A whirlwind of macroeconomic forces has been at play in 2025, with political turmoil and shifting monetary policy keeping analysts on their toes. After a post-pandemic boom in 2021 and a subsequent slowdown, this year has been marked by trade wars, tariff threats, and falling interest rates.
Forces like artificial intelligence and improved financial conditions are set to boost global growth in the coming years, according to the OECD. Even so, risks to output remain — including the weakening of labour markets. Growth estimates also vary widely between countries as the global order shifts, with changes notably linked to tech developments and resource dominance — among other factors.
