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MSCI Forecasts 12% Growth in Global Equity Markets Through 2026

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 15:34 GMT by Forbes

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Stock‑Market Outlook for 2026: What Investors Can Expect

The latest market forecast from MSCI, released on MSN Money on March 5 2024, paints a cautiously optimistic picture for global equities over the next few years. The report, which pulls together consensus earnings estimates, macro‑economic data, and risk‑adjusted performance projections, suggests that both the U.S. and major international indices are poised for moderate growth through 2026, provided a handful of macro‑economic variables remain under control. Below is a detailed rundown of the key take‑aways, the factors driving the outlook, and the potential risks that could derail the projections.

1. Overall Market Trajectory

MSCI’s Consensus Forecast – MSCI’s “MSCI All‑Country Index” is expected to climb roughly 12 % from the close of 2023 to the end of 2026. The U.S. S&P 500 is forecast to rise about 10 % over the same period, while the MSCI Emerging Markets index is projected to gain roughly 16 %. The forecast assumes a steady improvement in corporate earnings and a gradual easing of the high‑rate environment that has been a persistent drag on equity valuations.

Sector‑by‑Sector Outlook – Within the U.S., technology and healthcare are expected to outperform, while energy and industrials are forecast to lag behind their peers. The MSCI Emerging Markets report notes that Asia‑Pacific economies – particularly China and India – will be the main growth engines, but the region will also face heightened volatility due to ongoing policy shifts and geopolitical tensions.

2. Macroeconomic Drivers

a. Interest Rates & Inflation

MSCI’s model heavily weighs the path of the Federal Reserve’s policy rate. If the Fed can keep inflation in check at the 2 % target, the likelihood of an extended tightening cycle diminishes. The article notes that while the Fed has signaled a “patient” approach, any sudden rate hike or extended high‑rate regime could significantly compress earnings growth, leading to a 3–5 % downward adjustment to the 2026 forecast.

b. Fiscal Policy

The U.S. budget outlook remains uncertain. MSCI highlights that increased fiscal spending could spur GDP growth but also raise debt levels, potentially creating a “double‑whammy” effect. The report refers to a separate MSN Money article that examines the 2026 Congressional budget and its potential impact on the equity market.

c. Global Growth

The MSCI report cites World Bank growth forecasts for 2025–2026 at 3.5 % globally, with advanced economies growing at 2.5 % and emerging markets at 5.0 %. The article links to an additional analysis on global GDP growth which points out that high commodity prices could boost emerging market currencies, thereby providing additional upside for local equities.

3. Corporate Earnings

a. Earnings Growth

MSCI’s earnings forecast indicates a 5–6 % real earnings growth for the U.S. S&P 500 through 2026, driven largely by robust technology and consumer discretionary sectors. The report cites the most recent quarterly earnings season as evidence that companies are already seeing higher revenue growth than historically seen in the post‑pandemic era.

b. Profit Margins

Profitability is expected to stay solid, but margin compression may occur in sectors sensitive to input costs such as industrials and energy. The forecast indicates that companies that adopt automation and supply‑chain efficiencies will likely outperform those that do not.

4. Key Risks and Uncertainties

a. Geopolitical Tensions

The article flags ongoing conflicts, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as a potential source of volatility. Rising commodity prices, especially oil and gas, could erode real earnings for companies in energy‑heavy regions and could pressure the overall global market.

b. Climate‑Related Policy

While renewable energy and ESG‑focused firms are poised to gain, the article points out that stricter environmental regulations could impose additional costs on traditional energy firms and could shift capital flows away from certain sectors.

c. Technological Disruption

The rapid pace of technological change, especially AI and machine learning, could both create new opportunities and render existing business models obsolete. MSCI’s model suggests that firms that fail to adapt quickly could see their valuations eroded.

5. Take‑away Strategies

1. Diversification Across Regions – The forecast underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced allocation across developed and emerging markets to capture differential growth rates.
2. Sector Focus – Investors are advised to tilt toward technology, healthcare, and renewable energy, while taking a cautious stance on energy and industrials.
3. Interest‑Rate Sensitivity – Equity exposure should be moderated if rates rise unexpectedly. Fixed‑income products with shorter durations can provide a buffer.
4. Stay Informed on Policy Shifts – Regularly review fiscal policy updates and Fed statements, as changes can have a rapid effect on valuations.

6. Further Reading

The MSN article links to several complementary pieces that provide deeper context:

• “U.S. Federal Reserve Interest‑Rate Outlook” – An analysis of how Fed policy decisions could reshape market expectations.
• “Global Economic Growth Forecast 2026” – A World Bank‑based outlook that expands on the MSCI earnings assumptions.
• “ESG Investing Trends for 2025–2026” – A look at how sustainability considerations are influencing portfolio construction.

Bottom Line

MSCI’s 2026 stock‑market forecast is built on a solid foundation of improving corporate earnings, a stable macro‑economic environment, and a measured risk profile. While the outlook remains bullish, the key to success will be navigating a series of potential headwinds, including rising interest rates, geopolitical instability, and shifting regulatory landscapes. For investors, a disciplined, diversified approach that keeps an eye on policy developments and sector trends will likely be the best way to harness the growth potential outlined in MSCI’s latest report.