Middle East war drives higher prices, slower growth: IMF chief

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has stated that the war in the Middle East is having a profound impact on the global economy, leading to widespread price increases and slower growth. She noted that 'all roads' point to these adverse effects, highlighting the severity of the situation. The conflict has intensified inflationary pressures across various sectors, from energy to food, affecting nations around the world. Furthermore, geopolitical uncertainty is dampening investment and international trade, which could prolong the economic slowdown. Georgieva stressed the importance of coordinated policies to address these risks and support global financial stability in an increasingly volatile environment.