Global Market Outlook Report 2026
Global Market Outlook Report 2026
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By Rwazi Insights
Feb 23, 2026
Introduction Content
Table of Content
Part I: 2025 in Review - Key Market Drivers
Chapter 1: Economic Fundamentals
Global GDP and inflation trends: Year-over-year data comparisons
Trade and supply chain disruptions: Impact on commodity prices and export volumes
Consumer impact: How economic pressures affected household budgets and value-seeking behaviour
Chapter 2: Technological Advancements
AI and digital transformation: Adoption rates across industries
Consumer impact: AI-driven personalization in products and services, with trust and adoption statistics
Chapter 3: Sustainability and Regulatory Shifts
Environmental policies: Carbon pricing and green investment data
Consumer impact: Rising demand for eco-friendly products, with premium pricing data by region
Part II: 2026 Predictions & Strategic Implications
Chapter 4: Five Key Forces for 2026
Economic divergence: Widening gaps between regions (with GDP projections)
Tech acceleration: AI agents and automation impacts (adoption forecasts)
Climate resilience: Adaptation investments (cost-benefit data)
Trade realignments: Tariff effects and supply chain diversification
Labour market shifts: Skills gaps and wage data
Consumer impact: Predictions on how these forces alter buying habits and priorities
Part I: 2025 in Review - Key Market Drivers
Chapter 1: Economic Fundamentals
Global GDP growth diverged sharply between advanced and emerging economies
The global economy in 2025 presented a complex picture of divergent regional performances and shifting inflation dynamics. Advanced economies experienced moderate growth averaging 1.8-2.2%, while emerging markets demonstrated more robust expansion at 4.1-4.5% year-over-year (IMF,2025).
Among major economies, India remained the fastest-growing, expanding at approximately 6.5%, supported by domestic demand and public investment.
China’s growth moderated to 4.0–4.7%, reflecting structural adjustments. Together, these trends highlight a world economy increasingly driven by emerging markets rather than advanced economies.
CHART 1.1: Global GDP Growth by Region, 2024-2025 Comparison
Inflation pressures that had dominated the 2022-2023 period continued their cooling trajectory throughout 2025.
Advanced economies saw inflation rates decline from approximately 4.2% at year-end 2024 to a more manageable 2.5-3.0% by Q4 2025, approaching central bank targets in many jurisdictions.
The United States navigated a particularly delicate balance, with the Federal Reserve managing to achieve a "soft landing" scenario as inflation approached the 2% target while unemployment remained relatively stable around 4.0-4.3%.
CHART 1.2: Inflation Rate Trends, 2025.
Trade and Supply Chain Disruptions: Impact on Commodity Prices and Export Volumes
Chart 1.3: Impact of 2025 Tariff Activity on Global Supply Chains
Global trade lost momentum in 2025 as tariff escalation and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on cross-border flows. Growth in global goods and services trade slowed to approximately 1.7–2.0%, marking a sharp deceleration from prior years.
Rising trade barriers, including an increase in the effective U.S. import tariff rate to around 14%, combined with geopolitical tensions to disrupt trade flows and raise costs across global supply chains.
Key takeaway 2025 tariff activity impacted 24 to 39 percent of supply chain baseline; supply chain cost drove most industry variability.
