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Wharton tops FT ranking of business schools with impact

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 1:41 GMT by The Financial Times
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The Shifting Pulse of Global Growth: A Deep Dive into the FT’s Analysis

The Financial Times’ latest feature, “Global Growth in the Balance Sheet of the 21st Century,” paints a nuanced portrait of the world economy’s current state, tracing the convergence of policy, technology, and geopolitics that are redefining growth prospects across continents. Drawing on a blend of hard data, expert commentary, and vivid case studies, the article argues that while traditional drivers—commodity prices, fiscal stimulus, and monetary easing—are waning, a new set of forces is shaping the trajectory of the global economy.

1. The Waning of Classic Growth Engines

Commodity Prices and Inflation

The piece opens with an analysis of the sharp decline in commodity prices that has left many emerging‑market economies—particularly those in the BRICS bloc—struggling to maintain export earnings. A reference to the FT’s own “Commodity Outlook” series underscores how oil, copper, and lithium have all slipped into the 3‑year lows, eroding the macroeconomic cushion that fed the post‑COVID recovery. In the UK, the article notes that inflation has peaked at 3.5 % but remains stubbornly high, a lingering after‑effect of the pandemic‑induced supply bottlenecks.

Monetary Policy Convergence

The author next dissects the divergence in monetary policy between the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England. While the Fed has tightened policy aggressively to quell inflation, the ECB is adopting a more measured approach, citing euro‑zone inflationary pressures that vary significantly across member states. The article explains that this divergence risks a “policy race” that could push the dollar higher, thereby dampening growth in emerging markets that rely heavily on dollar‑denominated debt.

2. The Rise of Digital Infrastructure and AI as Growth Catalysts

AI and Digital Transformation

A key segment of the feature highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. Drawing on data from a recent Bloomberg survey, the article cites that 73 % of Fortune 500 companies have increased their AI budgets in 2024. The author notes that AI’s impact is not limited to tech firms; sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and even public administration are undergoing “algorithmic optimization” that could lift productivity by 2–3 % per annum.

China’s AI Ambition

The piece pivots to China’s ambitious push to become a global AI leader. By referencing the government’s “Next‑Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan,” the article details how Beijing is funneling $200 billion into AI research and infrastructure over the next decade. However, it also highlights the risks of an over‑reliance on a single technology pillar, noting that China’s heavy state involvement has already attracted scrutiny from the U.S. over concerns about cybersecurity and intellectual property.

3. Climate Policy and Sustainable Growth

Green Investment

The author interweaves a discussion on climate policy, citing the FT’s “Green Finance Tracker” to illustrate how investment in renewable energy has surged, with $1.5 trillion directed toward solar and wind projects globally. Yet, the article warns that the pace of investment still falls short of the 2030 net‑zero targets set by the Paris Agreement. The piece argues that a mismatch between policy ambition and investment reality could lead to stranded assets and hinder long‑term growth.

ESG Ratings and Corporate Governance

An additional angle explores how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are reshaping corporate governance. The article reports that companies with higher ESG scores enjoy a 5 % lower cost of capital, citing data from MSCI. However, it cautions that ESG “greenwashing” remains a concern, urging regulators to enforce stricter disclosure standards.

4. Regional Dynamics and the Fragmentation of the Global Supply Chain

US–China Trade Tensions

In a dedicated segment on trade, the article reviews the recent easing of tariffs between the U.S. and China. While the tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods have been reduced, the author stresses that supply‑chain fragmentation persists. The piece quotes a supply‑chain analyst who predicts that the U.S. will continue to invest in semiconductor fabs in Texas and Virginia to reduce dependency on East Asian production.

Africa’s Emerging Market Opportunities

The author also spotlights Africa as a potential growth engine. By drawing on data from the World Bank’s “Africa Economic Outlook,” the article points out that Africa’s young population and increasing digital penetration could boost GDP by 4–5 % over the next decade. However, the piece cautions that political instability and inadequate infrastructure could offset these gains.

5. Policy Recommendations and the Road Ahead

Harmonised Fiscal Policy

The article concludes with a call for greater coordination among major economies. By recommending a “global fiscal policy pact” that aligns stimulus measures with growth targets, the author argues that such harmonisation could mitigate inflationary pressures and stabilize exchange rates.

Strengthening Digital Resilience

It also urges policymakers to invest in digital resilience, citing the example of Singapore’s national AI strategy that combines public‑private partnerships with strong cybersecurity safeguards. The piece emphasizes that building robust digital ecosystems is essential for sustaining productivity gains in a post‑pandemic world.

6. Follow‑Up Links and Additional Context

The FT piece is rich with hyperlinks that deepen the reader’s understanding:

1. “Commodity Outlook: Oil & Copper” – Provides quarterly price data and forecasts that illustrate the volatility of global raw materials.
2. “AI in the Supply Chain” – Offers case studies from automotive and logistics companies that have integrated AI to cut costs by 15 %.
3. “Green Finance Tracker” – A live dashboard that tracks investment flows into renewables, enabling readers to gauge the pace of transition.
4. “Africa Economic Outlook” – Detailed projections on Africa’s growth trajectory, including sectoral analysis.
5. “Global Fiscal Policy Pact” – An op‑ed by the IMF that argues for coordinated fiscal stimulus to address the inflation‑growth conundrum.

These resources add depth to the main article, enabling readers to explore specific data sets, case studies, and policy proposals.

Final Thoughts

The FT’s feature underscores that the global economy is in a state of flux, with old growth engines losing steam while new, technology‑driven forces take center stage. Policymakers, investors, and businesses must therefore adopt a flexible, forward‑looking approach—balancing monetary and fiscal tools, fostering digital innovation, and steering sustainable development—to navigate the uncertain terrain ahead. The article serves as a timely reminder that in a rapidly changing world, the only constant is change itself, and those who adapt quickly will shape the next chapter of global prosperity.