Global economy shows resilience amid AI growth and energy shifts

Global economic growth has demonstrated unexpected resilience despite various headwinds. The OECD has raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.9%, noting that factors such as energy supply diversification, strategic reserves, and active responses to protectionism have mitigated risks. While some analysts attributed this performance to luck, reports suggest it is driven by policy adjustments in emerging economies and the tangible impact of artificial intelligence infrastructure on production and trade.

Looking toward the fourth quarter, global asset management firms like BlackRock and HSBC identify key variables for market stability. Artificial intelligence remains a central investment theme, though focus is shifting from general AI to bottleneck assets like semiconductors, data centers, and power grids.

Investors are also closely monitoring long-term US Treasury yields and oil prices, which influence inflation expectations and Federal Reserve policy. Additionally, gold is regaining prominence as a strategic asset for hedging against fiscal and monetary policy uncertainties and inflation.