Economic growth trends face pressure from inflation and uneven distribution

Recent economic data highlights a disconnect between aggregate growth and the financial health of individual businesses. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global economic growth of 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, noting resilience despite geopolitical tensions and energy costs. However, much of this dynamism is driven by technological investment and artificial intelligence, which may concentrate wealth in specific sectors and countries while leaving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with narrowing margins.

In Spain, the National Statistics Institute (INE) reported that inflation reached 4.9% year-on-year in September, a rise from August. Critics of current economic policy argue that while aggregate figures may show growth, the GDP per capita and productivity per worker remain stagnant or declining, suggesting that economic expansion is not translating into improved living standards or widespread corporate profitability.