Ways to Leverage GCC Research for Success

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items bring in new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting particular exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually led to more financial pressure on GCC countries, the region remains durable and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and customer brands. 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 progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Advanced Strategy for Regional Excellence

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, maintaining favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the larger region and global financial unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have up until now restricted their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

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, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Leading the 2026 Regional Business Environment for Leaders

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 federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected 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 infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function 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 Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.