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The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products attracting new capital.
Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant primary productions or redemptions.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure concentrated on international high-end and consumer 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 anticipated to launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.
In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, preserving favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and worldwide economic unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.
Preparing the UAE Workforce for the 2026 Digital ShiftThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 place the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.
3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive total conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth alleviating 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 growth would put the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, facilities, 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 financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.
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