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Notify method with proof: Use independent data on market confidence, development, and client need to assist your tactical instructions. Confirm financial investment strategies: Make sure resource allocation and initiatives are backed by reliable market insight. Speed up positive choices: Gear up members of your executive team with clear, actionable insight to reach agreement rapidly and take definitive action.
1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA in between the GCC and the UK is a Major Strategic Opportunity to Raise Economic Relations to New Horizons," October 20252 GCC, "Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation Between the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," Might 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Passage (IMEC) Progress Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA programme strengthens global financial ties with 26 tactical arrangements," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign open market pact 'really soon'," September 20256 India Embassy Qatar, "India-Qatar Bilateral Relations," June 20257 Reuters, "Qatar's QIA plans to at least double annual US financial investments over next years," May 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position country as world's fourth-largest investor," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Fact Sheet: President Donald J.
Boards across Africa are entering a specifying cycle. Capital is tighter. Examination is greater. Danger is more interconnected. And the quality of boardroom judgment will significantly determine which organisations sustain growth and which fall behind. In action, Ascent Club, an exposure launchpad curating access and chances for board- and C-level females, in cooperation with BusinessDay, is launching a brand-new monthly conference room discussion convening accomplished African female executives who actively serve at the highest levels of governance and corporate leadership and who are members of Climb Club.
This inaugural session brings together board professionals to examine the real pressures shaping board agendas today: INSIDE THE CONFERENCE ROOM: The Strategic Threats and Top Priorities Forming 2026 Financial discipline in constrained markets Evolving regulatory and governance expectations Innovation disruption and cyber durability Long-lasting worth production and sustainability imperatives Management decisions boards should prioritise heading into 2026 Ascent members and speakers consist of: Mediator Nnoli Akpedeye MD/CEO, Contego Servo Limited Speakers Sarah Ajose-Adeogun Managing Partner, Teasoo Consulting Ochanya R.
Deborah David CFO, Powergas It is an assembling of executives contributing straight to governance, risk oversight, and strategic instructions within their organisations. Through this collaboration, Climb Club and BusinessDay are intentionally creating a recurring online forum that surface areas board-level insight, enhances trustworthy female governance voices, and expands access to the tactical thinking emerging from Africa's conference rooms.
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Overall possessions held broadly consistent over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued rearranging and as a response to geopolitical news rather than a meaningful brand-new capital release. International macro conditions set a tough background.
The GCC ETF universe comprised 39 ETFs with an overall AUM of $9.35 billion (as of Q1 2026). Performance across the market was broadly negative, with only 13 ETFs delivering favorable returns compared to 26 in decline. Efficiency in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of idiosyncratic winners, rather than broad market strength.
Egypt provided strong performance in January and February. Despite a market pullback in March due to the war, both Egypt's market and its ETFs still posted positive returns for the quarter. The continuous Middle East dispute and resulting energy shock have reshaped the outlook for emerging market equities between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items attracting new capital.
Trading activity stayed stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to change positions without significant main developments or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the area stays durable and well capitalized to handle the scenario.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused 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 release in April pending a final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually affected belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.
Long-Term Regional Industrial Growth Patterns in 2026In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping favorable growth momentum in current years. While disputes in the broader area and worldwide economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.
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