Latest Industry Trends News
B2B Software Market Polarized in 2025 with AI Driving Large Caps
Large-cap software like Alphabet (up 60%+) outperformed due to AI adoption, while small-caps in CRM, ERP underperformed amid disruption fears. Corporate M&A and venture deals surged, with mega AI rounds boosting activity 2.5x over 2024.
IPOs rebounded past pre-COVID levels, signaling renewed exit optionality for 2026.
AI Industrialization Key US Market Theme for 2026
AI scaling in data centers, semiconductors drives productivity in tech-adjacent sectors like automation and healthcare IT. Broader economy-wide gains unlikely soon, but ROI beginnings expected.
Geopolitics and policy uncertainty elevate risks amid higher growth estimates from deregulation.
Global Growth Slows to 2.6% Weighing on Developing Economies
UNCTAD projects subdued 2.6% global growth in 2026, with developing economies at 4.2% excluding China. US growth to 1.5%, China 4.6%, Europe modest amid fiscal limits.
Geopolitical tensions fragment trade and value chains.
Value Chains Reconfigure Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Firms diversify suppliers, relocate production near markets, control more supply chains for risk management. Asia's regional value chains surge in high-tech manufacturing; South-South trade deepens.
Africa's exports over half to developing markets, boosting resilience.
Retailers Embrace AI Personalization and Supply Chain Resilience
Deloitte report: Retail execs expect revenue growth via value assortments, private labels, omnichannel AI despite slowdown. Supply chains transform with onshoring, AI tools for optimization.
Cost discipline via data pricing protects margins amid higher costs.
Geopolitics Drives Reshoring and Industrial Policy Revival
US deploys tariffs, subsidies to reshore production, secure supplies, lead in tech. Supply chains redesigned for trust over cost; regulation shapes markets.
Strategic rivalry centers economic decisions on resilience.
Cleantech Focuses on Climate Adaptation and Resilience
2026 Global Cleantech 100 emphasizes under-recognized climate adaptation amid multiplying weather events. Environmental priorities shape trade via carbon pricing, EU border mechanism from 2026.
Clean-energy markets to hit $640B/year by 2030.
Flash PMIs Signal Early 2026 Growth and Inflation Trends
January flash PMIs for US, Eurozone, UK to reveal if December slowdown persists amid geopolitics. Data to insight inflation, US tariff pass-through, labor markets.
China GDP, US/UK inflation accompany key indicators.
China Growth to Slow but Rebalance with Stimulus
China growth expected at 4.6% in 2026, more balanced via rate cuts, fiscal spending, industrial policies. Updates on production, retail, investment track rebalancing.
PMI data to confirm January trends.
80% of Firms to Boost AI Investments in 2026
Developed economy surveys show 80% planning AI investment or expansion. Google, Microsoft, Meta race for dominance in generative AI platforms.
Aging populations, low-carbon transition drive structural shifts.
Retail Supply Chains Prioritize Diversification and AI Visibility
Retailers consider onshoring, nearshoring amid trade costs; AI for inventory optimization yields quick ROI. Value-seeking consumers redefine priorities beyond price.
Omnichannel enhancements with AI personalization key.
Services Trade Robust Amid Global Fragmentation
Global trade expands unevenly; services strong in finance, digital sectors. Investment aligns with geopolitics, regulatory divergence.
Capital abundant but compliant cross-border deployment scarce.