IMF upgrades global growth forecast to 3.3% in 2026

BRUSSELS -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday slightly upgraded its global growth forecast for 2026, saying the world economy has remained more resilient than expected despite trade disruptions.

In an update to its World Economic Outlook, the IMF upgraded its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.3 percent, up 0.2 percentage points from its projection in October 2025, and kept its 2027 forecast unchanged at 3.2 percent.

The IMF said the headwinds from trade policy uncertainties are expected to be offset by tailwinds from surging investment related to technology, as well as fiscal and monetary support, broadly accommodative financial conditions, and adaptability of the private sector.

A breakdown of the data showed that growth in advanced economies is projected at 1.8 percent in 2026 and 1.7 percent in 2027. Emerging market and developing economies are expected to grow 4.2 percent in 2026 and 4.1 percent in 2027, according to the IMF's projections table.

Inflation is expected to continue easing globally. The IMF forecast global headline inflation will slow from an estimated 4.1 percent in 2025 to 3.8 percent in 2026 and 3.4 percent in 2027.