How to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

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

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without significant primary developments or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

How to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

In spite 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 favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and worldwide economic uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have so far limited their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth easing 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 position the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden 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 rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Does Business Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand 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 investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.