Driving in heavy fog is different than driving in other weather. At night in normal weather, to see hidden dangers/risks, high beam headlights (i.e., a sharp penetrating focus on the facts about the visible/foreseeable road ahead) keep one safe. In heavy fog, however, do not use high beam headlights—i.e., the usual deep data dive into the entire environment ahead—as it is almost useless (see the conflicting information uncovered in our Factors Considered sections in the full text of the Forecast).
High beam headlights in heavy fog obscures visibility by making the fog brighter. Researching this Economic Forecast was quite similar to driving in a heavy fog, due to the missing/confusing data caused by significantly changing regulations and procedures that may or may not be binding or continued.
With this much change in the economic environment, there are sure to be severe storms as different ideas clash. Hail is formed in strong thunderstorms with intense updrafts, lots of water, covering great heights . Thus, today and throughout 2026, as these different policies/regulations/procedures combined with massive structural changes (in geopolitical relationships, gender role traditions/choices, immigration/delinking of work with location, levels/consequences of debt, and the evolution of AI as a third alternative production substitution resource) are causing intense updrafts, widespread wailing and weeping, on a global basis.
It takes different tactics to keep personal careers, businesses, and boards driving safely through this weather. Therefore, The HQs’ 2025-2026 advice is:
- Use low beam headlights/fog lights: i.e., focus just on the road right ahead of you.
- Proceed slowly and know the locations of your exit ramps.
- Take temporary shelter during hail storms: i.e., adopt a low profile and keep what’s important protected.
"Do remember also that our world has faced many other turbulent storms. After the storm has passed, usually there is beautiful weather as winter storms/spring showers bring summer flowers. Whatever roads are destroyed are rebuilt better to service the new environment. Staying safe while protecting what’s most important and surviving to enjoy better weather is what’s of value.
Get this complete Forecast including detailed sources as a PDF file.
