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Inform method with proof: Use independent data on market self-confidence, growth, and client demand to direct your tactical instructions. Confirm financial investment plans: Guarantee resource allocation and initiatives are backed by credible market insight. Speed up positive choices: Gear up members of your executive group with clear, actionable insight to reach arrangement rapidly and take decisive 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 Statement 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 arrangements," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign complimentary trade pact 'really soon'," September 20256 India Embassy Qatar, "India-Qatar Bilateral Relations," June 20257 Reuters, "Qatar's QIA prepares to a minimum of double yearly United States investments over next decade," Might 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position nation as world's fourth-largest financier," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Reality Sheet: President Donald J.
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The GCC ETF market entered Q1 2026 in a combination stage, with activity remaining raised but growth slowing down. Total properties held broadly constant over the quarter, while trading levels indicated continued repositioning and as a response to geopolitical news instead of a significant brand-new capital implementation. Global macro conditions set a tough background.
The GCC ETF universe made up 39 ETFs with an overall AUM of $9.35 billion (since Q1 2026). Efficiency throughout the market was broadly negative, with only 13 ETFs providing favorable returns compared to 26 in decrease. Overall, the data shows a market that is active however narrow, with capital and liquidity concentrated in a small subset of products.
Mapping Regional Market Strategy for 2026Performance in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of idiosyncratic winners, instead of broad market strength. The leading ETFs were focused in specific country exposures and products, particularly Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Nations like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt were resistant throughout the quarter. Saudi Arabia's oil direct exposure supported its local market, with Aramco reaching brand-new highs amid greater oil rates, as well as its continued ability to export oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which remains open.
Egypt provided strong performance in January and February. Despite a market pullback in March due to the war, both Egypt's market and its ETFs still published favorable returns for the quarter. The ongoing Middle East dispute and resulting energy shock have actually improved the outlook for emerging market equities in between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allocation rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in brand-new capital.
Trading activity stayed stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without significant primary creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region remains durable and well capitalized to handle the scenario.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide high-end and customer 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 introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional assets.
Mapping Regional Market Strategy for 2026Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping favorable development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and global economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far limited their influence on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.
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