Nordic Outlook - highlights
Our macroeconomic flagship report Nordic Outlook contains our economists' views on economic developments in the world. You will find key forecasts as well as an analysis of trends and political decisions that affect the world economy.
Growth in 2025 showed surprising resilience to tariffs and political uncertainty, but outlook is challenged by constant new moves and threats from the White House. We believe that growth will hold up and that global GDP will grow by just over 3 per cent in 2026 and 2027, as rising household income and investment – in defence and AI – lend support. Rapid structural shifts in the economy and political tensions both within and between countries are placing heightened demands on policy-makers. Fiscal policy is supportive despite high debt. The Fed continues to cut rates while several central banks such as the ECB and the Riksbank stay on hold.
Global growth is slowing down, albeit with positive growth surprises, chiefly in the US. World GDP increases by 3 per cent annually and the risks are still slightly higher on the downside than on the upside. The trade agreements of the summer and autumn give high tariffs, yet nonetheless lower than feared. While having trade agreements in place curbs the uncertainty, there is still an unpredictability subduing economic activity. At the same time, companies and households are showing resilience. Fiscal and monetary policy, and expansionary financial conditions, lend support – but also create risks. The ECB is hesitant while the Fed continues its rate cuts, despite temporarily high inflation, buoying equities.