GeopoliticsHighReportedAccelerating
9.4
IMF: Middle East, Central Asia GDP to shrink in 2026 as US-Israel-Iran war hits oil states
Al Jazeera·IQ · BH · KW·about 2 hours ago
The IMF projects eurozone growth of 1.1% in 2026 and 1.2% in 2027, citing Russia's war in Ukraine and Middle East conflict as drivers of higher energy costs and prolonged inflation. The forecast signals a downward revision from prior estimates, with risks to Gulf economies and a noted dependence of global trade on AI. This matters as it reinforces stagflationary pressures in Europe, potentially influencing ECB policy and market pricing.