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IMF Outlook Shifts as Bond Yields Climb

By: Gustian Farrow, Head of StoneX TV • Content Channels

IMF Outlook Shifts as Bond Yields Climb

Vincent Deluard, Director of Global Macro Strategy at StoneX, explores the IMF’s 3% global growth outlook and its market implications.

Key Takeaways

  • IMF growth forecast reflects policy shifts not fundamentals
  • Bond yields and fiscal stimulus reshape global market outlook
  • Demographics and debt remain long term structural risks

IMF Outlook Shaped by Tariff Politics

Deluard stressed that the IMF’s 3% growth outlook stems more from institutional bias than from real weakness in the economy. He compared tariffs to a minor tax on global GDP and argued that “the world economy is like a Titanic with enormous momentum”, framing the IMF’s earlier pessimism as an overreaction rather than a reflection of fundamentals.

Deficit Growth Underpins Economic Momentum

Policy, in Deluard’s view, remains highly stimulative across regions. The US is running fiscal support near 7% of GDP, while Europe has shifted toward larger deficits. He explained that global growth is holding firm because “we get a little bit more, thanks to extremely stimulative policy all around the world”.

U.S. China Frictions Dominate Growth Risks

Although Deluard described steady growth as the natural state of economies, he warned that poor political choices could derail momentum. He pointed to the risk of tariff escalations and worsening US-China tensions, remarking that “the biggest risk is that we do something very stupid”. However, he also suggested that this is not the most probable scenario at present.

Demographics and Debt Challenge Long Term Growth

For the longer term, Deluard highlighted demographic pressures and rising debt as key headwinds. Sovereigns that control their own currency have more flexibility, yet shrinking birthrates will inevitably slow labor force growth. He noted that “we have this global slowdown in birthrates… that’s the biggest challenge”, requiring both governments and markets to rethink how resources are distributed.

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---- Written by Gus Farrow, Head of StoneX TV

---- Expert: Vincent Deluard, StoneX Director of Global Macro Strategy

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