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Economy Forecast
Global economic conditions are always subject to drastic change. While many nations’ economies have been affected in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, economists have predicted that there could be a gradual recovery in 2021. Economic forecasters’ predictions can provide a helpful guide for businesses and governments to make informed decisions regarding the direction of the economy. However, predictions must be viewed as guidelines and not be taken as gospel.
Overall, most economists view 2021 as a year of recovery following a challenging 2020. GDP growth in the U.S., for example, is expected to grow by 3-4%, supported by large-scale stimulus packages and a stable job market, following the contraction of 3.5% in 2020. In addition, the U.S. stock markets are expected to hit new highs during 2021, as economic indicators begin to clearly show that the worst of the pandemic is in the rearview mirror.
The Eurozone is also projected to post a slower but healthy rate of growth during 2021. Robust global trade and strengthening domestic demand due to European Central Bank (ECB) measures are expected to contribute to economic recovery in the Eurozone during 2021. At the same time, ECB projections also suggest that inflation will remain weaker than the target rate of close to 2%. The Japanese economy is likely to rebound in 2021, although growth is expected to remain muted.
In terms of emerging markets, most economists expect a rebound in 2021, as sustained Chinese growth should lead to an increase in demand for commodities and services from countries such as Brazil and South Africa. India is also expected to see an uptick in growth due to a recovery in private consumption, even as the country remains vulnerable to external risks. Despite these positive forecasts, there remain risks associated with the pandemic, particularly a possible new wave of cases as governments begin to relax pandemic restrictions, as well as a possible increase in protectionism which could further disrupt global economic growth.
Overall, while economic forecasts should be viewed as clues to help make informed decisions, the unpredictable nature of the global economy means that forecasts should not be considered as absolute truths. Economic decision makers should be prepared to quickly react to adjustments in the economic environment, so as to ensure that their investments and businesses are able to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.