Economists Have Shifted Views on Global Outlook
A new World Economic Forum report shows improved confidence in economic stability compared to earlier this year.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Economic Policy
Live Poll
Do you feel that the global economy is currently stabilizing or improving?
The World Economic Forum has published its latest Chief Economists' Outlook report, revealing that 56% of surveyed experts now see the global economy as stabilizing or improving. This marks a notable shift from the May survey, in which 89% of respondents expected the global economy to weaken.
Why it matters
This shift highlights the critical role government fiscal support has played in fostering economic resilience since 2020. However, deep concerns persist regarding the impact of geopolitical volatility and ongoing scrutiny of AI investments on future growth.
A report from the World Economic Forum indicates that 97% of economists now cite international political conflicts as a primary source of future instability. Additionally, 88% of experts anticipate rising food prices over the next year.
The players
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is an international non-governmental organization that hosts an annual meeting of global leaders to discuss economic and social issues.
The details
While fiscal interventions have helped navigate crises over the last several years, chief economists remain divided on regional outlooks, with 33% predicting weak growth in China. Meanwhile, 97% of experts expect increased adoption of artificial intelligence over the next 12 months, with 78% pointing to data center investment as a key driver of growth.
Timeline
Government fiscal support began providing economic resilience in 2020.
The previous WEF Chief Economists' Outlook was published in May 2026.
The latest Outlook report was released on September 22, 2026.
Experts expect geopolitical instability and AI adoption to persist over the next 12 months.
Macro View
The report reflects a departure from the economic sentiment seen during the 2020 global fiscal response to the pandemic. By identifying fiscal support as the primary driver of resilience, these findings contrast with the more volatile cycles observed in the years immediately following 2020.
With 88% of economists forecasting higher food prices, households may face continued pressure on monthly grocery budgets despite the broader stabilizing trend. Readers should monitor regional inflation data, as expectations for monetary policy differ significantly between markets like Japan and China.
The takeaway
While global economic sentiment is improving, the consensus among experts suggests that volatility remains a constant factor for the near future. Readers should prepare for lingering inflationary pressures in food and transportation costs as the global economy continues to adjust.
Further reading
For more on international financial trends, explore our Economic Policy section.
Live Poll
Do you feel that the global economy is currently stabilizing or improving?
