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Notify method with proof: Use independent information on market self-confidence, growth, and client demand to assist your tactical direction. Confirm financial investment plans: Ensure resource allotment and efforts are backed by reputable market insight. Accelerate confident choices: Gear up members of your executive team with clear, actionable insight to reach contract quickly and take definitive action.
1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA between the GCC and the UK is a Significant Strategic Opportunity to Elevate Economic Relations to New Horizons," October 20252 GCC, "Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation In Between the Association of the Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," May 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Progress Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA program reinforces worldwide economic ties with 26 tactical agreements," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign open market pact 'soon'," September 20256 India Embassy Qatar, "India-Qatar Bilateral Relations," June 20257 Reuters, "Qatar's QIA plans to a minimum of double annual United States investments over next years," May 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position nation as world's fourth-largest financier," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Fact Sheet: President Donald J.
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Total properties held broadly steady over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued repositioning and as a reaction to geopolitical news rather than a significant new capital release. Global macro conditions set a tough background.
The outcome was a quarter defined by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, rather than a clear directional pattern. Oil related properties did well for the most part. On the favorable side, in January, the Boreas Outright Luxury ETF introduced on ADX to include more thematic ETFs. Likewise in Q1, 2 more Kraneshares have been authorized for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and will be authorized by the Abu Dhabi Stock Market (ADX). The GCC ETF universe consisted of 39 ETFs with an overall AUM of $9.35 billion (since Q1 2026). Efficiency throughout the marketplace was broadly negative, with only 13 ETFs providing positive returns compared to 26 in decrease. Overall, the information shows a market that is active but narrow, with capital and liquidity concentrated in a little subset of products.
Efficiency in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of distinctive winners, rather than broad market strength. The leading ETFs were concentrated in particular country direct exposures and commodities, especially Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Nations like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt were resistant during the quarter. Saudi Arabia's oil direct exposure supported its regional market, with Aramco reaching brand-new highs amid greater oil prices, along with its continued capability to export oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which stays open.
Egypt provided strong efficiency in January and February. Regardless of a market pullback in March due to the war, both Egypt's market and its ETFs still posted positive returns for the quarter. The ongoing Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have reshaped the outlook for emerging market equities in between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items attracting brand-new capital.
Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without significant primary creations or redemptions.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on international luxury and consumer 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 anticipated to release in April pending a final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.
Ways to Leverage GCC Research for GrowthRegardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving positive growth momentum recently. While disputes in the larger region and worldwide economic unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually up until now limited their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.
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