Washington: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global growth forecast for 2026, lowering it from 3.1% to 3%. This adjustment is attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, persistent inflation pressures, and risks associated with trade fragmentation.

According to Anadolu Agency, the IMF's updated World Economic Outlook report, titled 'Global Economy at the Crosscurrents of War and Technology,' also notes an increase in the 2027 global growth forecast, which has been adjusted upward to 3.4% from 3.2%. The moderate slowdown in 2026 is primarily due to the Middle East conflict, although it is partially mitigated by a demand-driven boost in the global technology cycle, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence and broader technology adoption.

The IMF anticipates global headline inflation to rise to 4.7% in 2026 from 4.1% in 2025, before easing to 3.9% in 2027. This suggests a stalling in the disinflation trend. The report highlights several downside risks to the economic outlook, including potential escalation in the Middle East, trade fragmentation, and a possible correction in technology-related expectations.

The IMF has maintained its 2026 growth forecast for the United States at 2.3%, while revising the eurozone's forecast down to 0.9% from 1.1%. China's growth forecast for this year has been adjusted upward to 4.6% from 4.4%, whereas India's has been slightly lowered to 6.4% from 6.5%. For Trkiye, the IMF forecasts growth of 2.9% in 2026 and 3.6% in 2027, compared to its previous projections of 3.4% and 3.5%, respectively.