Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without considerable main productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the area stays resistant and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for Growth

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining favorable growth momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the larger region and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have actually up until now limited their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 area 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 local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Utilize Market Research for Growth

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable total 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 developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Is Business Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted 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 stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at attracting foreign direct financial 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 control the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.