From trade tensions and high debt burdens to fears of an AI stocks bubble, the global economy will face an array of risks that could dampen growth in the new year.
The global economy has weathered a whirlwind of challenges in 2025, including sharp trade tensions, uneven yet moderate growth, and rising concerns over elevated inflation and debt levels in many parts of the world.
As the year draws to a close, many of these problems are expected to continue into 2026.
Global growth will moderately slow, from 3.2% in 2025 to 2.9% in 2026, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates.
The organisation, comprising the world's 38 most advanced economies, says the world economy has proved resilient this year but remains fragile.
US President Donald Trump shocked the world in April by imposing a sweeping new tariffs regime aimed at reshaping global trade flows and slashing large US deficits.
The move sparked market turmoil, business uncertainty and supply chain adjustments.
How businesses are dealing with Trump's new trade tariffs To view this video please enable JavaScript, a
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