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] Global competition is expected to continue, as economies become increasingly reliant on technology to drive growth and spheres of influence emerge, led by the United States and China. GOV.UK
• [New] As economist Nicki Hutley found last year in a very conservative estimate, improving digital inclusion could yield a $467 million annual economic benefit, with the productivity upside of access to online health services alone estimated to be worth more than $316 per person per year. Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance
• [New] Loan growth in Australia's banking sector will reach 6.6% y-o-y at end-2026, up from an estimated 6.3% at end-2025, supported by effective monetary policy transmission, sustained demand across housing, commercial and government lending and favourable economic conditions. Fitch Solutions
• [New] This year's (2026-2027) El Nino weather phenomenon can significantly affect global commodities, and food price inflation can be expected, especially if it is confirmed to be what is commonly known as a 'Super El Nino'. SeafoodNews
• [New] Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest regional growth through 2033 due to expanding healthcare access, rising antibiotic consumption, and increasing prevalence of resistant bacterial infections. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Pacific Investment Management Co. is warning that the credit loss cycle is upon us as heavy spending on artificial intelligence could widen economic outcomes and hit lower-quality borrowers. financialpost
• [New] UK growth is set to take a hit due to trade disruption while inflation could race past 6% in the worst case scenario. City AM
• [New] U.S. oil output is expected to continue rising, with production of shale oil and gas growing modestly and stronger crude growth off the U.S. Gulf Coast and in Alaska. gCaptain
• [New] As emerging technologies continue to transform the global economy, cybersecurity will remain one of the most critical areas of innovation. TechBullion
• [New] Core inflation is expected to remain better anchored around the ECB's 2% medium-term objective, decelerating from 2.4% in 2025 to 2.3% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027. The Conference Board
• [New] The United States' adversaries and strategic competitors will continue to use cyber espionage and cyberattacks to seek economic, political and military advantage over the United States and its allies and partners. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Transportation Sec
• [New] Based on the analysis of the costs of Wormhole by crypto experts, the following maximum and minimum W prices are expected in 2030: $0.0395 and $0.0125. Changelly
• [New] The S&P 500's P/E near 21 can be justified by solid earnings growth and a resilient U.S. economy, although further expansion will require continued cooperation from key drivers such as inflation and interest rates. Wealth Management Midwest
• [New] Gold prices could climb to fresh record highs by the end of 2026 despite recent weakness in investor interest and a period of sideways trading. Economic Times
• [New] The World Economic Forum projects technology will create 170 million new jobs while displacing 92 million by 2030, for a net gain of 78 million globally. Robozaps
• [New] Generative AI could contribute $4.4 trillion to the economy based on selective uses and general uses (like helping write emails) that assist with total productivity. Global Market Insights Inc.
• [New] AI will likely provide a sustained increase to economic growth over the 2030s. GOV.UK
• [New] By 2030, AI can automate most tasks that a remote human worker could perform, driving major scientific breakthroughs, transforming public services, and creating an economic boom. GOV.UK
• [New] The BRICS Summit in 2026 will provide a platform for Brazil and Russia to further anchor their economic cooperation within a broader geopolitical context. BRICS
• [New] The US will win the AI contest with China largely by developing the best AI technology and applications to attain - and sustain-economic and military advantage. Hudson Institute

Last updated: 16 June 2026