IMF leader warns about economic uncertainty

WASHINGTON — The global economy is holding up better than expected despite major shocks such as President Donald Trump's tariffs, but the head of the International Monetary Fund says that resilience may not last.

"Buckle up," Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a speech at a think tank Wednesday. "Uncertainty is the new normal and it is here to stay."

Her comments at the Milken Institute come on a day when gold prices hit $4,000 an ounce for the first time as investors seek safe haven from a weaker dollar and geopolitical uncertainty and before the IMF and World Bank hold their annual meetings next week in Washington. Trump's trade penalties are expected to be in sharp focus when global finance leaders and central bankers gather.

The worldwide economy is forecast to grow by 3% this year.