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] Generative AI and smart automation could add between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion to the global economy each year, mostly by making knowledge work more productive. The AI Journal
• [New] The Italian CAP Strategic Plan makes access to subsidies conditional on participation in systems such as ClassyFarm, which monitors risk levels and antibiotic consumption on farms. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Between 2027 and 2035, WAF expects annual production to remain consistently above 500,000 ounces. / Burkina Faso Ecofin Agency
• [New] The high-speed passenger service is expected to contribute a staggering AED145 billion to the UAE's GDP over the next 50 years, supporting national economic growth, boosting tourism, and enhancing inter-emirate connectivity. GCC BUSINESS WATCH
• [New] With growing production and EoL supply of LFP, solely using EoL LFP EV batteries in second use applications is sufficient to meet the annual stationary energy storage demand in California by 2050. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Overall, 21.0 GW h of the battery production scrap (corresponding to 33.0 kt battery materials considered here) and 214.5 GW h of EoL batteries (464.6 kt battery materials) are available in 2050 as a recyclable secondary battery supply. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Because of material supply risks and the growing economic importance, both the European Union and the U.S. Department of Energy have declared lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite to be currently or potentially critical. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] For cobalt, the total demand is estimated to double to 520 kt / a by 2050 compared to global production in 2024. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Recycling of all EoL EV batteries results in GHG emission savings of about 48.3 MtCO2eq until 2050, driven by the replacement of primary raw materials in battery production. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Oil prices could top $150 per barrel if energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted through the middle of May. investing.com
• [New] If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, we could see oil prices test the $150 mark, potentially pushing the U.S. into a stagflationary recession - where inflation remains high while growth finally stalls. FinancialContent
• [New] Oil prices remain elevated following ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping disruptions, feeding into inflation expectations and keeping the Fed boxed in on the hawkish side. Capital Street FX
• [New] The U.S. economy is facing several potential risks which could impact home financing demand, including surging oil prices due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, which could drive Brent crude to $200 per barrel. Mortgage News Daily
• [New] The European Central Bank has already postponed planned rate cuts, raised its 2026 inflation forecast, and warned of the risk of stagflation for energy-intensive economies. / Vietnam investing.com
• [New] A more hospitable regulatory environment could strengthen the IPO pipeline, increase liquidity options for founders and investors, and better align U.S. markets with long-term innovation and economic growth. Carta
• [New] Mounting fiscal pressures and global economic volatility increase the risk that revenue offsets excluded from the OBBBA may return in upcoming tax policy and budget debates as lawmakers seek to address other priorities. Akin - 2026 Perspectives in Private Equity: Policy, Tra
• [New] A small, isolated hangar at Pierrelatte Airfield in France's Drome region bears the name Survey Copter, a French venture integrated into Airbus, which is expanding its facilities to prepare for a doubling of production rates by 2027. ST
• [New] Retail executives recognize the economic potential and importance of AI: 78% agree with the statement that AI will increase overall economic productivity and stimulate economic growth by 2030. valantic
• [New] By 2026, artificial intelligence will be used particularly frequently in production workflows, maintenance procedures, quality control, resource optimization, warehouse technology, and planning. bakedwith GmbH
• [New] Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health and exerts an increasing economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. PubMed
• [New] The US aviation industry is pressing the Federal Aviation Administration to extend until mid-2032 the deadline for upgrading 58,600 radio altimeters across 41,000 aircraft to withstand interference from 5G cellular signals, citing supply chain constraints and unrealistic production timelines. FlightGlobal

Last updated: 07 April 2026