ChatGPT judged eight predictions, such as my calls that the economy would recover and that the next election would be a toss-up, to be unresolved. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spent political capital in pursuit of what commentators dismissed as an implausible goal – a free-trade agreement with India. I predict 2026 will be a difficult year for President Trump. While there are legal ways to reimpose tariffs, a ruling that the Trump tariffs are unlawful would be a severe blow. In 2026 it will be obvious that China, through its control of rare earths, has won the trade war.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 31, 2025 03:31 UTC