Chief Economists Outlook January 2026

Images: Getty Images, Unsplash Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. © 2026 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Executive summary 1 Economic risks outlook Asset valuations Debt and spending 2 Growth, policy and geoeconomic outlook Trade and investment outlook Regional growth and policy expectations 3 AI adoption outlook Regional adoption Industry adoption Firm-level adoption Contributors Endnotes4 5 6 8 13 13 15 21 21 22 24 26 29Contents Chief Economists’ Outlook January 2