumstance.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure concentrated 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 last approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed 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 belief and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.
Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining favorable growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader area and worldwide economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have so far limited their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.
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