Latest Industry Trends News
Global Growth Forecast Eases to 2.3% in 2026 Due to Tariffs
The OECD forecasts global growth slowing from 4.2% in 2025 to 2.3% in 2026 as tariffs weigh on investment and consumption. Leading economies expect to end rate-cutting cycles despite slowing growth.
Chinese fixed-asset investment fell 1.7% in early Q4, signaling sharper slowdown.
AI and Geoeconomic Fragmentation Top Business Strategy Trends
Chief strategy officers rank AI commercialization (72%) and geoeconomic fragmentation (52%) as most impactful trends shaping the new economy through 2030. Converging forces like debt, demographics, and green transition create volatility and trade-offs.
'No-regret' strategies urged for businesses to adapt.
US Hyperscalers Surge AI Infrastructure Spending
Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft spent hundreds of billions on AI capex in 2025, with plans to increase in 2026, rippling through economy. This boom, alongside fiscal expansion, supports positive global growth outlook for 2026.
Labor market softening signals Fed easing, with markets pricing 25bps cut in December.
State Street Raises Global Growth Forecast to 3.0%
Global growth upgraded to 3.0% for 2025 amid resilient trade and flat inflation, with 2.9% expected in 2026. US, China, and eurozone trajectories improve, offsetting policy delays and fiscal pressures.
Trade frictions persist but tariff pass-through contained, allowing central bank easing.
Gold and Silver Lead Commodity Rally in Energy Transition
Gold surged over 65% in 2025, topping Bitcoin, while silver led industrial commodities amid EV battery demand for cobalt. Energy-transition narrative drives precious metals dominance.
Regional divergences boost Europe, emerging markets, and Japan over US amid tariffs.
Communications Sector Leads on AI-Driven Innovation
Communications tops global sectors in 2025 performance, with AI sustaining tech leadership alternating with information technology. Magnificent 7 shows weakness, with only Nvidia and Alphabet beating benchmarks.
Factor investing patterns highlight ongoing tech influence.
Global Trade Hits Record Amid Policy Uncertainty
2024 trade reached $33 trillion, driven by services and developing economies, with $300 billion growth in H1 2025 led by US imports and EU exports. Momentum slowed in H2 2025 due to geopolitics and growth risks.
Uncertainty looms from shifting policies.
AI Disrupts Labor Markets and Employment Models
AI to transform 86% of businesses by 2030, squeezing entry-level jobs and requiring compliance with discrimination laws. Restrictive immigration and sanctions heighten workforce planning challenges.
New regulations in UAE, Italy, China, and South Africa adapt employment flexibility.
FOMC Ups 2025 Growth Projection to 1.7%
US real GDP growth revised up to 1.7% for 2025 and 2.3% for 2026, partly due to government shutdown shifting growth forward. Projections reflect resilient economy despite policy impacts.
Chair Powell noted boost from delayed spending resumption.
Data Center Boom Powers AI Growth in 2026 Outlooks
S&P Global highlights data center expansion fueling AI-driven growth alongside energy transition and supply chain shifts. Geopolitics and credit conditions also key industry trends.
Focus on transformative forces reshaping sectors.
Wall Street Forecasts S&P 500 Above 7500 in 2026
US company earnings grow fastest in four years, with AI driving equities amid expected rate cuts. Nine major banks predict double-digit stock gains, S&P 500 over 7500.
Positive outlook despite AI valuation concerns.
Developing Countries' Debt Hits Record $11.4 Trillion
External debt soars, with interest payments squeezing budgets and forcing trade-offs on essential services. Pressures mount amid slowing investment in 2025.
Reflects key global economic forces alongside AI advances.