IMF says AI investment boom cushions global growth against war-driven energy shock

The International Monetary Fund has raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%, saying that strong investment in artificial intelligence has helped cushion the world economy against an energy shock linked to ongoing conflict, according to CNBC.

The IMF's updated outlook, discussed as part of its annual meetings in Bangkok, suggests the global economy has proven more resilient than previously expected, despite continued disruptions tied to geopolitical tensions.

Fund officials pointed to sustained capital spending on AI infrastructure and technology as a key factor supporting growth, even as energy costs remained elevated due to the war's impact on supply.

The IMF cautioned, however, that risks remain, with the outlook dependent on how energy markets and geopolitical tensions evolve in the months ahead.