Latest Industry Trends News
Global Economy Enters Resilient but Constrained Phase
The 2026 economy proves more resilient than dynamic, managing five transitions: energy, digital, geopolitical, demographic, and climate. Geopolitical tensions, energy transition, and resource limits define a demanding environment where stability is key. Value creation now prioritizes robustness over speed.
78% of New LNG Contracts Feature Destination Flexibility
A silent revolution in LNG sees 78% of 2025 contracts including destination flexibility clauses, up from 45% in 2020. This shift enhances market liquidity and adaptability in global energy trade. It reflects accelerating energy transition dynamics.
Asymmetric Productivity Revolution Divides Sectors
Labor productivity grows 1.9% annually in digital sectors like software and cloud, versus 0.4% in physical services such as healthcare and construction. This gap drives deflation in digital goods and persistent inflation in services. Conference Board data highlights this profound divergence.
FAO Food Price Index at 118.7 Amid Mixed Harvests
December 2025 FAO Food Price Index stood at 118.7, with cereals up 5% from exceptional Northern Hemisphere harvests. Oilseeds and cocoa faced climate stress, while parametric futures based on satellite data tripled in volume. Agriculture shows varied pressures.
Three Probabilistic Economic Scenarios Outlined
Central scenario predicts 2.8% global growth and 3.2% inflation with 3-4 crises; optimistic (25%) features AI-driven productivity from energy storage breakthroughs; downside (15%) risks emerging market liquidity crisis. Scenarios guide 2026 outlook.
India Manufacturing PMI Cools to 55.0 but Output Surges
HSBC Manufacturing PMI fell to 55.0 in December from 56.6, signaling slower momentum yet firm expansion. Industrial production rose 6.7% year-on-year in November, with reserves at USD 696.61 billion. Growth shifts to consolidation.
US Manufacturing PMI Returns to Expansion at 50.6
US Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.6 for week ended January 3, indicating marginal expansion. House price growth slowed to 0.6% year-on-year from 1.8%, pointing to orderly deceleration. Economy shows resilience.
Eurozone Manufacturing PMI Stuck in Contraction at 48.8
Eurozone Manufacturing PMI declined to 48.8 in December, reflecting persistent weakness from subdued demand and high energy costs. Europe acts as a drag on global growth amid structural challenges. Limited fiscal flexibility persists.
China PMIs Signal Early Stabilisation in Expansion
China's official Manufacturing PMI hit 50.1 and Non-Manufacturing PMI 50.2 in December, supported by improving domestic demand. Industrial profits edged higher, positioning China as a growth stabiliser. Rebound follows prolonged weakness.
Silver Demand Surges from Solar, Electrification, AI Trends
Silver's rally ties to supply deficits and industrial demand in solar energy, electrification, and AI technologies. Unlike gold, its strength links directly to global manufacturing and energy-transition trends. Volatility underscores industrial relevance.
Global Shift to Consolidation and Resilience in 2026
2026 landscape moves from recovery growth to consolidation: India strong, US orderly slowdown, Europe challenged, China stabilising. Precious metals gain amid uncertainty. Trends emphasize macro buffers.