AI investment props up global growth, but war and debt threaten outlook, IMF says
The International Monetary Fund noted a growing divergence between countries benefiting from artificial intelligence and those bypassed by it.
Global GDP growth is projected to exceed 3% in 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund, thanks to robust artificial intelligence investment that counters the energy shock caused by the Middle East conflict, the IMF stated on Tuesday. However, the outlook has become more challenging due to the prolonged nature of the war, which has kept oil prices above $100 per barrel.
Despite this, the IMF predicts global growth for 2026 at 3.1%, a small increase from its July forecast of 3.0%. The World Economic Outlook report, delivered as leaders of the global economy and finance gather in Bangkok for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings, is consistent with the most optimistic scenario released in April but falls short of the 3.5% growth anticipated for 2025.
The IMF highlights mounting downside risks, with more nations becoming marginalized and susceptible to increasing debt burdens.
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