The IMF lowers the global economic growth forecast for 2026, citing the significant impact of Middle Eastern conflicts on the current growth momentum.

ME News Report, April 14 (UTC+8), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the latest World Economic Outlook report, lowering the global economic growth forecast for 2026 by 0.2 percentage points to 3.1%. The report states that the Middle East conflict has significantly impacted the current global economic growth momentum. If the conflict and high oil prices persist longer, this year’s global growth rate could fall to 2.5% or even lower. Under the “severe scenario” of ongoing conflict and turbulent financial markets, the growth rate could drop to 2.0%, with the global economy nearing recession. The IMF warns that in the worst case, the global economy could enter a recession. The IMF states: In the severe scenario, the average oil price in 2026 is assumed to be $110 per barrel, and $125 per barrel in 2027, compared to a baseline scenario of $82 per barrel in 2026. (Source: PANews)