Latest Industry Trends News
Executives End 2025 with Brightest Economic Outlook
McKinsey's December survey reveals executives are more confident in macroeconomic conditions and company performance than earlier in 2025, with 42% expecting country improvements in six months. Financial services and energy sectors report heightened optimism on demand, while AI investments top priorities across industries.
Trade policy concerns have receded, boosting profit expectations to 63%.
CEOs Focus on AI Initiatives Amid Bubble Concerns
In Q4 2025, CEOs highlighted AI, potential AI bubble risks, and US government shutdown impacts as key themes. Discussions on tariffs and uncertainties declined.
AI remains central to strategic planning despite economic volatility.
G4 Economies Show Continued Output Growth in PMIs
S&P Global flash PMIs indicate output rising in the US, eurozone, Japan, and UK for an eighth month in December 2025. US leads but new orders weaken due to tariff-related price hikes; UK sees stronger orders post-budget clarity.
Global manufacturing resilience noted amid tariff uncertainty.
M&A Sees Return of Megadeals in 2025
2025 featured 17 US deals over $10 billion in the first two quarters, signaling a blockbuster revival in mergers and acquisitions. Heightened deal activity reflects industry consolidation trends.
Investors pursue large-scale opportunities amid economic recovery.
Global Trade Hits Record $35 Trillion Despite Tariffs
UNCTAD reports 2025 global trade reaching $35 trillion, up 7%, driven by Global South economies amid tariff shocks. South-South trade and climate policies gain traction; AI cuts compliance costs by up to 50% for firms.
ASEAN's Digital Economy Framework targets $2 trillion value by 2030.
Italian Business Confidence Rises Slightly in December
Istat data shows business confidence up to 96.5 from 96.1, with market services improving to 100.0 on better order books. Manufacturing dipped to 88.4 due to weaker orders and production expectations.
Consumer confidence also edged higher to 96.6.
US Inflation Hits 2.7% Low Amid Shutdown Effects
December 2025 US inflation at 2.7%, lowest since July, influenced by prolonged government shutdown limiting data collection. Markets rose on softer inflation; commodities like gold up 75% YTD.
Bank of Japan hiked rates, pushing 10-year JGB to 2.02% high.
97% of Executives Back Shift to Renewables
We Mean Business Coalition poll across 15 countries shows 97% support for fossil fuel to renewable electricity transition for growth and security. 62% of firms plan to relocate operations if governments delay; clean energy central to competitiveness.
Poll covered December 11, 2025 insights.
Global GDP Growth Forecast at 2% for 2025 Driven by AI
Deloitte projects healthy 2% real GDP growth in 2025, fueled by AI boosting business investment. Labor markets soften in tariff-hit sectors; India sees strong consumption in FMCG and two-wheelers.
Eurozone GDP at 0.2%, limited by US tariffs.
KPMG Forecasts 3.4% Global Growth with FDI Shifts
KPMG predicts global growth accelerating to 3.4% in 2025, then 3.2% in 2026 amid trade and energy uncertainties. New Investment Opportunity Index highlights US rise due to tax cuts; firms hedge via new suppliers.
Top countries excel in stability and infrastructure.
Clean Energy Policies Boost Industrial Competitiveness
Business leaders emphasize renewables for energy security and growth, per We Mean Business and E3G poll. Policies urged to enable transition; inaction risks supply chain relocations.
Aligns with World Economic Forum risk discussions.