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The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
The petrochemical ETF considerably outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items bring in new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while decreasing or turning out of others.
Trading activity remained consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without substantial main productions or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on international luxury and consumer brand names. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, maintaining positive growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the larger region and global economic unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 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 positive general conditions.
Reviewing 2026 GCC Data for Future InsightsThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development alleviating 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 growth would put the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.
Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, 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 main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.
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 toward more favorable overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 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 threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted 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 investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.
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