Breaking news

AI’s Economic Benefits Surpass Emissions Concerns According to IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently highlighted the potential economic benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), projecting a global output boost of approximately 0.5% per year from 2025 to 2030. This growth is expected to surpass the environmental costs associated with higher carbon emissions from AI-driven data centers.

The report, showcased at the IMF’s spring meeting, emphasizes the need for equitable distribution of these economic gains while managing the adverse effects on our climate. The forecast indicates that AI’s contribution to GDP growth will outweigh the financial impacts of emissions, though it points out the necessity for policymakers and businesses to mitigate societal costs.

Energy Demands and Environmental Footprint

AI is set to escalate global electricity demand, potentially reaching 1,500 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030, mirroring the energy consumption of countries like India today.

The increasing demand for data processing capacity could result in higher greenhouse gas emissions, but the AI industry aims to offset these with advancements in renewable energy technologies.

AI: A Driver for Energy Efficiency?

Analysts suggest that AI could potentially reduce carbon emissions through improved energy efficiency, fostering advancements in low-carbon technologies across sectors such as power, food, and transport. Grantham Research Institute stresses the significance of strategic action from governments and industries to facilitate this transition.

The role of AI in the global economy continues to evolve, stirring debates not only about its economic potential but also its environmental impact.

Geopolitics, AI And Inflation Set New Challenges For Investors

Artificial intelligence, persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions are reshaping global markets, according to JPMorgan’s 2026 mid-year outlook. The bank says these forces will continue to drive volatility while creating new opportunities for long-term investors.

JPMorgan identifies AI, geopolitical fragmentation and inflation as three interconnected forces shaping the investment landscape. Developments during the first half of 2026 have largely reinforced that view, with conflicts, energy price swings and changing interest-rate expectations adding to market uncertainty.

Geopolitical Risks Remain

Conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe have pushed investors to reassess risk, while oil prices nearly doubled before giving back much of those gains during the first half of the year. Major equity markets also fell by around 10%, with emerging markets experiencing greater volatility.

JPMorgan expects some of the economic impact to persist even if conflicts ease, particularly because of damage to energy infrastructure and continued risk premiums in commodity markets. Still, the bank sees periods of market weakness as potential opportunities for investors with a long-term horizon.

Inflation Tests Traditional Portfolios

Inflation remains another concern, with US headline and core inflation already around 3% before the latest energy shock. JPMorgan warned that the traditional 60/40 portfolio could become less resilient if price pressures remain elevated, as stocks and bonds could come under pressure simultaneously.

The bank therefore sees a stronger case for assets that can provide lower volatility while offering some protection against inflation.

AI Remains A Long-Term Opportunity

Despite concerns over AI spending and its impact on employment, JPMorgan considers artificial intelligence its most compelling long-term investment theme. The technology could boost productivity, corporate profitability and broader economic growth.

Market signals remain mixed: private investors continue to show strong demand for AI companies, while public-market investors question whether massive data-centre investments will generate sufficient returns. JPMorgan nevertheless expects AI to increase productivity and corporate margins, even as some industries face disruption.

Rethinking Investment Strategies

JPMorgan believes AI could become a more durable driver of long-term returns than the geopolitical shocks dominating markets in 2026. The bank is urging investors to reassess whether their portfolios can withstand higher volatility and whether inflation is eroding the value of cash.

Its broader conclusion is that excessive cash could weigh on long-term returns, alternative assets may become more important for diversification, and the AI investment cycle could still have significant room to run.

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter