Chief Economists' Outlook May 2026 Insight Report

The Chief Economists' Outlook May 2026 is an insight report that summarizes the findings from consultations and surveys conducted with leading chief economists by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society. The report outlines a deteriorating sentiment regarding global economic prospects, with 89% of surveyed economists expecting a weakening in global growth over the next 12 months, largely due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Middle East. Inflationary pressures are anticipated to rise, with 94% of respondents predicting higher global inflation driven by energy and food prices. The report also discusses the uneven adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on productivity. Regional economic outlooks are presented, highlighting divergent growth expectations across the US, India, China, Europe, and other regions. The report concludes with insights into multinational companies reassessing their strategies in response to the evolving economic landscape.