Archive · 23 Sep 2025
WEF: Global Growth Slowing, Debt Risks Rising in Advanced Economies
Imagine the world's economy is a big group of people, some doing well and others not so much.
Experts, called chief economists, say that overall, things will slow down.
The group is split, with some doing better and some struggling.
Rich countries have borrowed a lot of money, and now they worry about paying it back.
Trade between countries is messy and unpredictable.
Some parts of the world, like China and emerging regions, might still grow faster.
Overall, everyone agrees things are changing and that these changes will stick around for a while.
72% of chief economists predict weakening global growth in the next year.
Debt risks are expected to escalate in advanced economies, according to 80% of respondents.
Emerging markets are seen as key drivers of global growth, in contrast to advanced economies.
Trade disruption is rated as "very high", impacting global value chains.
Economists anticipate a divergence in growth trajectories between advanced and developing economies.
- Who
- Chief economists surveyed by the World Economic Forum
- What
- Shared outlook on global economic trends.
- When
- Over the next year and beyond.
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on advanced and emerging economies.
- Why
- To analyze the economic landscape and forecast future trends.
Advanced Economies
Emerging Markets
Growth Expectations
Advanced Economies
Stagnant or weak growth.
Emerging Markets
Strong or very strong growth in regions like MENA, South Asia, and East Asia.
Primary Concern
Advanced Economies
Fiscal vulnerabilities and debt risks.
Emerging Markets
Resilience and opportunities for growth.
- Chief Economists Expecting Weaker Growth
- 72%
- Debt Risk Increase in Advanced Economies
- 80% of economists
- Top Growth Inhibitor for Advanced Economies
- Fiscal vulnerabilities
- Trade Environment Disruption Level
- Very high
- Expectation of Divergent Growth Trajectories
- 56% of economists