Ways to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Growth

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

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

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without significant primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on worldwide luxury and customer 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 expected to introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed 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 actually impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Strategic Planning for Regional Success

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, maintaining favorable growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the larger area and global financial unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth 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) tasks worldwide growth 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 growth 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How Does Operational Excellence Vital for Future Growth?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging 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 Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand financial 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.