Our investment Outlook 2026 Positioning for a global equilibrium shift

The global economy is shifting gear. For investors, 2026 does not mark a return to normal but instead, the need to adapt to navigate a new set of powerful themes. 
 

Key themes shaping 2026:

  • While energy remains a long-term investment story, three main investment themes are  moving to the forefront in 2026: water scarcity, AI infrastructure and digital assets
  • Standard business-cycle indicators are no longer reliable as outcomes for growth and markets now hinge on fiscal policy, geopolitics and technology
  • We are entering a new era of globalisation, but the world remains deeply interconnected

Read more in our annual Outlook.

Outlook 2026

Discover the key themes that we will be monitoring this year 

Read our Outlook 2026

Macroeconomic outlook At a glance

2026 is anticipated to be a year defined by change and momentum. Our outlook for the year is optimistic, shaped by the trends we believe will make the biggest impact.

Our key themes to watch in 2026 are as follows:

A new wave of investment

Nationalistic industrial policies and renewed fiscal spending should drive a new capex cycle, benefitting diverse industries. 

Accelerated growth

Outside the UK, advanced economies look set to regain momentum, as trade uncertainty recedes and lower interest rates feed through.

Technology and AI breakthroughs

Labour markets remain tight, encouraging investment in technology and AI to boost productivity.

Stable inflation

Inflation is mostly settled, although the US may see continued pressures as tariff effects and policy changes filter through. 

Asia robust

Across the region, strong domestic demand and earlier reforms underpin a healthy outlook.

Asset classes

Explore our perspectives on equities, currencies, gold and other asset classes in this year’s Outlook.

Read our Outlook 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the GBP direction will be shaped by fiscal policy, interest rate developments, and broader global market developments such as geopolitics and cross-border capital flows.

Sanjay Rijhsinghani Partner, Chief Investment Officer | Management Board
Sanjay Rijhsinghani

Insights from LGT Global Head Investment Solutions Why we are in a phase of equilibrium disruption

Higher structural inflation, elevated debt and tighter capital costs are reshaping the landscape. In this interview, Mika Kastenholz, LGT Global Head Investment Solutions, shares his insights on what investors should look out for this year. 

To the interview

Key trends shaping markets in 2026 On water, cryptocurrencies and AI

Discover the main investment themes to watch out for in 2026.

Market View

Have digital assets gone mainstream?
Once laughed at, cryptocurrencies have now become part of the investment toolkit. Is this the moment for even the most sceptical investor to take a new look at digital assets?
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The AI barbell: short-term enablers vs long-term adopters
With data centres popping up everywhere and AI evolving rapidly, the future looks bright for both those companies enabling AI today and those integrating the technology in the future.

Any questions? We are here to help

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