Improving ROI Using Data-Driven Middle East Market Intelligence

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Advanced Strategy for Regional Excellence

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, keeping positive growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader region and global economic unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far limited their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Emerging Developments in the 2026 GCC Economy

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth relieving 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial 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 rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.