Experts from the Financial Times have released a detailed forecast regarding key events that may occur in the world in 2026. The analytical piece examines the prospects for the development of the war in Ukraine, changes in the political arena of the United States, innovations in technology and artificial intelligence, as well as trends in the economy and finance.
This is reported by Finway
The War in Ukraine and the Political Situation
Experts believe that President Zelensky will not make a decision to withdraw Ukrainian troops from Donbas, as this poses serious risks for the country and contradicts the Constitution. The proposal to create a demilitarized “no man’s land” does not seem realistic, as it does not satisfy either Kyiv or Moscow. A scenario of Ukraine’s capitulation is only envisioned in the case of a sudden and large-scale breakthrough in defense, which is currently assessed as unlikely.
“The idea of creating a ‘no man’s land’ demilitarized zone also appears unviable, as it does not suit either Kyiv or Moscow.”
Technological Innovations and Artificial Intelligence
In the field of technology, analysts predict that the market for artificial intelligence may see a decrease in asset values by 10–15%, although leading technology companies will manage to stay afloat. Despite technological progress, artificial intelligence will not be able to create a musical hit that tops the global charts. The year 2026 may mark the beginning of an era of household humanoid robots, while the commercial launch of quantum computers will be postponed again, despite the technology being ready for practical implementation.
Global Economic and Political Changes
Global central banks, except for Japan, will continue to lower interest rates, and the price of gold may exceed the $5000 per ounce mark. The Chinese yuan is not expected to show significant strengthening, and the increase in U.S. tariffs will halt. The corporate sector is expected to face a series of complex bankruptcies of private companies. Tesla is projected to lose market share in the U.S., China, and the EU, while Africa will outpace Asia in GDP growth rates.
In the political arena, it is forecasted that Republicans may lose their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, creating risks for a new impeachment of Donald Trump. Stability will be maintained in France, while the AfD party in Germany will remain isolated. British Labour may face a weak performance, affecting Keir Starmer’s position. Meanwhile, Sanae Takaiichi will retain her position as Prime Minister of Japan, and Lula da Silva may win the presidential elections in Brazil again.
In the geopolitical context, normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel is not anticipated in the Middle East. In the social sphere, the gender gap in professional sports will remain significant — no female athlete will make it to the list of the 50 highest-paid athletes in the world.