Portugal's growth forecasts remain stable at 1.9% for this year, with an anticipated acceleration to 2.3% in 2025.

This updated outlook comes amid a backdrop of high inflation and significant uncertainty, particularly with a major U.S. election approaching.

The upcoming meetings of the IMF and World Bank will be crucial for addressing these global economic challenges, particularly in light of fragile growth and high debt.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its economic outlook for the United States, projecting a growth rate of 2.8% for 2024, down slightly from 2.9% in 2023.

To support economic activity amid rising unemployment in advanced economies, the IMF has urged central banks to consider lowering interest rates as inflation begins to ease.

Structural issues such as low productivity and aging populations are hindering growth prospects, potentially widening income disparities between rich and poor countries.

In contrast, the euro zone economy is expected to grow by only 0.8% in 2024, with a modest increase to 1.2% in 2025.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has cautioned that high debt levels coupled with low growth may lead to a loss of investor confidence in many states' abilities to fulfill their obligations.

The IMF's report highlights that rising debt levels, weak growth, and increasing interest rates pose serious challenges for the global economy.

Recent global challenges, including the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, have significantly impacted supply chains and overall economic stability.

Market volatility remains a significant risk, with sudden sell-offs, like those experienced in August, potentially clouding economic prospects.

The increasing debt trend is primarily driven by the United States and China, posing risks to global financial stability.