The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Jan. 31, edition that the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday edged its forecast for global economic growth higher, upgrading the outlook for both the United States and China, and citing faster-than-expected easing of inflation. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that IMF economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said the IMF's updated World Economic Outlook showed that a "soft landing" was in sight, but overall growth and global trade still remained lower than the historical average. Mr. Gourinchas added: "The global economy continues to display remarkable resilience, with inflation declining steadily and growth holding up. The chance of a 'soft landing' has increased. We are very far from a global recession scenario." He cautioned, however, that the base of expansion was slow and risks remained, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and attacks in the Red Sea that could disrupt commodity prices and supply chains. The IMF said the improved outlook was supported by stronger private and public spending despite tight monetary conditions, as well as increased worker participation, mended supply chains, and cheaper energy and commodity prices.