Macro forecasts for 2026 share a common theme: growth remains reasonably solid, inflation is still proving sticky, and interest rates may stay above the ultra-low levels investors became used to in the decade after the global financial crisis. Some research suggests inflation could even surprise to the upside by the end of 2026, reflecting looser fiscal policy, tight labor markets and the lingering effects of tariffs.
For investors, the challenge is to navigate an environment where cash yields are attractive, bond yields offer real income and equities may still perform well, but with more macro noise than many would prefer.