10/29/2026
Demographics will shape economic growth for decades.
More than half the world’s countries, home to roughly two-thirds of humanity, now have fertility rates below replacement levels. As populations age, the changing balance between workers and retirees will put increasing pressure on economic growth and retirement systems.
This is one reason I’m particularly interested in the potential of AI and automation. Productivity gains could become increasingly important as working-age populations decline.
Interesting research from McKinsey Global Institute.
In more than half of the world’s countries, home to two-thirds of humanity, the fertility rate has dropped below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman.