News in Review Wednesday 15th April 2026

IMF and World Bank Washington meeting, Starmer visits Middle East, shift in housing market, share of private pension wealth

Key takeaways:

  • The latest IMF global economic outlook outlined annual growth of 3.1%, a reduction on January’s forecast of 3.3%
  • Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the UK would not take part in enforcing the US military blockade of Iranian ports
  • Last month, house sales activity weakened significantly due to geopolitical uncertainty and rising borrowing costs