Latest Industry Trends News
AI Capex Surge by US Hyperscalers Continues into 2026
Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft have invested hundreds of billions in AI infrastructure in 2025, raising guidance for 2026, with multiplier effects expected across the economy. This boom, alongside monetary easing and fiscal support, could push US growth above expectations.
Inflation may persist due to supply-chain strains from capex.
Global Growth Backdrop Positive for 2026
Markets expect Fed rate cuts to 3% by end-2026, with labor market softening but services PMI upside. US government shutdown impacts to reverse in Q1 2026, while Japan, Germany, and UK turn expansionary.
Trade policy headwinds to ease under new policies.
Asia-Pacific Set to Overtake North America as Largest Consumer Market by 2035
APAC private consumption to grow 7% CAGR to $36 trillion by 2035, led by India’s accelerating growth to 13.7% in H1 2025. Shifting dynamics demand diversified strategies amid diverging consumer preferences.
Local brands outpace multinationals; AI embedded across value chains for agility.
Market Data Teams Shift to Outsourcing for AI-Enabled Models
2025 saw spend exceed budgets, audits multiply, and licensing tighten, breaking old models. Firms move to end-to-end outsourcing for outcomes, not tasks, partnering for expert insight.
Outsourcing enables faster AI adoption and sustainable operations into 2026.
Small Business Holiday Trends Focus on Selective Spending
Consumers plan similar holiday spending to 2024 but more intentionally, seeking deals amid tariff anxiety. 51% very concerned about tariffs on prices; AI increasingly used for gift recommendations.
Gift cards rise, mobile peaks at 65% of Christmas online sales.
MSR Market Remains Robust with Strong Aggregator Demand
MSR fair values stable despite rate volatility; aggregators offer record SRPs 15-25 bps above fair value. Refinancing cools but home equity at record $18 trillion supports Non-QM production at $50B/quarter.
Bulk buyers bullish, potential Q1 2026 offloads.
AI Projected to Hit $4.8 Trillion Market by 2033
AI emerges as dominant frontier technology, transforming 86% of businesses by 2030 per World Economic Forum. Risks deepening divides without inclusive governance; concentrated in major economies.
Rapid advances amid 2025's contradictory economic signals.
International Markets Outperform US in 2025
Developed and emerging markets up 26% via MSCI indices, vs. S&P 500's 18%. Trump's domestic focus did not boost US relative to internationals.
Highlights illusion of predictable market moves.
Global Trade Hits Records but Faces 2025 Slowdown Risks
$33 trillion in 2024 driven by services and developing economies; H1 2025 grew $300B led by US imports, EU exports. Momentum slowed H2; policy uncertainty, tensions loom for 2026.
Economy risks 2.3% growth amid trade tensions.
KPMG Global Revenue Rises 5.1% Driven by AI and Assurance
Revenue growth across regions: Americas 5.6%, APAC/EMA 4.7%; headcount up 1.8% to 276,030. Audit up 7.1% on quality investments and AI; advisory grows 2.9% via managed services.
Reflects demand for transformative capabilities.
Developing Countries' Debt Hits Record $11.4 Trillion
Soaring interest payments squeeze budgets, forcing choices between creditors and services. Amid slowing investment and mounting pressures in 2025 global economy.
UNCTAD highlights policy coordination needs.