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IMF Makes Adverse Outlook Its Base Case as Oil Shock Deepens

The move signals weaker growth with sticky inflation risk under prolonged Middle East supply strains.

Overview

  • The IMF shifted Monday to treat its adverse scenario as the base case, saying its short‑conflict forecast no longer applies.
  • Kristalina Georgieva warned that a war stretching into 2027 with oil near $125 a barrel would bring a much worse outcome.
  • She said inflation is rising and long‑run expectations remain anchored for now.
  • The Fund’s scenarios point to global growth near 2.5% in 2026 with 5.4% inflation under its adverse path, and 2.0% growth with 5.8% inflation in a severe case.
  • Prolonged high energy costs would squeeze oil-importing emerging markets with heavy dollar debt by lifting fuel bills and raising borrowing costs.