In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Sonja Gibbs, IIF’s Managing Director of Global Policy Initiatives and Head of Sustainable Finance, to discuss the latest developments in global debt as the year comes to a close.

Clay and Sonja examine what the rise of global debt, now standing at a total of nearly $346 trillion, means for financial markets and private sector firms and explore the factors driving this increase - particularly the concentration of debt in the government sector, with China and the United States leading the way. The conversation also looks at corporate debt, which is approaching $100 trillion, and considers the implications of record-high issuance by high-yield borrowers.

Finally, the episode looks ahead to 2026, discussing which trends are likely to continue and what new dynamics could shape debt markets in the coming year.

This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.

In this episode of Current Account, Clay provides an update on the Supreme Court case challenging President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify sweeping tariffs.

Clay explains how the administration relied on IEEPA to impose tariffs on nearly all imported goods, including a 10 percent baseline tariff on all countries - with targeted measures on Mexico, Canada, China, and Brazil. He reviews the legal arguments presented before the Supreme Court, including whether these tariffs constitute taxation or fall under the President’s emergency authority to regulate imports.

The episode also explores what could happen if the Court rules against the administration. Potential outcomes include a massive refund process for more than $89 billion in tariff revenue, a shift toward sector-specific tariffs under Section 232 and possible use of alternative statutes such as Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 or Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Clay considers the political and economic implications of these scenarios and why this decision could reshape U.S. trade policy.

For more on IEEPA, check out Episode #109: An Eye for an IEEPA: Trump Tariffs - Where Are They Now?

This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Ashok Bhundia, IIF Deputy Chief Economist and Head of Asia Macroeconomic Research, to discuss Asia’s global economic and geopolitical trends.

The conversation focuses on how Asian economies are responding to evolving U.S.–China trade negotiations and strategic competition. Clay and Ashok explore the increasing importance of digital finance in shaping regional priorities, as well as the surge in investment and innovation in artificial intelligence and stablecoins. They also consider which countries are best positioned to benefit from the AI boom amid intensifying technology rivalry.

The episode addresses currency trends and whether Asian currencies could appreciate against the U.S. dollar as part of broader efforts to rebalance trade. Finally, Clay and Ashok discuss whether Asia will lead global growth and innovation or face pressure to choose sides between the United States and China.

This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.