IMF warns of trade tension risk to global growth

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete January 19, 2026 at 12:04 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that trade tensions and a potential reversal of the AI boom pose risks to global economic growth. In its latest world economic outlook, the IMF projects global growth to reach 3.3% this year, up from a previous forecast of 3.1%, before slowing to 3.2% in 2027. While the IMF acknowledges that trade disruptions, including tariffs, have slowed global activity, other factors have offset these effects. The report highlights that investments in technology, particularly AI, have contributed to global economic growth. However, the IMF cautions that over-optimistic expectations about AI growth could trigger a market correction, impacting wealth and potentially leading to reduced consumption and investment. The IMF also emphasized the importance of central bank independence for global economic stability.

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BBC 30% Greenland 40% European countries 50% Pierre Olivier Gourinchas ×260% Donald Trump ×270% International Monetary Fund ×690%

Keywords

global economic growth 100% trade tensions 90% artificial intelligence 80% imf 70% economic outlook 60% central banks 50% market correction 50% tariffs 40%