Our Scans · (LF.8) Decent Work and Growth · Weekly Summary

• [New] Amid weak productivity growth and persistent economic uncertainty, the UK government will have to strike a delicate balance between fiscal discipline and the long-term need for green investment. London Business School
• [New] Analysts expect U.S. growth to slow to about 1.6% in 2026, with inflation easing toward 3% and unemployment rising slightly to 4.5%. Paychex
• [New] Experts anticipate a turnaround in 2026, with improved fundamentals and GDP growth expected to attract net FII inflows. Economic Times
• [New] In 2026, AI's greatest opportunity lies in automating time-consuming managerial work, sharing the right data at the right time, and reducing cognitive burden. Chief Healthcare Executive
• [New] In 2026, the Gulf Cooperation Council region will continue to be a hub for medical tourism, with several high-profile events that emphasize healthcare innovation, regional cooperation, and sustainable growth. Travel And Tour World
• [New] India's opportunity now lies in strengthening the transition from early-stage ventures to high-growth, globally competitive enterprises. ET Edge Insights
• [New] The mobile wallet industry is projected to experience explosive growth through 2026 and beyond, driven by increasing smartphone adoption, digital payment penetration, and consumer demand for convenient financial services. NASSCOM | The Official Community of Indian IT Industry
• [New] Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest rate of growth during the forecast period. Precedence Research
• [New] AI sectors show quadrupled productivity gains but face valuation risks as $520 B hyperscaler investments drive 9% S&P 500 earnings growth. Ainvest
• [New] AI investment, and fiscal and monetary easing will drive US growth in 2026, but at the cost of rising budget and trade deficits and inflation. Counterfire
• [New] There is a huge opportunity if we can help UK SMEs adopt AI in a way that drives productivity and growth. The Times
• [New] Among the large so-called developing economies, India will be growing the fastest at around 6% a year (a slight moderation on previous years), while China will still manage real GDP growth not far short of 5%, despite talk of overcapacity in industry and underconsumption. Counterfire
• [New] Europe's hopes of a return to growth in 2026 now depend on Germany's €1 tn debt funded spending drive on infrastructure and defence - a douse of military Keynesianism. Counterfire
• [New] Eurozone growth is expected to slow by 0.2 percentage points next year to 1.2% in 2026. Counterfire
• [New] China is expected to maintain its growth target at around 5%, while U.S. expansion should be broadly in line with in 2026. Funds Society
• [New] Work is scheduled to start in 2026 on the New Gen A & B Concourses, a $650 million investment that will double gate capacity with larger, brighter, more efficient spaces. Meetings Today
• [New] In a bullish scenario, Bitcoin could climb to $100,000 by Q2 2026, fueled by institutional adoption and potential regulatory clarity in key markets like the U.S. Ethereum might hit $4,000 if DeFi and NFT growth accelerate. Interactive Crypto
• [New] Analyst targets, as seen in financial news, project Nokia's growth tied to AI demand, potentially doubling revenue in key segments by 2030. WebProNews
• [New] Web searches reveal ongoing developments, with Nokia announcing integrations that could support explosive growth in mobile AI traffic. WebProNews
• As markets enter 2026 amid uncertainty, hybrid mutual funds offer a balanced, disciplined approach to portfolio construction by blending equity growth with debt stability, helping investors navigate volatility and stay aligned with long-term goals. Economic Times
• Scorpio X, Leo, and Aries product ramps, plus hyperscaler partnerships, create multiple growth engines and significant revenue inflection potential from 2025 onward. Seeking Alpha
• Successful nuclear expansion could increase nuclear's share of electricity generation from 10% to potentially 20-25% by 2030, providing baseload capacity for continued economic growth and technology sector expansion. Discovery Alert

Last updated: 05 January 2026