Global Scans · Economy · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: The global economy still faces serious headwinds and political uncertainty potentially balanced by the enormous promise of technological advancements in many fields. Read on to get a solid handle on the opportunities and risks you and your organization may likely face and set your sails accordingly.

• [New] By 2030, Sarawak Metro hopes to hit 240,000 tonnes of hydrogen production annually - a bold target that could back a huge fleet of fuel cell buses and maybe even green exports. Hydrogen Fuel News
• [New] With global energy consumption expected to rise by nearly 50% by 2050 - requiring cumulative investments exceeding US$ 275 trillion - the event gains greater importance. tradearabia
• [New] Emerging economies are grappling with an annual shortfall of USD 3.7 trillion in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) finance required to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Financial Express
• [New] Shadow IT Explosion: By 2028, 40% of new production software will be created using vibe coding techniques by non-technical staff. Baytech Consulting
• [New] The projected 5.1% rise outpaces the expected 3.1% expansion of the global economy, underscoring the continued strategic importance of media investment despite ongoing macroeconomic volatility. Marketing-Interactive
• [New] The global space economy is on track to surpass $1 trillion by 2035. Mirage News
• [New] The $400 billion in AI capital expenditure projected for 2025 is not just hopeful spending - it is a structural realignment of the global economy. FinancialContent
• [New] The US economy is forecast to grow by 2% in 2025, down from 2.8% in 2024. The Guardian
• [New] Bitcoin may still target $150,000, though risks remain should regulatory or economic shocks materialise. investing.com
• [New] The 2026 NDAA authorized 900.6 billion US dollars in defence spending for fiscal year 2026. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] The APAC region is expected to experience the fastest growth, driven by Japan's early leadership in hydrogen water technology, rising urbanization, and increasing disposable income across emerging economies. openpr
• [New] Canada's provinces are expected to experience uneven economic growth in 2026, due to unresolved trade disputes and other regional challenges. BDC.ca
• [New] Looking ahead, we expect oil prices to remain low in 2026, fluctuating between US$55 and US$63 per barrel, far below the levels of previous years, due to persistent oversupply and moderate demand. BDC.ca
• [New] As the friction for agent-to-agent interaction disappears, the global economy will likely move toward a model of automated commerce, where agents autonomously negotiate and execute transactions on behalf of their human users. The Median: A Data & AI Newsletter
• [New] Asia Pacific's economic stability and rising salary budgets present both opportunities and challenges for HR leaders. WTW
• [New] The economic outlook across Asia Pacific for 2026 remains stable, with GDP projected to grow by 3.6% and outpacing inflation, which is 2%. WTW
• [New] Most Canadian employers plan to keep salary increases at 2025 levels in 2026, signalling a cautious approach to compensation even as they brace for economic headwinds. Benefits and Pensions Monitor
• [New] Coal consumption is expected to fall in 2026 as electric power generation from renewable sources increases. EIA - Energy Information Administration
• [New] Humanity faces the dual challenge of ensuring food security for a projected population of 10 billion by 2050, requiring a 70% increase in food production, while addressing the needs of over 735 million people currently experiencing hunger. PortfoPal
• [New] Sustainable biofuels will be a central focus at COP 30 and called for a pledge to quadruple production by 2035. Winssolutions - World Innovative Sustainable Solutions
• [New] US Chip Revolution - NVIDIA and TSMC introduce the first U.S.-made Blackwell chip wafer at TSMC's Arizona facility, marking a pivotal step in boosting domestic semiconductor production and reducing geopolitical risks. The Tech Buzz

Last updated: 23 December 2025