IMF maintains 2026 global growth forecast: MSCI postpones Turkey decision
The IMF has kept its 2026 global growth expectation steady at 3.1 percent, while drawing attention to the effects of artificial intelligence and geopolitical risks on the economy. Meanwhile, MSCI announced that it has postponed its final decision regarding Turkey's emerging markets status until June 2027.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has maintained its global growth forecast for 2026 at 3.1 percent. This rate remains approximately 0.3 points below the long-term average of the world economy, with the institution emphasizing that the global economy is experiencing one of its weakest and most unstable periods in the last 60 years.
The IMF report stated that the impact of conflicts in the Middle East on global growth has remained limited due to the flexibility in energy supply and reduced dependence on oil. Key risks to growth include the pressure of high bond yields on public debt stocks and the risk of a financial bubble in the artificial intelligence sector. The institution predicts that while artificial intelligence could support growth if it provides productivity gains, a serious economic correction could occur in the opposite scenario.
Another development in the economic world came from the stock index provider MSCI. The US-based organization announced that it has postponed its final decision regarding Turkey's status in the 'emerging markets' category until June 2027.