# IMF Raises 2026 Global Growth Forecast to 3.1% on AI Investment

By Enna Lee

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/investing/30745
Published: 2026-10-13T02:48:19.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-13T02:48:19.000Z
Section: Investing

> The IMF kept its 2027 growth forecast at 3.4% but warned that weaker-than-expected AI productivity could weigh on U.S. equities and global output.

The International Monetary Fund raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% from 3%, saying strong AI-related investment has helped offset the economic damage from the Middle East war and trade tensions.

The IMF held its 2027 growth forecast at 3.4%, below the 3.5% expansion projected for last year. It expects the U.S. economy to grow 2.3% in both 2026 and 2027, supported by consumer spending, fiscal policy and technology investment.

Growth is becoming more concentrated. The IMF said 32 economies now account for 95% of global growth, down from 54 economies in April. Taiwan is projected to expand 10.7% this year, while South Korea’s growth is forecast at 3.3%, helped by semiconductor demand.

The IMF raised its 2027 global inflation forecast to 4.1% from 3.9% while leaving its 2026 forecast at 4.7%. It expects the Strait of Hormuz to reopen in March 2027 and return to prewar conditions by October.

The fund also warned that AI investment has increased demand for semiconductors, data centers and power before broad productivity gains have emerged. If those gains fail to materialize, U.S. equities could fall 20%, with global output in 2028 running 1.1% below the baseline forecast.