Economics Speakers to Watch in 2026: Thought Leaders Shaping Global Markets

As of March 2026, leading economists and thought leaders are heavily focused on geopolitical fragmentation, AI-driven productivity, trade policy uncertainty, and inflationary pressures. This article profiles the top economics speakers who are shaping global market discussions and providing insights on navigating the ‘G-Zero World’ where traditional alliances are replaced by transactional, nationalistic policies.

Top Economics Speakers to Watch in 2026: Global Thought Leaders

Geopolitical Strategists: Navigating the ‘G-Zero World’

• Ian Bremmer (Eurasia Group): Focuses on ‘G-Zero World’ risks, navigating how geopolitics dictates trade and investment. His expertise helps organizations understand the shift from traditional alliances to transactional, nationalistic policies that define current global markets. Bremmer’s analysis reveals how the absence of global leadership creates opportunities for both conflict and cooperation in unexpected ways.

• Peter Zeihan: Analyzes the collapse of global supply chains and the impact of demographic aging on shifting geopolitical power. His insights reveal how demographic trends are reshaping economic power structures worldwide. Zeihan’s forecasts show which nations will thrive and which will struggle as global trade patterns fragment.

• Dambisa Moyo (Versaca Investments): Expert in global growth and de-globalization, covering trade policy uncertainty and emerging market opportunities. She provides critical analysis of how protectionist policies affect global economic growth. Moyo’s research highlights the investment opportunities emerging from deglobalization and regional economic blocs.

• Tina Fordham (Fordham Global Foresight): Specializes in geostrategy, addressing global uncertainty and its implications for C-suite decision-making. Her forecasts help corporate leaders navigate increasingly complex geopolitical landscapes. Fordham’s work translates geopolitical risks into actionable business strategies for multinational corporations.

Economic Policy & Financial Forecasting Experts

• Mark Carney (Tiaki Institute/Davos 2026): Articulating a ‘Davos Doctrine’ for middle powers, emphasizing resilience and strategic autonomy amidst weaponized interdependence. His framework helps nations balance economic security with global integration. Carney’s doctrine addresses how smaller economies can maintain influence in a world dominated by great power competition.

• Zanny Minton Beddoes (The Economist): Provides high-level analysis of global economic trends, emerging markets, and geopolitical trade-offs. Her commentary shapes understanding of how global forces interact and influence markets. Beddoes’ editorial leadership ensures The Economist’s coverage remains authoritative on complex international economic issues.

• Mark Zandi (Moody’s Analytics): Focuses on the affordability crisis, high interest rates, and the structural housing shortage. His research highlights the persistent challenges facing consumers and housing markets. Zandi’s economic models are widely used by policymakers and businesses to understand housing market dynamics.

• Anirban Basu (Sage Policy Group): Known for ‘data without the dullness,’ offering analysis of conflicting market signals and economic cycles. His accessible approach makes complex economic data understandable for diverse audiences. Basu’s presentations combine rigorous analysis with engaging delivery that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Technology & AI Innovation Speakers Transforming Economic Analysis

AI and Automation’s Impact on Economic Productivity

• Shawn DuBravac: Examines how AI and robotics act as deflationary forces, countering sticky inflation in labor and housing. His research shows how technological advancement can offset traditional inflationary pressures. DuBravac’s analysis reveals the surprising ways automation is changing cost structures across industries — University of Pennsylvania.

• Geoff Colvin (Fortune): Focuses on ‘humans-in-the-loop’ value creation in an increasingly automated, AI-driven economy. He explores how human judgment remains essential even as automation advances. Colvin’s work addresses the critical question of what uniquely human skills remain valuable in an AI-dominated world.

• Sol Rashidi: Expert on the intersection of AI + human workforce, helping organizations transition to an AI-driven environment. Her guidance helps companies implement AI while maintaining workforce productivity. Rashidi’s practical frameworks have helped Fortune 500 companies successfully integrate AI technologies.

