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

• [New] Recent US restrictions on some AI models demonstrate the risks of relying on allies for access to technologies vital for economic growth and national security. UKAuthority
• [New] Europe will witness steady growth over the forecast period, with a share of nearly 14.7% globally in 2026, as organizations are focusing on energy efficiency, decarbonization, and regulatory compliance rather than only reducing utility costs. Persistence Market Research
• [New] We expect mineral and metal production growth in most markets in the Asia-Pacific region to continue, although the lower price outlook for some major commodities, including iron ore, will weigh on mining value growth in 2026. Fitch Solutions
• [New] Subdued investment and limited fiscal space are weighing heavily on economic activity, raising the possibility that the global economy could settle into a trajectory of persistently slower growth than was observed in the pre-pandemic era. UN Forecasts Subdued Global Growth of 2.7% in 2026 Amid
• [New] The UN predicts 2026 global growth at 2.7%, remaining below pre-pandemic levels. UN Forecasts Subdued Global Growth of 2.7% in 2026 Amid
• [New] U.S. federal deficits are widening even during economic growth, with CBO projecting $3.1 T deficits (6.7% of GDP) by 2034, far above historical norms. Seeking Alpha
• [New] Goldman Sachs expects another strong reporting season for US technology companies, forecasting that AI-related businesses will account for the majority of earnings growth across the S&P 500. City AM
• [New] Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon will report earnings over the next two weeks as investors look for evidence that years of record spending on AI are beginning to generate stronger revenue growth. City AM
• [New] 65% of global construction growth for the next decade will happen in emerging markets. Shaping Tomorrow
• [New] Peptide-drug conjugates are especially notable, combining selective receptor binding with targeted delivery, and one analysis projects roughly 20% annual growth through 2035. Doctor NHS
• [New] Metabolic medicine is likely to provide the largest single contribution to growth through 2035. Doctor NHS
• [New] The Middle East & Africa leads growth at 9.13% CAGR to 2031. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] We now expect real GDP growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council to contract by 0.8% in 2026 (April: +1.9%; pre-conflict: +4.9%), with greater hits to output in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain but growth in Oman and Saudi Arabia, and nearly flat growth in the UAE. Fitch Solutions
• [New] U.S. real GDP growth is forecast at 2.2% for 2026 and 2.2% for 2027, with nominal GDP growth projected at 5.8% and 4.7% respectively - revised upwards from prior estimates. Ventura Wealth Management
• [New] China's economy is expected to expand by around 4.5% -4.7% in 2026, with growth continuing to be driven by external demand and advanced manufacturing. Ventura Wealth Management
• [New] IT spending in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is projected to hit 169 billion dollars in 2026, with data center systems identified as the fastest-growing segment at an estimated 37.3% growth, driven largely by the need for generative AI, machine learning, and optimised infrastructure. ETCIOEMEA
• [New] The next phase of the work in the US financial system will be defined by tighter integration between model risk teams, fair lending teams, and ethics committees, supported by better tooling for fairness testing and clearer customer disclosures. TechBullion
• [New] Emerging and high-growth economies are expected to account for around 80% of the rise in global electricity demand by 2030 [IEA], driven by energy security needs and industrial expansion. Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2026
• [New] Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, driven by rising luxury spending, expanding marina infrastructure, and increasing demand for yacht transportation services across emerging economies. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Fastest-growing Application: Substance use disorder management is forecast to record the fastest growth, driven by U.S. opioid crisis response funding and rising payer acceptance of app-based relapse prevention protocols. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Increased exports driven by global demand for artificial intelligence will be a primary factor in South Korea's economic growth for 2026 and next. SBS News
• [New] Asia-Pacific is projected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by rapid digitalization, a large technology-savvy population, expanding e-commerce ecosystems, and increasing investments in AI, IoT, and smart city initiatives. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Regional Leadership: North America is poised to dominate with an estimated 38% share in 2026, while Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth through 2033, led by rapid digitalization across China, India, and ASEAN economies. Persistence Market Research

Last updated: 20 July 2026