2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the global economy. As global inflation eases to around 3 percent for the new year, down from 4.2 percent in 2025, pressure on households and businesses is expected to ease. With prices rising at a slower rate, major economies are likely to cut interest rates, helping boost consumer spending and opening doors to new investment opportunities.
Landmark Markets has compiled information from leading industry and economic sources, highlighting key trends across technology, infrastructure, commodities, and emerging markets. Economic growth in developed regions remains modest, with the United States growing around 2 percent and the Eurozone about 1 percent. In comparison, emerging markets show stronger momentum, led by India at approximately 6.6 percent growth and Saudi Arabia at around 4 percent.
At the same time, AI investment set to exceed $1,000 billion by 2028 and government capital expenditure (CAPEX) programs focuses on energy and infrastructure.
Inflation & Interest Rates
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects global growth of 3.1 percent in 2026, up from 3.0 percent in 2025, while inflation is projected to ease to 3.6 percent from 4.2 percent.
Data tracked by Landmark Markets shows that as inflation moves closer to this range, central banks typically cut interest rates to encourage spending. Lower interest rates make bank loans cheaper, supporting consumer spending and business expansion.
AI & Technology Expansion
Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the biggest investment drivers globally. The CAPEX for this sector increase is from about $150 billion in 2023 to an expected $1,000 billion by 2028.
Reports mention that OpenAI plans over 25GW of new data-center capacity, representing more than $1,000 billion in investment, while Nvidia’s Blackwell AI chips are sold out for the next 12 months.
Infrastructure Trends
Worldwide infrastructure investment reflects a growing commitment to heavy spending on critical infrastructure and key industries. SpaceX has invested over $10 billion in building the Starlink network in Texas and Washington. McKinsey estimates that $106,000 billion in infrastructure investment will be needed globally from 2026 to 2040.
Landmark Markets reports that rising debt and inflation are pushing governments to rely more on private partnerships and models like the Regulated Asset Base (RAB). Infrastructure investment will continue, increasingly funded by both public and private capital which will be used across sectors such as construction, energy, and manufacturing.
Emerging Markets Spotlight
Emerging markets are set to drive more global growth, with India and Saudi Arabia expanding faster than developed economies, while China’s growth is expected to moderate in 2026.
The World Bank has raised India’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.5 percent, driven by strong domestic demand and a recovering rural economy, while India’s young population and vibrant startup culture as key long-term growth drivers.
Saudi Arabia’s GDP expected is to rise about 4–4.5 percent in 2026, driven by non-oil growth and Vision 2030 projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Diriyah.
According to CNBC, China’s GDP growth is expected to slow to 4.2 percent in 2026 from 4.8 percent in 2025, the World Bank says, due to weaker exports and property-sector stress.
Copper: A Key Clean-Energy Metal
Landmark Markets reports that copper is becoming critical to the clean-energy transition, with demand from EVs, renewables, and power networks expected to lift its clean-energy share from 3 percent to 16 percent by 2030, while the global copper market grows at a CAGR of 6.5 percent.
Conclusion
Improving financial conditions are setting the stage for a shift in global markets, with modest growth in developed economies increasingly overshadowed by emerging regions. Faster growth in India and Saudi Arabia reflects this shift and is shaping a new phase of global investment in 2026.
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Note: This article compiles insights from leading industry and economic sources, including news outlets, financial institutions, and market research reports such as BBC, Mastercard, Goldman Sachs, Tom Tungus, GIIA, DD News, CNBC, and Devere Group. Landmark Markets curated these insights to provide an overview of the key market themes shaping 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Readers should consult professional advisors and conduct their own market research before making any investment decisions. Landmark Markets LLC is incorporated under the laws of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and registered with the Financial Services Authority, and Landmark Capital Markets Ltd is incorporated under the laws of Saint Lucia and registered with the Saint Lucia International Financial Centre Authority. Services may be restricted in certain jurisdictions. For full T&C, visit landmarkmarkets.com.
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