Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items drawing in new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Strategic Planning for Regional Excellence

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining positive growth momentum in current years. While conflicts in the broader region and global financial uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.

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

Advanced Strategy for Regional Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain 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 reduce the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful 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 Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth relieving 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 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Strategy for Regional Leadership

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand 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 rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.