• Kenneth Cukier (The Economist): Explores data, AI, and the transformation of decision-making. His insights reveal how data analytics is revolutionizing economic forecasting and business strategy.

  Cukier’s work demonstrates how data-driven decision-making is becoming essential for competitive advantage.

Regional Economic Experts and Market Specialists

• Andrew Sentance (PwC): Specializes in UK and European economic divergence, particularly during the 2026 ‘inflation outlier’ trend. His analysis helps understand why European economies are experiencing different inflationary patterns than other regions. Sentance’s expertise in monetary policy provides crucial context for understanding regional economic variations.

• Taimur Baig (DBS Bank): Recognized for accurate ASEAN region forecasts and analyzing the impact of Fed decisions on Asian economies. His expertise is crucial for understanding how US monetary policy affects emerging markets. Baig’s research helps investors navigate the complex interconnections between global monetary policies.

• Kallum Pickering (Peel Hunt): Focuses on the UK economy, particularly Bank of England policy and inflation. His insights guide investors and businesses operating in the British market. Pickering’s analysis helps stakeholders understand the unique economic challenges facing the UK post-Brexit.

• Alfredo Coutino (Moody’s Analytics): Expert on Latin American economies, specifically Brazil and Mexico. His analysis helps navigate the unique economic challenges facing emerging markets in the Americas.

  Coutino’s work addresses the specific policy and market dynamics affecting Latin American economic performance.

2026 Economic Trends Driving Speaker Demand

Top Themes Shaping Keynote Choices for 2026

• Trade Policy & Tariff Wars: 60% of executives cite protectionism as a top risk, increasing demand for speakers who can analyze ROI in a high-tariff environment. This statistic underscores the urgent need for practical economic guidance. Companies are specifically seeking speakers who can quantify the financial impact of trade barriers and suggest mitigation strategies.

• The AI Productivity Paradox: High investment in generative AI, but delayed profitability, leading to a need for strategies on actual implementation. Organizations seek speakers who can bridge the gap between AI potential and real-world results. This theme reflects the growing frustration with AI hype versus tangible business outcomes.

• Labor Market ‘Demographic Drought’: Addressing persistent wage pressures and skills gaps in a cooling labor market. Speakers who can provide solutions for talent acquisition and retention are in high demand. This trend highlights the long-term structural changes affecting workforce availability and compensation.

• Energy Transition Capital Flows: The intersection of infrastructure investment (data centers, grid modernization) and sustainability. This theme attracts speakers who understand both traditional energy markets and renewable transitions. The massive capital requirements for energy transition create unique investment opportunities and challenges.

Major 2026 Events Featuring Economics Thought Leaders

• Milken Institute Global Conference: Features global leaders discussing economic turbulence and practical strategies. This premier event attracts the most influential economics speakers addressing current market challenges. The conference provides a platform for thought leaders to share actionable insights on navigating economic uncertainty.

• Future of Finance Forum: Focuses on AI-driven productivity and trade policy uncertainty. Attendees gain insights into how technology and geopolitics are reshaping financial services. This forum specifically addresses the intersection of technological innovation and economic policy.

• Davos 2026 World Economic Forum: Leaders join Fortune at special series of conversations exploring new economic deals and reckoning. This annual gathering sets the agenda for global economic policy discussions. Davos remains the premier platform for high-level economic dialogue and networking.

• Global Economic Outlook Conference 2026: Join to gain clearer perspective on nuanced economic landscape and what it means for prospects across countries, sectors, cities and asset markets. This conference provides comprehensive economic forecasting for diverse audiences. The event attracts policymakers, investors, and business leaders seeking forward-looking economic analysis.

The most surprising finding is that 60% of executives now cite protectionism as their top risk, fundamentally changing how economics speakers approach their keynotes. For organizations planning events in 2026, the key action step is to book speakers who can provide practical ROI analysis in high-tariff environments, not just theoretical economic models.