{
  "id": 15193378,
  "title": "Leaders weigh ‘huge benefit’, risks of AI for global economy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/leaders-weigh-huge-benefit-risks-of-ai-for-global-economy",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-17T12:24:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2026/10/17/leaders-weigh-huge-benefit-risks-of-ai-for-global-economy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Leaders are weighing both the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence (AI) for the global economy, according to reports from the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok.\n\nThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that global trade surged by 8.3% between 2023 and 2025, a figure that would likely be closer to 4.6% without AI-related products, according to IMF Chief Economist Silvana Tenreyro. AI has also been a key driver of global growth, propelled by investments in data centres and microchips, according to the IMF.\n\nBank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem echoed these sentiments, stating that AI is \"everywhere in the global economy\" and evident in GDP, stock market performance, and bond market trends. While acknowledging the significant benefits of AI, Macklem also cautioned against over-reliance, predicting a \"bumpy\" road ahead in understanding the technology and the market structure of new AI technologies.\n\nIMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva echoed the positive impact of AI on global growth but warned of potential risks if the industry were to experience a slowdown. She cautioned that a decline in AI investment could reverberate worldwide, with any loss of confidence leading to financial stability risks. IMF projections suggest that a decline in AI investment could reduce global GDP by 0.4% by 2028.\n\nWhile AI investment and trade have helped mitigate the economic impact of the Middle East war, economists at Moody's Analytics warn that prolonged conflict could puncture the AI boom. Higher energy prices, tighter financial conditions, and increased operating costs could negatively impact AI profitability, according to the group.\n\nRegulatory uncertainty also looms over AI's future. Some leaders, such as US President Donald Trump, advocate for limited government regulation, while others call for legislation to mitigate potential risks. IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the importance of safeguards in AI development, stating that without them, the risks might outweigh the opportunities.",
  "summary": "The IMF said AI, propelled by spending on data centres and microchips, has helped cushion the economic shock caused by the war in the Middle East.",
  "key_points": [
    "AI boosted global trade by 8.3% from 2023-2025, potentially closer to 4.6% without AI products",
    "IMF and Bank of Canada officials highlight AI's significant impact on global economy and GDP",
    "Concerns over AI investment slowdown and regulatory uncertainty could pose risks to global growth"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf Times Business",
        "title": "Leaders weigh 'huge benefit', risks of AI for global economy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/leaders-weigh-huge-benefit-risks-of-ai-for-global-economy",
        "published": "2026-10-16T21:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Leaders weigh ‘huge benefit’, risks of AI for global economy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/leaders-weigh-huge-benefit-risks-of-ai-for-global-economy-15199563",
        "published": "2026-10-17T12:24:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}