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Notify technique with proof: Use independent information on market self-confidence, growth, and client demand to assist your strategic instructions. Verify investment strategies: Guarantee resource allowance and initiatives are backed by reputable market insight. Accelerate positive decisions: Equip members of your executive team with clear, actionable insight to reach arrangement quickly and take definitive action.

Capital is tighter. And the quality of conference room judgment will progressively identify which organisations sustain growth and which fall behind. In reaction, Ascent Club, a presence launchpad curating access and chances for board- and C-level women, in cooperation with BusinessDay, is introducing a brand-new monthly conference room discussion convening accomplished African female executives who actively serve at the highest levels of governance and business leadership and who are members of Ascent Club.
This inaugural session unites board specialists to examine the real pressures shaping board agendas today: INSIDE THE BOARDROOM: The Strategic Threats and Top Priorities Forming 2026 Financial discipline in constrained markets Progressing regulatory and governance expectations Technology disturbance and cyber strength Long-term value development and sustainability imperatives Leadership decisions boards must prioritise heading into 2026 Climb members and speakers include: Mediator Nnoli Akpedeye MD/CEO, Contego Servo Limited Speakers Sarah Ajose-Adeogun Managing Partner, Teasoo Consulting Ochanya R.

Deborah David CFO, Powergas It is an assembling of executives contributing directly to governance, threat oversight, and tactical instructions within their organisations. Through this collaboration, Ascent Club and BusinessDay are deliberately developing a repeating online forum that surfaces board-level insight, magnifies reliable female governance voices, and expands access to the tactical thinking emerging from Africa's boardrooms.
4 March 2026 6:00 PM WAT Zoom Register to join the conversation. #InsideTheBoardroom #ExecutiveLeadership Registration Link: . Get the most recent insights, patterns, and strategies provided straight to your inbox. Join Everest Group's newsletter to stay at the leading edge of what's next.
Overall possessions 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 implementation. Global macro conditions set a challenging backdrop.
The result was a quarter specified by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, instead of a clear directional trend. Oil associated assets did well for the a lot of part. On the favorable side, in January, the Boreas Outright Luxury ETF introduced on ADX to include more thematic ETFs. In Q1, two more Kraneshares have actually been authorized for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and will be authorized by the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX). The GCC ETF universe consisted of 39 ETFs with a total AUM of $9.35 billion (since Q1 2026). Efficiency across the market was broadly unfavorable, with just 13 ETFs providing favorable returns compared to 26 in decline. Overall, the data reflects a market that is active but narrow, with capital and liquidity focused in a small subset of items.
Performance in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of idiosyncratic winners, rather than broad market strength. The leading ETFs were concentrated in specific nation direct exposures and products, especially Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt were resistant during the quarter. Saudi Arabia's oil direct exposure supported its local market, with Aramco reaching brand-new highs in the middle of greater oil costs, 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 published favorable returns for the quarter. The ongoing Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have improved the outlook for emerging market equities in between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to change positions without considerable main developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to deal with the circumstance.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific 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 development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.
Expert Tips Regarding Managing GCC Market ComplexityIn spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, keeping positive growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger area and worldwide financial unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.
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