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Inform method with evidence: Usage independent data on market confidence, development, and customer need to direct your strategic direction. Verify investment strategies: Ensure resource allowance and initiatives are backed by reputable market insight. Speed up positive decisions: Gear up members of your executive group with clear, actionable insight to reach agreement rapidly and take decisive action.
Capital is tighter. And the quality of conference room judgment will significantly determine which organisations sustain growth and which fall behind. In reaction, Ascent Club, a presence launchpad curating access and opportunities for board- and C-level females, in collaboration with BusinessDay, is introducing a new month-to-month conference room dialogue assembling 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 genuine pressures shaping board agendas today: INSIDE THE CONFERENCE ROOM: The Strategic Dangers and Concerns Forming 2026 Financial discipline in constrained markets Progressing regulatory and governance expectations Innovation disruption and cyber durability Long-term worth development and sustainability imperatives Leadership choices boards need to prioritise heading into 2026 Ascent members and speakers consist of: Mediator Nnoli Akpedeye MD/CEO, Contego Servo Limited Speakers Sarah Ajose-Adeogun Managing Partner, Teasoo Consulting Ochanya R.
Deborah David CFO, Powergas It is a convening of executives contributing straight to governance, risk oversight, and strategic direction within their organisations. Through this partnership, Ascent Club and BusinessDay are purposefully producing a recurring online forum that surface areas board-level insight, amplifies reputable female governance voices, and expands access to the tactical thinking emerging from Africa's boardrooms.
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The GCC ETF market gone into Q1 2026 in a combination phase, with activity staying raised but growth slowing down. Total assets held broadly stable over the quarter, while trading levels indicated continued repositioning and as a response to geopolitical news rather than a significant new capital deployment. Global macro conditions set a tough background.
The result was a quarter specified by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, rather than a clear directional pattern. Oil related possessions succeeded for the many part. On the positive side, in January, the Boreas Absolute High-end 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 are about to 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 across the marketplace was broadly negative, with just 13 ETFs delivering favorable returns compared to 26 in decline. In general, the information shows a market that is active however narrow, with capital and liquidity focused in a small subset of items.
Strategic Advice Regarding Navigating GCC Economy ComplexityEfficiency in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of distinctive winners, rather than broad market strength. The leading ETFs were focused in specific country exposures and commodities, particularly Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Countries 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 amidst higher oil prices, as well as its continued ability to export oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which remains open.
Egypt provided strong efficiency in January and February. Despite a market pullback in March due to the war, both Egypt's market and its ETFs still posted positive returns for the quarter. The continuous Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have actually improved the outlook for emerging market equities between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items bring in new capital.
Trading activity stayed steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without considerable main creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have led to more financial pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.
Strategic Advice Regarding Navigating GCC Economy ComplexityDespite continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, keeping positive development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and worldwide financial unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.
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