Forward-looking macroeconomic and geopolitical insights and trends

AI-enabled foresight to help you anticipate change and understand how major global economic and geopolitical shifts impact your strategic planning.

Overview

We provide strategic advice and insights to C-suite executives on economic and geopolitical developments given the uncertain external environment businesses operate in. Our goal is to translate complicated trends into simple pragmatic recommendations for our clients, supporting companies with corporate strategy development, scenario planning and wargaming. With hubs in the US, Europe and Asia, we work across a wide range of industries, helping businesses find growth and strengthen resilience in response to a changing world.

77%

of CXOs expect the economy to improve in the next 12 months.

89%

of CEOs plan to increase technology spending as a percentage of revenue in the next 12 months.

72%

of CFOs are concerned about inflation.

Monthly briefs

Economic insights for executives, boards and investors.

October Macro Brief: Navigating two-speed economies

Growth remains soft but stable, powered by AI-led and export sectors while traditional industries struggle. Inflation and uneven recovery are creating a “two-speed” dynamic that hides underlying weaknesses. AI investment is boosting productivity in select areas, widening performance gaps across sectors and pressing others to accelerate transformation to stay competitive.

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US tariffs are at their highest in a century, with reciprocal rates of 10-41% and sector tariffs of 25-50%. These measures could cut US GDP by at least 1% and add $2,400 in annual household costs, while heavily pressuring import-intensive sectors. Companies must strengthen resilience and adapt to a more fragmented global trade landscape.

Global growth is slowing amid tariffs, fiscal reform, and weaker demand. Targeted government spending boosts green tech, defense and digital sectors, but rising deficits and policy risks require disciplined capital allocation and regional agility.

Tariff uncertainty and policy volatility weigh on the global economy. Businesses must prepare for shifting demand and supply disruptions amid deteriorating sentiment and uneven regional outlooks.

Elevated tariff uncertainty and persistent policy volatility continue to weigh on the global economy. While activity and spending reflect frontloading and caution, sentiment is deteriorating. With uneven regional outlooks, businesses must prepare for shifting demand and supply disruptions.

The US faces its highest tariff rates in over a century, straining trade and key sectors. Despite signs of easing, uncertainty persists. Businesses should focus on financial resilience and scenario planning to navigate ongoing volatility.

Geopolitical tensions and economic shifts are reshaping AI, with trade, policy, and supply chain pressures creating uncertainty. Global powers race for AI leadership, pushing businesses to adapt to changing rules and investments.

In the spotlight

Explore our industry trends, data analysis and strategic recommendations in these special reports.

Global Economic Futures: Productivity in 2030

The World Economic Forum and Accenture present Global Economic Futures, a series of publications exploring key trends, vulnerabilities, and opportunities shaping the global economy. The first edition, Productivity in 2030, examines the interplay between technology and human capital, offering four scenarios that highlight the future of productivity and its implications for growth.

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The global economy is entering a new era where supply scarcity drives outcomes. This Great Supply Squeeze will bring challenges but also opportunities for companies that adapt, offering a chance to gain a competitive edge in the new normal.

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Activist campaigns might be aiming for long-term value, but their tactics can disrupt businesses. To protect their companies from being targets, management teams should proactively address vulnerabilities.

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25%

In 2022, a quarter of S&P 500 firms had an activist in the shareholder register.

Carbon reduction is key globally, driven by various pressures and complex climate economics. Carbon markets, especially growing voluntary ones, are vital for net zero goals, requiring companies to manage their carbon exposure effectively.

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34%

of the Accenture Global 2000 companies, which consists of the world’s largest companies by revenue, have publicly stated net zero targets, and that share is increasing rapidly.

In 2022, consumer spending stayed resilient despite high living costs, using pandemic savings and budgeting strategies. However, persistent inflation and economic uncertainties in 2023 may significantly slow spending, impacting businesses.

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1.3

percentage points. US households showed increasing caution and raised their savings rate in late 2022.

How we work

Executive leadership and board briefings

Brief Boards and Executive teams on the evolving external environment and what it means for strategic planning.

Growth & market entry

Complement go-to-market strategies with assessment of macroeconomic trends in specific regions and/or industries to support long-term sustainable growth.

Economic impact assessments

Quantify the value of major capital projects and investment initiatives, accounting for economic, social and environmental benefits.

Scenario planning and wargaming

AI-enabled scenario planning and facilitation of table-top wargaming exercises which support strategic planning.

Foresight monitoring

Real-time monitoring of the external environment, including economic, consumer, technological and geopolitical developments, leveraging AI-enabled agents and techniques.