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] According to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025, the global workforce faces a dual movement: about 92 million existing roles may be displaced, while 170 million new jobs are set to emerge by 2030, leading to a net gain of 78 million roles globally. The Daily Star
• [New] By 2027, APIs are projected to contribute a staggering $14.2 trillion to the global economy. Kong Inc.
• [New] The economic impact of API monetization is expected to double from $3.97 billion in 2023 to $8.56 billion by 2027, providing new revenue streams for forward-thinking companies. Kong Inc.
• [New] Non-mining business investment is forecast to climb to record levels by the end of the forecast period - driven by digitization, automation and clean energy transitions - but uneven productivity growth remains a longstanding concern for the Australian economy. The Times
• [New] Even as employment growth slows from its torrid pace, the unemployment rate - historically low for advanced economies - is expected to stabilise around 4.4-4.5 per cent through 2026 and 2027. / Australia The Times
• [New] Nearly half of households plan to cut discretionary spending - from takeaway coffee to holidays - in 2026, as living costs bite and inflation outpaces real income growth for many. / Australia The Times
• [New] Economists still expect most cutting-edge production to remain in Taiwan, with only a limited share shifting to the U.S. in the near term because Arizona facilities will take years to ramp up fully. Benzinga
• [New] Asia-Pacific is growing fastest, with India showing an expected 24.6% CAGR from 2025-2035, driven by a large skilled workforce, competitive economics, and rapid SME digitization. Articsledge
• [New] A diplomatic breakthrough could ease sanctions and bring Iranian oil back to global markets, potentially pressuring prices. Blockrise
• [New] Fiscal and quasi-fiscal stimulus will add 1.1 percentage points to Brazil's GDP in 2026, up from 0.4 points in 2025. valorinternational
• [New] World Bank projects a modest 2% decline in agricultural prices in 2026, with supply keeping pace with demand and balanced risks. World Bank Group
• [New] An influx of tax refunds to consumers and businesses in early 2026 from the Big Beautiful Bill will stimulate demand for goods in the US, increasing pressure on supply chains and warehousing operations. Automation.com
• [New] Tesla will end production of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV later this year, to prioritize AI, autonomy, and producing humanoid robots at its Fremont, CA plant. JD Supra
• [New] Three Memorandums of Understanding signed with the Singapore Economic Development Board during the Singapore Airshow 2026 will strengthen Thales' capabilities in AI, cloud, edge computing, data engineering and manufacturing in Singapore. French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
• [New] Liquids fuels consumption will grow by 1.1 million b/d in non-OECD countries in 2026 and another 1.2 million b/d in 2027, making up nearly all of global liquid fuels consumption growth. EIA - Energy Information Administration
• [New] Global oil supply is forecast to increase by 2.5 million b/d in 2026 to an average of 108.7 million b/d, with expanding non-OPEC + production and higher OPEC + output more than offsetting export losses linked to Iran, Venezuela and Kazakhstan. Ship & Bunker
• [New] Ukraine's economy is expected to slow further in 2026 as security risks, energy disruptions, and weak consumer sentiment continue to weigh on growth, although sustained inflows of foreign financial aid are likely to keep macroeconomic stability largely intact. Kyiv Post
• [New] In recent years, the U.S. economy has proven much more resilient than most expected. Darden Ideas to Action
• [New] By the end of 2030, 7.4% of US electricity consumption will be devoted to training or deploying AI systems in the median scenario. International AI Safety Report
• [New] European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde emphasized inflation stabilization as a priority during her post-decision remarks, signaling a dovish stance that could limit future rate hikes. FPG Fortune Prime Global
• [New] Geopolitical stress points from Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas and Venezuela continue to be sources of uncertainty that could have trickle-down effects on the world economy. Morgan Stanley Investment Management
• Although US inflation is expected to remain above target, Federal Reserve (Fed) rates are expected to be cut by up to 1% by the end of 2026, while the European Central Bank has scope for another cut in interest rates. Global English

Last updated: 10 February 2026