GCC
ETF trends and investment insights across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
ADX Expands Clearing Ecosystem as FAB Joins as General Clearing Member
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has appointed First Abu Dhabi Bank as a General Clearing Member, expanding its clearing services and post-trade capabilities. The move strengthens ADX's regional positioning as institutional trading and foreign participation continue to rise.
The UAE Has Left OPEC. Now Murban Becomes the Trade.
The UAE's departure from OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1, 2026 liberates the world's second-largest spare oil capacity from quota constraints, positioning Murban as an independent crude benchmark for the first time.
GCC bond and sukuk issuances hit $55 billion in Q1 2026
GCC bond and sukuk issuances reached $55.04 billion in Q1 2026, up 5.64% year-on-year across 95 deals. Saudi Arabia dominated with $32.54 billion while the UAE posted sharp 33.1% growth.
US-UAE Currency Swap Line: What It Is, Why It Matters, and Why Markets Care
The US and UAE are discussing a potential currency swap line to provide dollar liquidity access during regional financial stress. This crisis insurance mechanism reflects evolving trade and security dynamics rather than economic weakness.
KraneShares launches Public-Private AI ETF (AGIX) & Shariah-Compliant Income ETF (KWIN) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
KraneShares has launched two new ETFs on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange: AGIX, providing exposure to public and private AI companies, and KWIN, a Shariah-compliant income strategy developed with Wahed Invest.
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Middle East war jolts IMF outlook and puts Gulf ETF investors on alert
The IMF warns that Middle East conflict threatens global growth, projecting 3.1% expansion and 4.4% inflation in 2026. Gulf ETF investors face uneven impacts as energy prices rise but conflict-affected economies face direct infrastructure damage.
Tadawul Q1 Rebalance Adds New Names as Passive Flows Set to Follow
Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) has announced its Q1 2026 index maintenance, adding four companies across its main and parallel market indices effective April 5, 2026. The rebalancing is expected to trigger significant passive capital flows into newly added stocks.
ESG ETFs Are Letting Defence Back In: What GCC Investors Must Know
European asset managers including DWS are relaxing weapons screening in ESG ETFs despite claiming ethical standards. GCC investors face a credibility gap as defence exposure grows.
Kuwait Market Shows Relative Resilience During March Sell-Off, Markaz Says
Kuwait equities declined just 1.8% in March, outperforming global and GCC peers during a broad sell-off, highlighting the market’s defensive characteristics.
EMEA investors turn more defensive. With the ceasefire, could it be the time to buy?
EMEA investor sentiment collapsed 51 points amid Iran conflict, wiping $120B from Gulf markets. As ceasefire holds and risk sentiment recovers, institutional investors see buying opportunity.
KWIN and AGIX ETFs Receive CMA Approval
Explore the new KWIN AGIX ETF approved by the Capital Market Authority, offering innovative investments in AI and technology.
What GCC Scenario could play out if US-Iran talks fail by Trump’s new deadline?
GCC markets fell amid rising US-Iran tensions and Hormuz disruption risks. Here’s what happens if talks fail. Read More.