[IMF Raises 2026 Global Economic Growth Forecast to 3.1%] The IMF released its latest *World Economic Outlook* report, raising the 2026 global real GDP growth rate to 3.1% (up from the July forecast of 3.0%), citing investments in artificial intelligence as mitigating the energy price shocks in major economies. The growth rate for 2027 remains at 3.4%. The report projects the global inflation rate to rise to 4.7% in 2026 and fall back to 4.1% in 2027. By region: - The United States is expected to grow by 2.3% in both 2026 and 2027. - The Eurozone's 2026 growth rate is revised upward to 1.1%. - India is forecasted to grow by 7.0% in both years. - Japan is projected to grow by 0.7% annually. The report also estimates the average crude oil price in 2026 to be $96 per barrel and notes that 32 countries currently contribute 95% of global economic growth (compared to approximately 54 countries in the April forecast).