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] The aggregation of distributed energy resources including solar, batteries, EVs, and smart devices into Virtual Power Plants is a key trend, enabled by regulatory advancements such as FERC Order 2222. Straits Research
• [New] As Argentina seeks to accumulate greater foreign reserves and build credibility, exchange rate policy will remain closely watched by external creditors, foreign trade operators, and financial markets as an indicator of continuity of the broader economic reforms and political stability. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• [New] We hold a pessimistic outlook for the Botswana consumer over 2026 and 2027, forecasting real household spending to contract as diamond sector weakness dampens economic activity and a renewed inflationary uptick, driven by the US-Iran conflict, erodes consumer purchasing power. Fitch Solutions
• [New] The Circular Economy for Plastics proposed a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation effective as of 2025 (Regulation 2025/40, 2024) that requires all packaging (including plastic) to be recyclable or reusable by 2030, and to set recycled content targets for plastics. Scientific Advice Mechanism
• [New] Energy is among the EU's focal points, as the EU aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and increase renewable energy sources to 42.5% of total energy consumption (European Commission, n. d. - d). Scientific Advice Mechanism
• [New] In 2026, the pace of change is relentless-driven by disruptive technologies, fluctuating economies, shifting customer expectations, and global uncertainties. Copex Training
• [New] QNB has launched live account-information and payment-initiation APIs, with the framework expected to extend into Islamic finance, insurance, and wealth management verticals through 2028. / Qatar MENA Advisory
• [New] AI coding costs in particular will exceed the average developer salary by 2028, driven by rising large language model token consumption and the shift to consumption-based licensing. The Ohio Society of CPAs
• [New] Macro conditions are easing with oil prices dropping on Iran diplomacy, which might support consumer spending on Amazon's retail side. Heatmup
• [New] Venezuela will keep ownership of its natural resources while leveraging capital, technology and operational expertise to support the recovery of a strategic industry that has been severely affected by sanctions. Al Jazeera
• [New] The historic deal with Washington to hand over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil will last 25 years and allow Venezuela to develop its oil industry while preserving ownership of and sovereignty of its resources. Al Jazeera
• [New] Should inflation prove persistent and rate cut expectations be scaled back, US yields could rise further. DJE Kapital AG
• [New] According to USDA projections analyzed by Reuters, world corn usage is expected to surpass production by about 1.8%, marking the largest supply deficit in 16 years. AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
• [New] Global corn consumption is projected to exceed production during the 2026-27 marketing year, raising concerns about the shrinking margin in world grain supplies. AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
• [New] Right now, the US and global economies are in a period of transition between two innovation eras: the IT boom's productivity tailwind is largely spent, and AI's potential is budding. investing.com
• [New] Memory demand is outpacing supply, with HBM and DRAM prices likely to remain elevated through at least 2027 as AI infrastructure expands. Seeking Alpha
• [New] If Suriname can combine its new petroleum wealth with accessible digital finance, stronger institutions and modern payment infrastructure, fintech could help ensure that the coming boom reaches considerably further than the offshore platforms where it begins. The Fintech Times
• [New] GranMorgu is expected to begin production in 2028, potentially transforming government revenues and the wider economy. / Suriname The Fintech Times
• [New] The Class 8 truck forecast for 2027 is supported by stronger freight economics, constrained capacity, pent-up replacement needs, and regulatory planning. ACT Research
• [New] Global economic activity is expected to remain robust in 2026, supported by accommodative financial conditions, additional fiscal stimulus, strong artificial intelligence related capital expenditure, and an improved corporate earnings outlook. Lion Global Investors | Official Site
• [New] XP expects oil export prices to rise 22% in 2026, alongside a 7% increase in volumes, taking oil exports to $58 billion this year. valorinternational
• [New] By 2026, over 80% of enterprises will have used generative AI APIs or models in production environment. Site Title
• [New] Rystad Energy estimates Russia's spare production capacity, defined as barrels that could return quickly if all constraints were lifted, at around 620,000 bpd in 2026, rising modestly to 700,000 bpd in 2027. Rystad Energy

Last updated: 01 September 2026