How household size impacts global growth, digital trade and the AI-driven economy - these are the stories covered in this issue of the World Economic Forum’s 3 Economic Trends newsletter, your guide to equitable growth, markets and economic policy in an ever-changing world. 1. Why household size matters for global #growth Most economic models focus on individuals, but it’s the household where financial decisions are made. A recent World Data Lab study highlights how household size and structure shape consumption, housing demand, and social policy across regions. Over half the world lives in households of five or more, with smaller households spending far more per person; in Europe, 55% more and in Sub-Saharan Africa, it’s over four times more. Female-headed households are rising globally, influencing financial priorities and consumer behaviour, while multi-generational living remains common in Africa and the Middle East. For businesses and policymakers alike, understanding household dynamics is crucial to predicting how people spend, live, and plan for the future. ... |