Global foreign direct investment is showing signs of a stronger recovery, with FDI flows rising 44% in the first quarter of 2026 to approximately $658 billion, according to preliminary OECD data.
Global foreign direct investment is showing signs of a stronger recovery, with FDI flows rising 44% in the first quarter of 2026 to approximately $658 billion, according to preliminary OECD data.
The increase marks a significant improvement from the previous quarter and puts global investment flows 42% higher than the same period last year.
The rebound comes as businesses continue to navigate changing trade policies, geopolitical uncertainty and higher financing costs. Despite these challenges, investors appear to be stepping up cross-border activity in key markets.
A rebound, but not an even one
The headline numbers tell a positive story, but the recovery is not happening equally across markets.
The OECD notes that large movements in several European economies contributed to the strong quarterly increase. When these are excluded, the global increase is more moderate, at around 35% quarter-on-quarter.
For governments and investment promotion agencies, the message is clear: attracting FDI is becoming less about simply bringing in more capital and more about attracting long-term, productive investment.
Investors are increasingly looking at infrastructure, skilled talent, energy security, market access and the overall business environment when deciding where to commit capital.
What comes next?
The strong start to 2026 provides an encouraging signal for the global investment landscape, but whether the momentum continues will depend on how economies respond to ongoing trade and geopolitical pressures.
For emerging and established investment destinations alike, the opportunity is significant — but competition for quality FDI is becoming tougher.
Purtivon Intelligence: The latest figures suggest that global capital is moving again. The bigger question for markets now is not simply who can attract investment, but who can attract the right investment.