Latest Industry Trends News
Global Growth Forecast at 3.4% for 2025
KPMG forecasts global economic growth accelerating to 3.4% in 2025 before slowing to 3.2% in 2026, driven by cooling inflation from lower oil prices. Europe's growth is expected to slow to 1.6% amid ECB rate cycle completion and defense spending boosts in Germany.
Investment Opportunity Index highlights shifts in FDI, with Mexico and US rising in rankings due to cost advantages and tax cuts.
Asia's Economic Dominance Accelerates
China and India lead Asia's rapid growth, with China at 4.8% and India at 6.6%, reshaping global hierarchy amid developed markets' slowdown. India's digital economy contributes 7.3% to GDP with potential to reach 20% by 2030 via AI and e-commerce.
Germany faces 0.2% growth due to manufacturing decline, energy pressures, and weak demand.
Global Trade Hits Record $35 Trillion
UNCTAD reports global trade reaching $35 trillion in 2025, up 7% despite tariff shocks, driven by Global South economies. AI adoption in TradeTech cuts compliance costs by up to 50% for nearly 50% of firms.
ASEAN's Digital Economy Framework aims to unlock $2 trillion by 2030; Africa pivots to AfCFTA post-AGOA.
US Dollar Weakens on Fed Shift
Federal Reserve's December rate cut signals weaken USD, favoring yen with BoJ hikes expected, targeting 135 by end-2026. Australian dollar strengthens on US-China truce, inflation, and solid employment.
Sweden's krona gains from improving growth and potential EU fiscal stimulus.
Consumers Face Economic Pressure and AI Rise
90% of consumers make tradeoffs amid pressures, boosting platforms like Vinted for pre-owned goods. K-shaped recovery ends 'average consumer,' widening income gaps.
Trends include 'value and splurge' patterns and demand for responsible convenience in sustainability.
International Trade Resilient Despite Protectionism
Global trade performs solidly with partial US tariff easing, though imbalances persist between US deficit and China surplus. US, China, Eurozone offset bilateral weakness via third markets, raising supply chain costs.
Outlook positive for H2 2025 but risks medium-term fragmentation.
Platinum Hits 17-Year High on Demand
Platinum rallies to near $2,000, up 121% YTD, driven by tight supply and demand for hard assets amid fragmentation and tariffs. Micron surges 8.1% on strong AI data-center demand keeping memory prices firm.
Wheat pressures toward multi-year lows from bumper harvests in Argentina and Australia.
CPI Inflation Drops, Boosting Fed Easing
US CPI decline provides Fed doves relief ahead of January FOMC, with clean December data awaited. New US-China truce stabilizes trade after 2025 plummet; LEI indicators mixed globally.
Euro Area and UK LEI decline, while Brazil and Australia see increases.
Stock Markets Achieve Double-Digit Gains
2025 marks strong year for global stocks with double-digit returns across emerging markets, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and UK. International trade resilience surprises positively despite tariff headlines.
Professional forecasters adjust 2025 GDP to 1.9% from 2.1% prediction.
Key Trade Developments Amid Tariffs
OECD highlights 2025 trade shaped by tariffs, fragmentation, and policy shifts; BBVA notes US tariff moderation via agreements. UK inflation cools to 3.2% CPI, Euro-area at 2.1% with easing wages.
Business Trends Survey shows expansions in services and manufacturing.