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The 6 Biggest Industries by Revenue in Global

Rank Industry Revenue for 2026
1

Global Life & Health Insurance Carriers

$6179.4B
2

Global Commercial Real Estate

$5595.8B
3

Global Pension Funds

$4297.0B
4

Global Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

$4264.3B
5

Global Car & Automobile Sales

$4255.2B
6

Global Commercial Banks

$3793.1B

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Biggest Industries by Revenue in Global in 2026

  • 1. Global Life & Health Insurance Carriers

    Revenue for 2026: $6179.4B

    Global life and health carriers have experienced major revenue swings in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic depressed life insurance demand but boosted health insurance uptake and spending, ultimately leading to a rise in revenue in 2020. The economic recovery pushed incomes up in 2021, while high inflation and plunging stock prices led to a substantial drop in revenue in 2022. Interest rate hikes in many countries from 2022 to 2024 enhanced recessionary fears, hindering downstream demand fo...

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  • 2. Global Commercial Real Estate

    Revenue for 2026: $5595.8B

    The current commercial real estate market is witnessing significant shifts because of various factors, including housing shortages and changes in office demand. An estimated shortfall of 6.5 million housing units in 14 major countries has increased demand for multifamily housing, pushing households towards renting rather than ownership. This trend is particularly prevalent in younger demographics and new immigrants. This reduction in owner-occupied properties is encouraging demand in certain ...

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  • 3. Global Pension Funds

    Revenue for 2026: $4297.0B

    Pension funds, composed of defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) plans, have been the primary means for meeting the retirement requirements of an aging global population. Industry revenue consists of contributions, investment income, net sales of securities and more. Positive investment returns from equities have driven the growth of revenue despite volatility in financial markets. In addition, the significant hike in interest rates in the latter part of the period increased inte...

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  • 4. Global Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

    Revenue for 2026: $4264.3B

    Global oil and gas production companies have gone through significant turbulence for most of the period. Revenue started off in a downturn amid the pandemic and its accompanying lockdowns, primarily the industry's largest market, the transportation sector, was limited. This was quickly reversed as the economy opened and supply outpaced demand, causing prices to skyrocket. High prices, accompanied by swelling production, led to surging revenue. This was further amplified by Russia's invasion o...

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  • 5. Global Car & Automobile Sales

    Revenue for 2026: $4255.2B

    Strong growth in developing economies, like the BRICS and ASEAN member nations, has driven revenue for global car dealers despite slowdowns in established economies, like North America and Europe. Developed economies focus largely on value-added car purchases, while emerging markets focus primarily on volume. The transition to SUVs and crossovers with more safety and entertainment features has driven growth; in particular, these models’ surging adoption rates have created numerous growth oppo...

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  • 6. Global Commercial Banks

    Revenue for 2026: $3793.1B

    The industry closely follows global economic performance since demand for loans is heavily influenced by business and consumer confidence, as well as the level of activity that requires financing. The strong global economic performance, fueled by the United States and emerging markets such as China and Southeast Asia, is expected to improve from increased aggregate private investment, which has supported loan origination. However, elevated interest rates during the period limited loan demand,...

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