A United Nations report predicts global economic growth will slow to 2.7% in 2026 due to increased U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainties, impacting world trade patterns. In response, new coalitions are forming, notably the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to enhance cooperation in semiconductors and AI. Qatar and the UAE have joined this initiative, highlighting the shift towards securing critical technology supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Investment themes for 2026 are expected to center around advanced technology sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, and defense. Key companies to watch include NVIDIA, which reported $51.2 billion in Data Center revenues for Q3 2026; Lockheed Martin, awarded a $9.8 billion multiyear contract for advanced missile interceptors; and IBM, which is advancing in quantum computing with strategic innovations slated for late 2026. Each company is projected to show significant earnings growth in 2026, reinforcing their pivotal roles in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
