UBS · 19 Oct, 13:10 · Finance briefing

Can global growth withstand higher borrowing and energy costs?

UBS analysis questions whether global economic expansion can endure rising borrowing expenses and escalating energy prices.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

28%average pay gap between certified and uncertified finance staff

2.4xfaster promotion with a professional credential

83%of finance leaders rank upskilling a top-3 priority

20days to your first credential

The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

UBS analysis questions whether global economic expansion can endure rising borrowing expenses and escalating energy prices. The report highlights mounting pressure on corporate margins and consumer spending as interest rates remain elevated. Businesses face increased operational costs, potentially dampening investment and hiring plans. This macroeconomic uncertainty challenges traditional growth forecasts, suggesting a more cautious outlook for international markets. Professionals must navigate this volatile landscape where cost efficiency becomes paramount. The narrative underscores the fragility of current recovery trends against structural inflationary pressures.

Employer demand for Financial Modeling skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt to a cost-conscious market where efficiency drives hiring. Prioritise skills in financial modelling and risk management, as organisations scrutinise capital allocation. Professionals in finance, supply chain, and energy sectors face heightened demand for strategic cost-optimisation expertise. Review your current role; demonstrate how you reduce overhead or mitigate borrowing risks. Upskill in data analytics to forecast market shifts accurately. Network with peers in resilient industries like healthcare or essential services. Avoid roles heavily reliant on discretionary spending. Instead, position yourself as a strategic problem-solver who navigates economic headwinds. Update your CV to highlight cost-saving achievements. Engage with industry reports to anticipate regulatory changes. Your value lies in delivering stability and measurable efficiency during uncertainty.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Financial Modeling, Risk Management Strategies, Supply Chain and Sustainability management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.