Global Scans · Decent Work and Growth · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

• [New] The pet boom is losing momentum: After nearly 20% growth in 2021 and a 9% annual pace through 2025, expansion is expected to slow to about 4% through 2030 - though U.S. spending could still hit $242 billion. Morgan Stanley
• [New] Asia Pacific offers large-scale growth opportunities due to rapid urbanization, transport modernization, and extensive public infrastructure programs. ReAnIn
• [New] Global real GDP growth is forecast at 2.2% in 2026, with the Eurozone seeing minimal growth of 0.2% while India is projected to grow 5.7%. Seeking Alpha
• [New] Strategic acquirers are expected to remain focused on durable growth, category leadership, and ecosystem positioning through the second half of 2026. PwC
• [New] Asia Pacific region is projected to achieve the fastest growth during the forecast period. Precedence Research
• [New] Data center electricity use is projected to reach 945 TWh annually by 2030, equivalent to Japan's current consumption, with U.S. data centers expected to contribute nearly 50% of national electricity demand growth. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Data center electricity use is expected to reach 945 TWh annually by 2030, equivalent to Japan's total consumption, while U.S. demand from hyperscale facilities could contribute nearly 50% of national electricity demand growth, accelerating SMR adoption for digital infrastructure. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Next wave of growth While established sectors like RMG will remain at the forefront of growth, the Smart Bangladesh trajectory requires further diversification of business and investment opportunities. The Daily Star
• [New] Formal employment growth remains constrained amid rising informality and weaker business dynamism; we forecast growth of 1.4% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027. / Mexico BBVA research
• [New] National GDP growth could rise by an additional 1.5 percentage points above baseline projections, driving the total economy to an estimated $790 billion by 2031. / UAE Consultancy Middle East
• [New] Thanks in part to the growth of social platforms and decentralised content creation, revenue growth in connectivity, the largest E & M sector, will slow through 2030. PwC
• [New] Higher interest rates have curbed economic growth, and many believe a recession state-side is likely - and that, at best, Canada will remain in a slow - to no-growth mode, if not in a recession itself. SenCanada
• [New] Despite the strong global outlook, BloombergNEF has reduced its EV adoption forecast for a second consecutive year, mainly due to slower expected growth in China and the United States. Electric Cars Report
• [New] Initially driven by labour-saving productivity gains, growth in the 2030s becomes increasingly dominated by AI's role in accelerating innovation, compressing decades of scientific and technological progress into just a few years. GOV.UK
• [New] Employers will need to rethink workforce planning in 2026, as artificial intelligence automates low-complexity work, reshapes entry-level roles, and raises demand for staff who can combine technical ability with human skills. Reed.com
• [New] As the world of work continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: organizations that embrace inclusive recruitment practices will be better equipped to attract, engage and retain the talent they need for future success. Acorn
• [New] While microfinance has expanded financial inclusion in India, sustaining future growth will require a shift towards meso-finance and stronger financial services for growing enterprises. Current Affairs - NEXT IAS
• [New] Institut Pasteur in Iran, continuing its work despite significant operational disruptions, coordinates a national dengue diagnostic network, conducts genomic surveillance and serotyping of circulating strains, and leads vector and One Health investigations in high-risk areas. Pasteur Network
• [New] The New York City MSA recorded actual growth 1.4 percentage points below its predicted level, corresponding to an income shortfall of approximately $3.5 billion. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] The Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the ASEAN + 3 Macroeconomic Research Office are more optimistic, but still predict growth of 7% in 2026. / Vietnam Fortune
• [New] The World Bank expects Vietnam's growth in 2026 to slow to 6.8%; the OECD is even more bearish, forecasting 6.2% growth. Fortune
• [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

Last updated: 28 June 2026