In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam engages in an insightful discussion with Ben Herzon, co-head of US Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence. They explore the complexities of economic forecasting in turbulent times, focusing on how to differentiate between signal and noise in economic data. Ben shares his expertise on the significance of the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) as a leading indicator for economic trends, particularly its role in predicting industrial production and GDP.

The conversation also explores the impact of tariffs on inflation and economic growth, highlighting the resilience of the US economy amid recent challenges. Ben discusses the factors contributing to the growth outlook, including recent budget legislation, federal spending, and inventory management by businesses.

Additionally, they address the risks to economic growth, such as potential increases in tariffs, inflation surprises, and the implications of a government shutdown. The episode concludes with a look at how scenario analysis is used to navigate uncertainties in economic forecasting, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current economic landscape.

Tune in for a deep dive into the dynamics shaping the US economy and the tools used to forecast its future.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Global Economic Outlook: September 2025
• Picture This: Company Sentiment on Tariffs Turns More Negative in Earnings Calls
• The US Home Improvement Market: Trends and Challenges Ahead

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Ben Herzon
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this insightful episode of The Decisive, host Kristen Hallam leads a comprehensive discussion on the current landscape of emerging markets, exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we approach 2026. Joined by a panel of experts from S&P Global Market Intelligence, the conversation probes the economic resilience of developed versus emerging markets, the impact of trade dynamics and tariffs, and the role of technological advancements in shaping growth trajectories.

Listeners will gain valuable insights from this episode, which is taken from our Sept. 10 client webinar. Learn about the performance of key emerging economies, including India, as well as the implications of geopolitical shifts on global supply chains. The panel, featuring Thea Fourie, Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch, and Shuchita Shukla, also highlights investment opportunities in sectors such as digital infrastructure, green energy, and critical minerals, while addressing the effects of U.S. tariffs and regional reshoring strategies.

As the episode unfolds, the experts discuss the importance of innovation and technology adoption, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, and examine how emerging markets can leverage these trends for sustainable growth. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving economic landscape and what it means for businesses and investors in the coming years.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Global Economic Outlook: September 2025
• Picture This: Mainland China Launches Review of US Semiconductor Exports
• Country Risk Month Ahead: October 2025

Credits:

• Hosts: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Thea Fourie, Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch, Shuchita Shukla
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of the Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam engages with S&P Global Market Intelligence experts Jack A. Kennedy and Sascha Ostanina to explore the evolving military strategies in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

They discuss the shift from conventional warfare to more interventionist and attritional strategies, the role of technology in modern conflict, and the implications for regional and global security. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of geopolitical developments, the impact on alliances, and the importance of data-driven analysis in navigating current uncertainties.

Tune in for insights that empower confident decision-making in an increasingly complex world.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Country Risk Month Ahead: September 2025
• Red Sea ‘revival’ taking place as regional carriers lead the way
• Picture This: Houthis Renew Vessel Attacks, Making Shipping Route Changes Unlikely

Credits:

• Hosts: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Jack A. Kennedy, Sascha Ostanina
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive podcast, host Kristen Hallam introduces senior economist Maxwell Clarke, who explores the world of machinery and equipment pricing amidst the evolving landscape of tariffs and demand fluctuations.

Max takes us into the world of machinery and equipment pricing amid the evolving landscape of tariffs and demand fluctuations. He explores how the recent tariff policies, particularly in the U.S., are creating upward price pressures on machinery and equipment, while also examining the broader implications for global markets.

Max unpacks the weak demand outlook that is limiting further price escalation and the significant challenges posed by supply disruptions that have historically driven prices higher. Additionally, we’ll take a closer look at specific categories, such as electrical machinery and construction equipment, and discuss the risks associated with parts categories that have seen substantial price increases.

