The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) unveiled its latest economic forecast in September, painting a mixed picture for global economic prospects. While the world economy is expected to see growth of 3% this year, an improvement from the earlier projection of 2.7% made in June, the OECD has simultaneously revised downward its forecast for global economic growth in 2024 to 2.7% from the previous estimate of 2.9%.
The OECD’s report highlights that the global economy exhibited a stronger performance in the first half of this year than initially anticipated. However, it also underscores that the outlook for global economic growth remains somewhat fragile. The influence of monetary policies has become more pronounced, and the recovery of the Chinese economy has been less robust than expected. Consequently, the projection for next year’s economic expansion is lower compared to this year.
A significant aspect highlighted in the report is that while overall inflation rates have moderated, core inflation remains persistently high. This phenomenon is attributed to factors within the service sector and the relatively tight labor market. Additionally, the global economy remains exposed to various risk factors, including the possibility of sustained high inflation and potential disruptions in energy and food markets.
The report underscores that a more pronounced slowdown in China’s economic growth could exert additional downward pressure on global economic expansion. The issue of mounting public debt continues to be a concern in several countries, reflecting the financial challenges faced by governments.
In terms of specific regions, the OECD’s projections suggest that the G20 economies will grow by 1.5% this year before decelerating to 1.2% in 2024. Meanwhile, the Eurozone is anticipated to experience growth of 0.6% this year, followed by an upturn to 1.1% in 2024.
For individual countries, the OECD forecasts a growth rate of 2.2% for the U.S. economy in 2023, with a subsequent slowdown to 1.3% in 2024. China is expected to achieve growth of 5.1% in 2023, tapering off to 4.6% in 2024. India’s economy is projected to expand by 6.3% this year, with a slight deceleration to 6.0% in 2024.
These economic projections by the OECD illustrate the dynamic and uncertain nature of the global economy, influenced by a multitude of factors. As countries navigate the evolving economic landscape, monitoring these forecasts can offer valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and investors alike.