In the latest episode of The Astute Investor, LGT Wealth Management CIO Scott Haslem speaks with Stephen Halmarick, Principal and Chief Economist at Economics Unchained and former Chief Economist of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, about the macro backdrop as we enter 2026.
Stephen notes that 2025 delivered a third consecutive year of solid returns, supported by resilient global growth, central bank rate cuts and ongoing fiscal support. Looking ahead, he expects 2026 to be more challenging as major central banks approach the end of their easing cycles and markets adjust to fewer, or no, further rate cuts. Global growth is likely to be moderate – lower than in the pre‑COVID era but not recessionary – with the US holding up relatively better than Europe and the UK, and China slowing structurally but still expanding.
