IMF Cuts 2026 Global Growth to 3.1%, Inflation to 4.4% on Middle East Oil Shock

IMF forecasts global growth slowing to 3.1% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, down 0.2-0.3 points from pre-conflict estimates, with headline inflation rising to 4.4% due to 19% energy price surge. S&P Global slashed its 2026 world GDP forecast to 2.4%, weakest since 2009 excluding 2020, blaming high energy costs and delayed rate cuts. Emerging markets face sharpest hit at 3.9% growth.