Beyond GDP numbers- recalibrating prosperity for 2026

Why growth alone no longer tells the full story

- Madhusudhanan S

As economies confront rising inequality, climate change, and social instability, the limitations of GDP A have have become increasingly clear. From Bhutan's Gross National Happiness to New Zealand's Wellbeing Budget, governments are redefining prosperity by focusing on what truly matters: human welfare, sustainability, and resilience.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has long been treated as the primary indicator of economic success. Investors view it as a signal of opportunity, while politicians cite it as proof of progress. Yet a crucial question remains: does GDP really reflect the quality of people's lives? GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced within an economy during a fiscal year. While it captures economic activity, it reveals little about whether growth is sustainable, equitable, or beneficial to human well-being. As we move into 2026, it is evident that GDP can no longer serve as the sole compass of prosperity.