Latest Industry Trends News
Global Manufacturing PMI Slows to Five-Month Low
The J.P. Morgan Global PMI Composite Output Index fell to 52.0 in December 2025, the lowest in six months, signaling annualized GDP growth of 2.4%. Manufacturing production rose at the slowest pace in five months with stagnating new orders, while US manufacturers saw the first drop in goods orders in a year.
Services activity and new business also expanded at the slowest rates in six months, contributing to employment stagnation.
AI Powers Productivity Boom Across Industries
Productivity is shifting into high gear in 2026, driven by AI innovations similar to the 1990s internet boom. Companies like Walmart and Amazon plan to use AI and automation for growth without increasing headcount, with gains in fraud detection, healthcare, and manufacturing.
This deflationary force supports margin expansion, higher earnings, and potential Fed rate cuts amid softening labor markets.
Businesses Prioritize Sustainability for Cost Savings in 2026
In January 2026, firms are linking sustainability to operations, focusing on energy efficiency, supply chain diversification, and waste reduction amid tightening margins. This shift separates ESG from politics, emphasizing financial and environmental viability.
Experts note January as a key time for reassessing sustainable practices that impact the balance sheet.
Hyper-Personalization Reshapes Consumer Experiences
AI-powered hyper-personalization in pricing, messaging, and recommendations dominates January 2026 consumer strategies amid value-focused spending. Personalization is essential as selective consumers prioritize goals over impulses, per business advisors.
This trend integrates into daily operations for competitive edge.
Hybrid Work Evolves into Competitive Advantage
Hybrid and remote models in 2026 emphasize structured systems, culture, and accountability beyond mere flexibility. January reassessments target productivity and burnout with refined communication and metrics.
Intentional design during quieter periods enhances performance.
IMF Projects Global Growth Slowdown to 3.1% in 2026
Global growth is forecasted to ease from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, with advanced economies at 1.5%. Projections reflect policy shifts, tempered tariffs, and fading temporary supports, amid downside risks from protectionism.
Inflation declines globally, though above target in the US.
Supply Chains Face Protectionism and Geopolitical Shifts
2026 supply chains adapt to persistent protectionist policies and trade disruptions from 2025. Trends include concrete sustainability execution via green sourcing amid commonplace global events.
Geopolitical complexities demand resilience in operations.
Privacy-First Marketing and GEO Gain Traction
With third-party cookies phasing out, January 2026 stresses first-party data, email ownership, and privacy-conscious personalization. Businesses shift to Generative Engine Optimization for AI-driven search visibility.
Traditional marketing playbooks are obsolete.
Business Investment Broadens Beyond AI
2026 sees balanced business spending as AI growth moderates, boosted by tax incentives, deregulation, and fading tariff uncertainty. Non-AI investments revive, contributing to steadier GDP growth.
Government spending turns supportive via defense and state revenues.
Easing Inflation and Loose Policy Boost Growth Outlook
Global growth strengthens from loosening monetary policy, fiscal easing in US, Germany, Japan, and low oil prices. Core CPI falls to 3.2% with weakening labor markets curbing pressures.
US profitability at record highs supports capex and confidence.
Tech Leadership Wanes as Growth Broadens
US tech concentration eases with value opportunities in sectors like financials amid strong global earnings. Non-US markets gain from re-rating, while US benefits from weak dollar.
Productivity and policy support sustained markets.
World Bank Warns of Trade Tensions Headwinds
Global economy confronts substantial headwinds from rising trade tensions and policy uncertainty. This exacerbates challenges in manufacturing and growth projections.
Broader implications affect supply chains and investment.