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] The broader move toward a measurable digital economy in US finance means borders will keep fading from money even as they harden in politics. TechBullion
• [New] Sluggish domestic consumption has vexed Beijing for several years, threatening to weigh down national growth even as exports and certain high-tech sectors boom. ST
• [New] Global natural diamond production is forecast to remain in the range of approximately 100 million carats in 2026, down from over 150 million carats less than a decade ago, reflecting the depletion of legacy mines, limited new discoveries, and the suspension or closure of several mines industry-wide. News Powered by Cision
• [New] Signs of progress for a potential peace deal in the Iran war have helped cool oil prices and, in turn, have eased inflation worries that could prompt a Fed rate hike and pushed Treasury yields lower. ST
• [New] Oil prices eased due to peace talks in Iran, lowering inflation fears and Treasury yields, while stocks like SpaceX and Airbnb surged after positive reports. ST
• [New] The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hold its key rate steady at 4.35% on Tuesday after slightly softer than expected inflation in the second quarter prompted traders to slash bets on another interest rate hike in 2026. financialpost
• [New] Norwegian policymakers are likely to keep borrowing costs steady on Thursday, but analysts expect another close decision that could be swayed by the July inflation report due on Monday. financialpost
• [New] The current forecast has most crude production returning to near pre-conflict averages by the end of 2026 and the majority of shut - in production back online in the first quarter of 2027, with Brent averaging $65 in 2027. investing.com
• [New] Harsh weather unleashed by the meteorological phenomenon will pose an inflationary threat in 2027 and cause food prices to rise by between five and nine per cent across the UK and Europe. City AM
• [New] The 'Super El Nino' triggering record temperatures across Europe could add a full percentage point to inflation in 2027, hampering central bank efforts to slow down price rises, a top investment bank has warned. City AM
• [New] There is a risk that the unusual trade flows triggered by the tariff uncertainty are obscuring broader headwinds as the global economy wavers. ST
• [New] Supply challenges include declining ore grades and costly new mines, while uncertainties like US tariffs and geopolitical risks could impact future prices. ST
• [New] The US economy unexpectedly shed jobs in July and non-farm payrolls for the prior month were revised sharply lower, potentially raising questions about whether the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates in September. ST
• [New] Reports this week that a new deal is being negotiated to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway, and thereby facilitate more energy exports, could help keep Treasury yields stable / lower while easing pressure on headline inflation in the months ahead. / Iran investing.com
• [New] Hopes for an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz have eased concerns over energy-driven inflation, while markets have lowered expectations for a Fed rate hike in September. investing.com
• [New] With the AVIA reporting $71 million in initial safety-related economic savings in dedicated 2026 pilot zones, CROs must integrate advanced AI hazard detection capabilities into their baseline risk underwriting. Astute Analytica
• [New] Organizations that understand and adopt the latest AI trends 2026 will be better positioned to compete in an increasingly digital economy. -
• [New] External token consumption will increase 24 times between 2026 and 2030 to 120 quadrillion tokens a month, as companies shift to use AI agents. BBC News
• [New] The global green economy has surpassed $5 trillion and is projected to exceed $7 trillion by 2030. MovingWorlds.org
• [New] AI growth and secular demand remain robust, with memory chip prices and supply constrained into 2027, supporting a bullish long-term thesis. Seeking Alpha
• [New] In 2026, the prices of electricity will change repeatedly and people are worried about the instability of power in many parts of the world. Day of Dubai
• [New] A moderation in inflation could pave the way for Federal Reserve rate cuts, improving liquidity conditions for risk assets. Khaleej Times
• [New] G20 nations are projected to account for over 80% of global renewables by 2030, with the richest developed economies of the G7 expected to shoulder a leadership role by raising their share to around 20% of global capacity within this decade. Global Renewables Alliance

Last updated: 11 August 2026