Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity remained constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the region stays durable and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

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

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

How to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, keeping favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider area and global financial uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far limited their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth relieving 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 regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize Market Intelligence for Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 facilities.

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

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, showing a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development easing 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 comparison, 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 local threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

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 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 infrastructure.

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