Cost of pandemic could reach $28trn, IMF warns

Worst crisis since Great Recession

clock • 2 min read

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is forecasting a less severe global recession than in June but has warned the cost of the pandemic could be as high as $28trn.

Gita Gopinath, the IMF's chief economist, described the coronavirus pandemic as the worst crisis as the worst seen since the Great Depression. "This crisis will likely leave scars well into the medium term as labour markets take time to heal, investment is held back by uncertainty and balance sheet problems, and lost schooling impairs human capital," she said. "It will take significant innovation on the policy front, at both the national and international levels to recover from this calamity." The IMF said in its World Economic Outlook that a stronger-than-expected second-quarter m...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Budget 25: Early OBR reports downgrades UK growth outlook as fiscal headroom doubles

Budget 25: Early OBR reports downgrades UK growth outlook as fiscal headroom doubles

OBR report released in 'unprecedented leak'

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 26 November 2025 • 1 min read
Budget 25: Council tax surcharge for £2m properties revealed

Budget 25: Council tax surcharge for £2m properties revealed

High Value Council Tax Surcharge in place from April 2028

Jen Frost
clock 26 November 2025 • 2 min read
Partner Insight: Every year counts - Practical support from Octopus to cut through the pre-Budget noise

Partner Insight: Every year counts - Practical support from Octopus to cut through the pre-Budget noise

Helping clients act now for effective estate planning

Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist @ Octopus Investments
clock 25 November 2025 • 6 min read