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Notify strategy with proof: Usage independent data on market confidence, development, and client need to guide your tactical instructions. Verify financial investment plans: Guarantee resource allotment and initiatives are backed by credible market insight. Accelerate confident choices: Gear up members of your executive team with clear, actionable insight to reach contract rapidly and take definitive action.
1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA between the GCC and the UK is a Significant Strategic Opportunity to Raise Economic Relations to New Horizons," October 20252 GCC, "Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation In Between the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," May 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Passage (IMEC) Progress Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA programme strengthens worldwide economic ties with 26 tactical agreements," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign free trade 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 financial investments over next years," Might 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position nation as world's fourth-largest financier," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Truth Sheet: President Donald J.
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The GCC ETF market entered Q1 2026 in a combination phase, with activity staying raised however growth slowing. Total properties held broadly consistent over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued repositioning and as a reaction to geopolitical news instead of a significant new capital deployment. Global macro conditions set a difficult backdrop.
The GCC ETF universe made up 39 ETFs with an overall AUM of $9.35 billion (as of Q1 2026). Efficiency throughout the market was broadly negative, with just 13 ETFs providing positive returns compared to 26 in decrease. Performance in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of distinctive winners, rather than broad market strength.
Egypt provided strong efficiency in January and February. In spite of a market pullback in March due to the war, both Egypt's market and its ETFs still posted favorable returns for the quarter. The ongoing Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have improved the outlook for emerging market equities between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in brand-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, enabling financiers to adjust positions without significant primary developments or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global 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 expected to release in April pending a final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually affected belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.
Key Tips for Industrial Excellence in the GCCRegardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping positive growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the larger region and international economic unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have so far limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.
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