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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Heather Stewart

Global growth is slowing to lowest level since pandemic, says World Bank

Vessels stranded in the strait of Hormuz
Vessels remain stranded in the strait of Hormuz, a major shipping channel, months after Iran began its blockade. Photograph: Reuters

Global economic growth will slow to 2.5% this year as a result of the war in the Middle East – the weakest since the Covid pandemic – as inflation and borrowing costs rise, the World Bank has warned.

The Washington-based development bank has downgraded growth forecasts for two-thirds of countries in its half-yearly Global Economic Prospects report. The bank estimated that global growth was 2.7% in 2025.

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