What is the Global Economic Prospects Report?
The Global Economic Prospects (GEP) Report is one of the flagship publications of the World Bank. Released twice a year, in January and June, it provides an in-depth analysis of global economic trends, growth projections, regional developments, and risks affecting economies worldwide. For exam aspirants, especially those preparing for RBI Grade B, UPSC, SEBI, and banking exams, this report is extremely valuable as it highlights economic indicators, global growth challenges, and long-term policy directions.
Below is the year-wise list of Global Economic Prospects reports with direct download links from the World Bank website. Candidates can use it for quick reference and revision.
| Year | Month | Report PDF Link |
| 2025 | June | Download PDF |
| 2025 | January | Download PDF |
| 2024 | June | Download PDF |
| 2024 | January | Download PDF |
| 2023 | June | Download PDF |
| 2023 | January | Download PDF |
| 2022 | June | Download PDF |
| 2022 | January | Download PDF |
| 2021 | June | Download PDF |
| 2021 | January | Download PDF |
| 2020 | June | Download PDF |
| 2020 | January | Download PDF |
| 2019 | June | Download PDF |
| 2019 | January | Download PDF |
| 2018 | June | Download PDF |
| 2018 | January | Download PDF |
| 2017 | June | Download PDF |
| 2017 | January | Download PDF |
Highlights of the Latest Global Economic Prospects Report 2025
The GEP 2025 highlights a fragile global recovery with several downside risks. Some of the important takeaways include:
- Global Growth Projection: World economy projected to grow at ~2.7% in 2025, with moderate recovery in trade and investment.
- Advanced Economies: Growth remains subdued due to tight monetary policies and aging populations.
- Emerging Markets: India and a few Asian economies are expected to drive growth, while Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa face challenges.
- Inflation Outlook: Inflation is declining but remains above target in many economies.
- Debt Concerns: Rising public debt in developing economies poses risks to long-term growth.
Global and Regional Growth Trends
The report provides detailed analysis of regions, which candidates should note carefully:
- East Asia & Pacific: Slowing growth due to weaker exports and structural issues in China.
- South Asia: India expected to grow at ~6.5% in 2025, making it the fastest-growing large economy.
- Europe & Central Asia: Impacted by energy prices and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Latin America & Caribbean: Weak investment and political instability affecting growth.
- Middle East & North Africa (MENA): Oil prices and geopolitical tensions driving uncertainty.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Moderate recovery but high debt and food security issues remain.
Sectoral Insights from the GEP Report
The Global Economic Prospects Report not only looks at the overall economy but also studies how different sectors are performing. These insights are very important for understanding which parts of the economy are growing, which are struggling, and how global trends affect them.
1. Agriculture:
The report often highlights the challenges in agriculture, such as climate change, supply chain disruptions, and changing global demand for food. Rising temperatures, floods, and droughts affect crop yields, while global trade restrictions can make food prices unstable. For countries where agriculture supports a large share of the population, this creates risks for income and food security.
2. Industry and Manufacturing:
Industrial growth is closely linked to global demand and investment. The GEP shows how global recessions, trade policies, and energy prices directly impact industries like manufacturing, construction, and mining. In recent years, manufacturing has faced challenges from weak global trade and higher borrowing costs. However, technological adoption and supply chain diversification are seen as possible growth drivers.
3. Services Sector:
The services sector, especially IT, finance, and digital services, has shown resilience compared to agriculture and industry. The GEP notes that remote work, digital adoption, and the growth of online platforms have boosted services in many economies. At the same time, travel and tourism services are sensitive to global shocks such as pandemics or geopolitical tensions.
4. Energy Sector:
The energy sector receives special focus in the report. Global oil and gas markets are highly sensitive to supply shocks, geopolitical risks, and policy changes toward renewable energy. The GEP explains how high energy prices can increase inflation, slow down industries, and reduce consumer spending. It also highlights the importance of investment in green and renewable energy for long-term stability.
Important Themes from Previous Editions of the GEP Report
Looking at earlier editions of the GEP helps candidates understand how global risks evolve:
- 2024: Highlighted slowing investment and risks from high global interest rates.
- 2023: Focused on post-pandemic recovery and inflationary pressures.
- 2022: Addressed energy shocks and food security due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Earlier Reports: Repeatedly emphasized structural reforms, climate risks, and the role of digital transformation in global growth.
Why the Global Economic Prospects Report is Important?
This report is not just for policymakers or economists—it has direct relevance for competitive exam candidates. Key reasons why it matters include:
- Global Growth Trends – Provides insights into GDP forecasts of advanced and developing economies.
- Emerging Market Analysis – Covers India’s growth projections and challenges in other emerging economies.
- Inflation and Monetary Policy Trends – Important for understanding global inflation, interest rate policies, and their spillover effects.
- Risks and Uncertainties – Climate change, geopolitical tensions, commodity price shocks, and debt sustainability.
- Exam Relevance – Data and forecasts are often cited in RBI Grade B, UPSC, and banking exam questions.
FAQs
The Global Economic Prospects (GEP) Report is a flagship publication by the World Bank that provides analysis of global and regional economic trends, challenges, and growth projections.
The World Bank publishes the Global Economic Prospects Report twice a year, in January and June.
The GEP Report is important for exams as it highlights global growth trends, regional economic challenges, sectoral insights, and policy recommendations key areas often asked in questions.
It is released twice a year January (main edition) and June (update edition).
The 2025 report focuses on global growth outlook, risks from geopolitical tensions, inflation trends, financial stability concerns, and regional economic prospects.
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