IMF Chief Warns of Economic Uncertainty, Tells Countries to "Buckle Up"

The global economy is holding up better than expected despite major shocks such as President Donald Trump’s tariffs, but the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that resilience may not last.

Georgieva said that economies must be creative in confronting the uncertainties created by Trump’s trade measures. (Photo: International Monetary Fund Facebook) 

“Buckle up,” Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a speech at a think tank.

“Uncertainty is the new normal, and it is here to stay,” Fatima Hussein reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Her comments at the Milken Institute came on the same day gold prices hit $4,000 an ounce for the first time, as investors sought safe haven from a weaker dollar and rising geopolitical uncertainty.

They also came ahead of the IMF and World Bank’s annual meetings in Washington. Trump’s trade penalties are expected to be a key focus when global finance leaders and central bankers gather.

Georgieva also told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that economies must be creative in confronting the uncertainties created by Trump’s trade measures.

The global economy is forecast to grow by 3% this year, and Georgieva cited several reasons it may hold steady at that level: decisive policy actions by governments, private-sector adaptation, and tariffs that have proved less severe than originally feared.

“But before anyone heaves a big sigh of relief, please hear this: global resilience has not yet been fully tested. And there are worrying signs the test may come. Just look at the surging global demand for gold,” she said.