Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF considerably surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allocation instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items attracting new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while decreasing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary creations or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the region stays resilient and well capitalized to handle the situation.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide high-end and consumer 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 launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Ways to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Success

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, preserving positive development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader region and global financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries 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, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is forecasted 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 infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Does Business Excellence Essential for 2026 Growth?

Information 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 increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.