How to Utilize Market Research for Growth

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items drawing in new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some development 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 impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Advanced Planning for GCC Leadership

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, preserving favorable growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader region and global economic unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial 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 likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 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 increase as federal governments expand 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 investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise 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 overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development reducing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Does Business Excellence Essential for 2026 Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.