IMF raises 2026 global economic growth forecast to 3.1%

PANews October 13 news: The IMF released its latest World Economic Outlook report, raising its forecast for global real GDP growth in 2026 to 3.1% (from 3.0% in the July forecast), saying AI investment has mitigated the energy price shock for major economies; growth in 2027 remains at 3.4%. The report projects global inflation to rise to 4.7% in 2026 and fall back to 4.1% in 2027. By region, the United States is expected to grow 2.3% in both 2026 and 2027, the euro area is revised up to 1.1% in 2026, India is expected to grow 7.0% in both years, and Japan is expected to grow 0.7% in both years. The report also forecasts an average crude oil price of $96 per barrel in 2026, and notes that 32 countries currently contribute 95% of global economic growth (compared with about 54 countries in the April forecast).