Global Investment Rises in First Half of 2026, But Developing Economies Face Falling Investment in Essential Sectors

Foreign direct investment (FDI) globally increased by 37% in the first half of 2026, primarily in developed economies, compared to the average half-year level in 2025. However, developing economies experienced an 8% rise in FDI but a decline of over one-fifth in greenfield project announcements and more than 25% in Sustainable Development Goal project announcements. High capital costs and economic and geopolitical uncertainty continue to constrain international project finance, with renewable energy project finance activity falling by about a third in developing economies.