World Economic Forum Report: Global Risks Intensify by 2026, Trade Contraction Likely to Become Norm
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 14 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Rising Global Economic Risks: The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report reveals that nearly half of business leaders expect turbulence over the next two years, with only 1% anticipating calm, indicating significant uncertainty in the global economy.
- Escalating Geoeconomic Confrontation: The report highlights that geoeconomic confrontation has surged to the top of business concerns, potentially leading to substantial contractions in global trade, which could adversely affect economic growth and market stability.
- AI Risks on the Rise: The potential adverse outcomes of artificial intelligence have surged to fifth place among short-term risks, with implications for increased income inequality and societal divides, which could negatively impact consumer spending and economic growth.
- Significant Extreme Weather Impact: Global insured losses from natural disasters are projected to reach $107 billion by 2025, reflecting a trend of increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, placing immense pressure on the insurance market.
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Analyst Views on MMC
Wall Street analysts forecast MMC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for MMC is 208.94 USD with a low forecast of 174.00 USD and a high forecast of 257.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
18 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
11 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 182.700
Low
174.00
Averages
208.94
High
257.00
Current: 182.700
Low
174.00
Averages
208.94
High
257.00
About MMC
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. is a professional services company in the areas of risk, strategy and people. The Company conducts business through two segments: Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting. Risk and Insurance Services segment includes risk management activities (risk advice, risk transfer and risk control and mitigation solutions) as well as insurance and reinsurance broking and services. It conducts business in this segment through Marsh and Guy Carpenter. Marsh is an insurance broker and risk advisor, serving companies, institutions and individuals. Guy Carpenter is a reinsurance intermediary and advisor. Consulting segment includes health, wealth and career advice, solutions and products, and specialized management, strategic, economic and brand consulting services. It conducts business in this segment through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group. Oliver Wyman Group serves as a critical strategic, economic and brand advisor to private sector and governmental clients.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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Analysts Downgrade Marsh & McLennan Price Target to $208
- Price Target Cut: Cantor Fitzgerald lowered Marsh & McLennan's price target from $226 to $208 while maintaining an Overweight rating, indicating a cautious outlook on the company's future growth potential.
- Target Price Reduction: Piper Sandler cut the price target for Intercontinental Exchange from $292 to $195, despite maintaining an Overweight rating, which may affect investor confidence in the stock.
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