Centre for the New Economy and SocietyChief Economists’ OutlookI N S I G H T R E P O R TS E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6Images: Getty Images, UnsplashDisclaimer Generative AI tools were used to support aspects of drafting after analysis was completed. All outputs were independently reviewed, verified and approved by the authors. This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders.© 2026 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Executive summary1 Disruption and resiliencePast and future resilienceAI acceleration, backlash and competition2 The cost-of-living outlookRising costs and real incomesGovernment trade-offs3 Trade, investment and regional growthTrade and investment flowsRegional growth prospectsGlobal data: August 2026ContributorsEndnotes45611141416171720273134ContentsChief Economists’ Outlook September2September 2026Chief Economists’ OutlookThis briefing builds on the latest policy development research as well as consultations and surveys with leading chief economists from both the public and private sectors, organized by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society.It aims to summarize the emerging contours of the current economic environment and identify priorities for further action by policy-makers and business leaders in response to the compounding shocks to the global economy from geoeconomic, geopolitical and technological developments.The survey featured in this briefing was conducted from 4 to 20 August 2026.Chief Economists’ Outlook September3Executive summaryIn the September 2026 edition, the outlook for the global economy is stabilizing. Although 45% of surveyed chief economists still expect conditions to weaken over the next 12 months, down from 89% in May, a majority of 56% now anticipate an unchanged or stronger outlook. Inflation expectations have also moderated: 50% expect global inflation to rise, compared with 94% in May.The global economy’s resilience through successive shocks has rested on policy support and adaptation. Fiscal support is the most frequently cited source since 2020, at 69%, followed by economic diversification and flexible supply chains. Yet only 25% of surveyed chief economists expect the global economy to become more resilient in the next 12 months. Geopolitical conflicts are the leading source of uncertainty, selected by 97%, followed by asset price ...
