If 2025 was a year of seismic shifts, 2026 will be a year of recalibration to both the aftershocks and the new disruptions we expect to trade patterns, the economy and the geopolitical landscape.

In this episode of the Decisive podcast, we set out our key strategic themes for 2026—adapting to trade realities, shaky economic foundations and shifting asymmetric power in geopolitics. Experts from our multidisciplinary research team unpack the ongoing economic uncertainties, evolving trade policies, and geopolitical dynamics we expect to characterize the year ahead.

Listeners will gain an understanding of the potential impacts of the US midterm elections, the renegotiation of trade agreements, and the strategic competition between major powers, particularly the US and mainland China. The panel highlights the significance of critical minerals and AI technology as national security assets, alongside the challenges posed by financial market volatility and supply chain resilience.

As the world faces a recalibration of trade relationships and economic strategies, this episode provides valuable insights for navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world. Tune in to stay informed and empowered in your decision-making process.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026
• Global Economic Outlook: November 2025
• Transshipment: Outlook and implications for ASEAN

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• 2026: The age of agility
• Inflation indications
• Red Sea maritime risks

Credits:

• Host: Natznet Tesfay
• Guests: Ken Wattret, Aries Poon, Carla Selman
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

Host Paul Smith is joined by senior economists Pollyanna de Lima and Andrew Harker to explore the latest trends in Purchasing Managers' Indices (PMI) and their implications for the global economy.

They discuss the resilience of global economic growth in 2025 in the face of challenges such as low business confidence, tariffs, and trade uncertainties. The team analyzes the mixed performance across Latin America, with notable expansions in Colombia contrasted by contractions in Brazil and Mexico.

As they shift focus to the future, they explore the findings of the recent Global Business Outlook surveys, highlighting subdued plans for employment and investment amidst geopolitical uncertainties.

The conversation also touches on the rising investment in artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, examining how firms are leveraging AI for efficiency, recruitment, and customer acquisition while facing challenges like implementation difficulties and accuracy concerns.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Business investment spending outlook gloomiest since pandemic
• Broad-based deterioration in trade in October
• Global Economic Outlook: October 2025

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• US tariff plans
• Trends in the World Economy and Trade October 2025

Credits:

• Host: Paul Smith
• Guests: Andrew Harker, Pollyanna De Lima
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode, our experts answer your most frequently asked questions about the global economy, analyzing key trends as we approach 2026.

Host Ken Wattret, vice president of global economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, leads a panel representing the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America to provide a glimpse into our expectations for the rest of 2025 and beyond.

From the optimistic outlook for U.S. GDP growth, driven by recent tax cuts and government spending, to the challenges posed by high inflation and tariffs, we unpack the factors shaping the economic landscape. The global economy FAQ discussion also explores the impact of artificial intelligence on productivity and GDP, as well as the economic resilience of the Asia-Pacific region amidst slowing exports.

We take a closer look at the fiscal situations in France and the UK, highlighting the difficulties of achieving sustainable public finances, and examine the mixed growth prospects in India following new U.S. tariffs. The episode wraps up with insights on the evolving dynamics of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the implications of Brazil's upcoming elections on fiscal targets.

Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that empowers confident decision-making in an era of uncertainty.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Global Economic Outlook: October 2025
• Economic Risks of a Prolonged US Government Shutdown
• Transshipment: Outlook and implications for ASEAN

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• US tariff plans
• Trends in the World Economy and Trade October 2025

Credits:

• Host: Ken Wattret
• Guests: Ben Herzon, Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch, Diego Iscaro, Rafael Amiel
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun