Ways to Utilize Market Research for Success

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to change positions without substantial main productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have led to more financial pressure on GCC countries, the area stays durable and well capitalized to handle the situation.

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

Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and international financial unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far limited their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise 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 growth easing 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 place 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Vital for Future Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct investment, reducing 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 incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development easing 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Growth

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.