Global Markets See Mixed Q1 2026 Results with Growth in Beer Sales and Asian Economies

Belgian brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev reported a return to volume growth in the first quarter of 2026, marking the first increase since 2023. Volumes rose 0.8%, exceeding expectations of a decline, while revenue and profit also beat forecasts. Shares in the company climbed nearly 7% following the announcement.

The growth was fueled by major beer brands such as Corona, Michelob Ultra, and Stella Artois, alongside a 37% revenue jump from non-beer drinks like canned cocktail label Cutwater. In Mexico, a key market, the company outperformed rivals including Heineken, aided by the timing of Easter.

InBev's organic operating profit rose 5.3%, surpassing analyst estimates of 2.6%. The company maintained its full-year guidance, factoring in inflation and macroeconomic conditions, including spillover from the Iran war affecting costs for materials like fertilizer, glass, and aluminum cans.

“Cheers to beer," CEO Michel Doukeris said in a statement, adding the performance reflected the resilience of the category despite weaker demand in key markets.”

The brewer pledged to outperform competitors like Heineken and Carlsberg in 2026, following a challenging 2025 marked by high living costs, shifting habits, and competition from beer alternatives. Siphelele Mdudu, an analyst at Matrix Fund Managers, noted that while calendar effects like Easter contributed, the company's strategy of focusing on key global brands had been effective.

Indonesia reported a 5.61% annual GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, the fastest since 2022. This figure highlights strong economic performance amid global uncertainties. Hong Kong recorded a 5.9% year-on-year GDP increase in the same period, its strongest quarterly growth in nearly five years.

The advance exceeded the 4% rise from the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by robust exports and private consumption. Private consumption expenditure in Hong Kong grew 5% in real terms, up from 2.5% in the prior quarter. A government spokesman attributed the positive outlook to global demand for AI-related electronics, visitor arrivals, and cross-boundary financial activity, though Middle East tensions pose risks.

Biosciences, a biotechnology company, announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, with cash reserves of $866.4 million, sufficient to fund operations into 2028. The company is preparing for potential launches of its drug bezuclastinib in systemic mastocytosis and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, with two NDAs under FDA review and a third planned for submission in the first half of 2026.

“2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Cogent," said Andrew Robbins, the company's president and chief executive officer.”

Cogent reported research and development expenses of $75.4 million, up from $63 million a year earlier, driven by advancing pipeline programs. General and administrative expenses rose to $28.2 million from $11.9 million, reflecting commercial preparations.

The net loss was $97.4 million, compared to $72 million in the first quarter of 2025. The company highlighted upcoming milestones, including pivotal data presentations at the 2026 ASCO meeting and initiation of new clinical trials.