The global economy in five charts
you are currently viewing::The global economy in five chartsJanuary 13, 2026-The global economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025 despite increased trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Activity was supported by a stockpiling of goods, strong risk appetite, and a surge in artificial intelligence (AI)-related investment. Global growth in 2025 capped a solid five-year recovery from the 2020 recession, but vulnerable emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) continue to lag behind, according to the Global Economic Prospects report. Global growth is set to ease to 2.6 percent in 2026 as several supportive factors wane, giving way to a slowdown in demand for traded goods and softer domestic demand in key economies. By 2027, growth is expected to edge up to 2.7 percent as earlier monetary easing supports domestic demand and trade recovers amid declining uncertainty. Source: worldbank.org |
March 19, 2026-World trade is set to slow in 2026 following stronger than expected growth in 2025 on the back of surging trade in AI-enabling products. WTO economists warn that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could further reduce trade growth if energy prices remain elevated, noting that it would also put pressure on food supplies and services trade due to travel and transport disruptions. Prospects could still improve if the conflict ends quickly and the boom in AI spending continues.
March 15, 2026-Global stocks continued to weaken last week, as the ongoing war in Iran kept oil prices high.
Oil prices have surged as the Iran conflict disrupts global supply, adding to inflation risks. At the same time, recent RBA commentary has sharply shifted market expectations- with investors now bracing for a possible rate hike this week.
March 6, 2026--Opportunities in the ETF market arise from increasing adoption of digital platforms, demand for ESG and smart beta products, and expanding cross-border investments. Growth is driven by thematic trends like EVs, sustainable investing, and innovative offerings, enhanced by asset management diversification and trading efficiency.
March 6, 2026-The Iran war has significantly disrupted global energy markets, damaging oil and gas facilities and halting exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint.
Brent oil prices surged over 28% to above $92 per barrel due to supply concerns. The U.S. responded by offering naval escorts and easing Russian oil sanctions on India to stabilize markets.
March 6, 2026-Investment firm Wilshire has told clients that production and publication of all indexes not already sold or returned to the asset manager's ownership will be discontinued.
Wilshire Indexes, the dedicated index operations arm set up by US asset manager Wilshire to run its growing index portfolio, as well as index operations of its partner parent groups, has closed.
March 5, 2026--Global debt markets are navigating a difficult terrain. Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and an uncertain macroeconomic environment are adding pressure to already stretched markets. But debt markets have been resilient so far. This stability, however, masks deeper structural developments.
February 27, 2026--New data published by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the global industry group for exchanges and CCPs, shows markets rebounded in the second half of 2025. IPO activity remained robust over the year, pointing to sustained demand for public listings against a challenging global backdrop.
Global equity market capitalisation increased 18.5% compared to the end of 2024, amounting to USD 151.94 trillion, with double-digit growth in every region.
February 26, 2026--Global debt climbed to $348 trillion by the end of 2025, the highest on record, per the Institute of International Finance.
Government borrowing accounted for over $10 trillion of the increase, led by the United States, China, and the euro area.
Emerging markets saw debt ratios rise above 235% of GDP, while advanced economies saw a slight decline in debt-to-GDP ratios.
February 26, 2026--ETFGI reported today that assets invested in the actively managed ETFs industry globally reached a new record of US$2.04 trillion at the end of January. During January the actively managed ETFs industry globally gathered record monthly net inflows of US$76.43 billion, according to ETFGI's January 2026 Active ETF industry landscape insights report, an annual paid-for research subscription service.
February 26, 2026--Assets invested in the ETFs industry globally reached a new record of US$20.64 trillion at the end of January. During January, the ETFs industry globally gathered net inflows of US$150.41 billion, according to ETFGI's January 2026 Global ETFs and ETPs industry landscape insights report, the monthly report which is part of ETFGI's an annual paid-for research subscription service.