Hindsight · review build · data not yet validated
The World Ahead 2026 is the 40th edition (press release, 2025-11-10). The editor's letter is mostly themes; only statements about a specific event or outcome in 2026 are captured. Headline-level predictions from the paywalled articles are in the 'headline' entries only where the headline and standfirst were read.
Voters will then give their verdict on America’s future in the midterm elections in November. But even if the Democrats take the House, Mr Trump’s rule by bullying, tariffs and executive orders will go on.
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With luck, the fragile peace in Gaza will hold. But conflicts will grind on in Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar.
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Much will depend on the replacement of Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve in May; politicising the Fed could trigger a market showdown.
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And with rich countries living beyond their means, the risk of a bond-market crisis is growing.
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But global emissions have probably peaked, clean tech is booming across the global south and firms will meet or exceed their climate targets—but will keep quiet about it to avoid Mr Trump’s ire.
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Better, cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are coming, and in pill form, too. That will expand access.
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