Latest Industry Trends News
Global GDP Growth Forecast Rises to 2.9% for 2026
S&P Global raised its 2026 global real GDP growth forecast to 2.9%, matching 2025, driven by stronger US and India projections amid resilient momentum from January PMI data. Manufacturing new orders expanded at the fastest rate in nearly a year, though geopolitical trade concerns persist.
Eurozone growth edged up, supported by Germany.
WiseTech Global Cuts 2,000 Jobs for AI Integration
WiseTech Global announced a two-year restructuring, slashing 29% of its workforce including up to 50% in its U.S. E2open division, to deepen AI in operations and CargoWise software handling 75% of global customs data. This follows a 68% share price drop since late 2024 amid leadership issues.
The move aims to boost investor confidence in AI-driven efficiency.
Supply Chains Shift to Connected Execution and Decision Intelligence
69% of leaders face data quality issues, pushing toward modular architectures for real-time visibility and 'connected execution' per Supply Chain Execution Readiness Report. Avantor and Aera Technology showcased Decision Intelligence at ARC Forum, automating decisions like stock rebalancing amid disruptions.
This operationalizes AI for efficiency gains.
Trump Raises Global Tariffs to 15% After Supreme Court Ruling
Markets fell on renewed trade worries as Trump hiked global tariffs to 15% following a Supreme Court ruling against prior tariffs affecting 60% of revenue collected. The decision impacts equities, crypto, and commodities.
Trade turmoil reconfigures economies, creating industry winners and losers.
F&B Giants Divest Units Amid Inflationary Pressures
IFF put its Food Ingredients segment up for sale, while dsm-firmenich sold Animal Nutrition & Health business amid earnings pressure from inflation and supply disruptions. Companies face rising energy costs and global headwinds.
Portfolio reshaping accelerates innovation in chocolate and proteins.
Cocoa Crisis Spurs Cultivated Cacao Investments
Barry Callebaut released a post-crisis chocolate trends report, committing €250M to upgrade its largest factory and launching an AI center in Singapore. Cargill and Puratos invested in cultivated cacao for commercial use.
This addresses ongoing cocoa supply shocks.
EU Fertilizer Restrictions from Russia Threaten Food Prices
EU curbs on Russian fertilizer imports collapsed volumes by over 80%, risking a repeat of 2022 price shocks impacting palm oil and edible oils. Farm groups warn of global fertilizer crisis.
Agricultural supply shocks intensify with US beef prices surging from smallest cattle herd in 75 years.
India Gold Imports Hit Record High Amid Diversification
India reported record 2025 gold imports, with robust demand from investors and central banks hedging risks and diversifying from U.S. Dollar assets. Physical accumulation signals strong global trend.
This reflects broader de-dollarization efforts.
Capital-Heavy Assets Outperform in AI-Driven Markets
Heavy assets with low obsolescence (HALO effect) in materials, energy, utilities outperform capital-light SaaS amid AI capex surge by Nvidia, Meta, Alphabet. Software bubble bursts as AI shifts dynamics.
Trend expected to accelerate.
Smartphone Shipments Face Biggest Decline Ever in 2026
Global smartphone market set for record shipment drop to over-a-decade low due to surging memory prices, per IDC. Decline poised to be the largest ever recorded.
This impacts consumer electronics industry amid cost pressures.
Canadian Banks Report Strong 2026 Earnings Start
BMO, National Bank, and Scotiabank posted YoY profit rises, with Scotiabank doubling earnings beats driven by international and wealth management growth. Leadership calls 2026 a strong start across units.
Signals banking sector resilience.
Ingredion Thrives on Texture Innovation Despite Sweetener Slump
Ingredion hit record EPS of $11.18 despite 3% net sales drop to $7.2B, as texture and clean label portfolios outperformed weakening beverage sweetener demand. Production setbacks hit North America.
Focus shifts to high-growth areas.