While the start of 2021 was bleak, with the world still in the grip of a pandemic that had already ravaged major economies, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2021/07/02/imf-raises-us-2021-gdp-growth-forecast-to-7-due-to-strong-recovery-from-pandemic/" target="_blank">the outlook now is more positive</a>. There is a sense of hope, thanks to rapid progress on the vaccination drive and coronavirus restrictions easing once again. The global recovery is backed by huge levels of monetary and fiscal support, as well as improving growth and earnings that have translated into significant rallies in most equity markets. However, rebounding economies also bring uncertainty. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2021/07/01/boes-andrew-bailey-warns-against-overreaction-to-rising-inflation/" target="_blank">Inflation is ramping up</a> and monetary support will soon start to unwind, putting countries’ employment levels at risk. With geopolitics also back on the agenda, as the Biden administration engages with the world once again, any decision there has the power to move markets. At the same time, the vaccination programme has been uneven, with emerging markets getting the short end of the vaccine stick. And let us not forget – the Covid crisis is far from over. So, as we enter the second half of the year, what is the outlook from here? Host Alice Haine is joined by Samy Chaar, chief economist at Swiss private bank Lombard Odier, who guides listeners on what to expect next.
