Forinvest 2026 closes 19th edition with geostrategy, investment and AI as central debate axes; Spain economy shows resilience

Forinvest 2026, Valencia financial forum at Feria Valencia, closed its 19th edition on 12 March with geostrategy, investment and artificial intelligence as the central debate axes. Economic analysts from CaixaBank, Mediolanum, Mapfre Economics and Santander acknowledged uncertainty over the Middle East energy shock but highlighted Spain resilience: less exposed due to a strong labour market and lower fossil fuel dependence, with GDP growth forecast above the EU average in 2026. Fund managers from Sabadell, Ibercaja and Santander Asset stressed long-term equity investment despite uncertainty. IBM VP Fernando Suarez addressed AI, automation and cybersecurity as critical tools for digital transformation. BBVA Research presented analysis of AI impact on employment and productivity. The closing keynote was delivered by EU advisor and Premio Nacional de Management Silvia Leal, who urged audiences to see AI as a tool that amplifies human capability when integrated consciously. Forinvest president Jose Antonio Rovira announced Forinvest 2027 will mark the forum 20th anniversary.