Global Scans · Economy · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: The global economy still faces serious headwinds and political uncertainty potentially balanced by the enormous promise of technological advancements in many fields. Read on to get a solid handle on the opportunities and risks you and your organization may likely face and set your sails accordingly.

• [New] Demand for traditional medicine is growing, as illustrated by the estimated increase of the wellness economy associated with traditional medicine: in 2022 it was valued at 5.6 trillion United States dollars (US$), and it is projected to reach US$ 8.5 trillion by 2027. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] ADNOC unveiled AED54 billion worth of contracts to UAE suppliers and outlined new business opportunities worth AED90 billion in its 2026-2027 procurement pipeline, reinforcing its commitment to drive local manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and sustainable economic growth. GCC BUSINESS WATCH
• [New] Africa is entering a new era of economic transformation, driven by diversification away from oil dependency and a focus on sustainable trade and investment opportunities. African Leadership Organisation Events
• [New] The resources harvested from asteroids could be used to fuel industries across the globe, reducing reliance on Earth's finite resources. Juniorstocks.com I Stock Market News
• [New] $656.9 million over five years is going to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to develop and commercialize dual civilian-military technologies in a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biodefence and life sciences. PLANT
• [New] Given persistent inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, the BCC expects rates to remain at 4% through 2025, before easing gradually to 3.5% by the end of 2026. British Chambers of Commerce
• [New] The BoE expects inflation to fall to close to 3% early 2026 before gradually returning towards to the 2% target over the subsequent year. British Chambers of Commerce
• [New] The BoE faces a dilemma: cutting interest rates too soon could cause inflation to spike again, while keeping rates higher for longer risks slowing growth, putting pressure on households and businesses. British Chambers of Commerce
• [New] The IMF expects the UK to record the highest inflation in the G7 in 2025 and 2026. British Chambers of Commerce
• [New] While the stated policy goals of the U.S. tariffs are to reshore manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, shifting production to the U.S. is a long-term effort that could take years, even decades, to realize at scale. CPO RISING - THE SITE FOR CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICERS &
• [New] Gartner clients can read more in Competitiveness Will Drive Tech Investment as Enterprise Economic Confidence Erodes in 2 Q25. Gartner
• [New] 5G will have catalyzed a 30% increase in global digital economy contributions, but only if we address ethical concerns like data sovereignty and inclusivity. Top CNN Featured Futurist Keynote Speaker on AI, Tech L
• [New] AI is projected to add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. ""
• [New] After years of dominance by a few major players and predictable strategies, 2026 will usher in a wave of disruption driven by generative AI, shifts in consumer behaviour, and the maturation of the creator economy. Forrester
• [New] An oversized stimulus package funded by government bonds could potentially diminish Japan's fiscal credibility. CNBC
• [New] The Global plastics treaty, a United Nations initiative aiming to reduce plastic pollution worldwide, could commit countries to legally binding limits on virgin plastic production and enforce stronger requirements for reuse and refill systems. The Conversation
• [New] As BRICS nations expand their influence and challenge Western economic supremacy, countries like Nigeria navigate a complex landscape of opportunity, risk, and great-power rivalry. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] Federal Reserve Policy Outlook - With inflation still above the long-term target but growth showing cracks, traders expect the Fed to hold rates steady through year-end. STL.News
• [New] Globally, fiscal stimulus measures - such as Canada's C$ 70-90 billion 2025 budget and Indonesia's $3 billion Q4 stimulus - could indirectly bolster Bitcoin demand by spurring economic activity and inflation hedging. Ainvest
• [New] Global fund managers continue to cite U.S. fiscal policy uncertainty as a top risk, noting that extended political standoffs can ripple through credit markets and delay cross-border investments. STL.News

Last updated: 11 November 2025