As we navigate through these complex dynamics, Max discusses the uncertainty surrounding future tariff policies and their impact on business certainty. Join us as we analyze these key factors shaping the machinery market and provide insights into what lies ahead for businesses and consumers alike.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Steel Market: Trends and Projections for 2025 and Beyond
• Spice Trade Heats Up Globally
• Trade and tariffs insights and news

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Maxwell Clarke
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast from S&P Global Market Intelligence, host Andrew Harker, alongside economists David Owen and Usamah Bhatti, parses the latest findings from the Purchasing Managers' Indices (PMIs) across various regions. The discussion highlights a positive trend in global business activity for August 2025, with strong growth in both the services and manufacturing sectors. The panelists also address challenges such as export weaknesses and subdued business confidence, particularly influenced by US tariffs.

Focusing on the Middle East and North Africa, David provides insights into the slowdown in demand momentum in the UAE, attributed to regional tensions and competitive pressures. Usamah shares updates on the newly launched Pakistan Manufacturing PMI, noting a gradual slowdown in operating conditions and the impact of recent flooding on the manufacturing sector.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on economic trends, sector-specific performances, and the implications of tariff policies on global trade. Tune in for an informative session that offers a comprehensive overview of the current economic landscape as we approach the end of 2025.

Don't forget to subscribe for more insights and analysis from The Decisive Podcast!

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Global Economic Outlook: August 2025
• Mixed export performance seen across goods producers in Asia
• Global PMI at 14-month high in August, but future growth expectations fall further

Credits:

• Host: Andrew Harker
• Guests: Usamah Bhatti, David Owen
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam is joined by Ken Wattret, Vice President of Global Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, to explore the pressing issue of inflation in today's economic landscape. As economies worldwide grapple with the aftermath of various shocks—including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts—rising prices remain a critical concern for consumers, businesses, and policymakers alike.

Speaking in a June interview, Ken provides an insightful overview of current global inflation trends, highlighting key factors driving these changes, such as supply chain disruptions, commodity prices, and trade policies. The discussion delves into the distinctions between core and headline inflation, emphasizing the importance of monitoring both to understand underlying inflation dynamics.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how recent trade policies, particularly tariffs, are influencing inflation rates and consumer behavior in the U.S. and beyond. Ken also discusses the implications of fluctuating commodity prices and how they affect inflation forecasts, household real income, and consumer spending.

As the conversation unfolds, Kristen and Ken examine the potential responses of central banks to evolving inflation trends and the broader economic implications for businesses and consumers. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that empowers you to navigate the complexities of inflation in today's uncertain economic environment.

Don't forget to subscribe for more insights and analysis from The Decisive Podcast!

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Global Economic Outlook: August 2025
• Picture This: US Market for Single-Family Homes Is Struggling
• Banking Risk Monthly Outlook: August 2025

Credits:

• Hosts: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Ken Wattret
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive podcast, host Kristen Hallam engages with Jeremy Domballe, Product Director of Maritime Intelligence and Risk, to explore the complex world of deceptive shipping practices as highlighted in the latest Maritime State of Play report. The discussion explores the rise of "zombie ships"—vessels that assume the identities of decommissioned ships—and the technological vulnerabilities that facilitate such deceptions.

Listeners will learn how geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding sanctions on oil from countries like Russia, Iran and Venezuela, drive these deceptive tactics and complicate compliance efforts for regulatory bodies. Jeremy shares compelling case studies, illustrating the intricate maneuvers of vessels operating in regions such as the Caribbean and Malaysian waters.

With a focus on the challenges faced by regulatory authorities in validating maritime data, this episode underscores the importance of vigilance and robust intelligence in combating increasingly sophisticated deceptive practices. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the evolving landscape of maritime compliance and risk.

Links to the full report and additional resources on fraudulent flags are provided in the episode description for those interested in further exploration.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Maritime State of Play report
• Fraudulent flags: Growing challenge for maritime safety
• Trade and tariffs insights and news

Credits:

• Hosts: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Jeremy Domballe
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam covers the upcoming Inland Distribution Conference, also known as Inland25, scheduled to take place in Chicago starting September 29th. Joined by Eric Johnson, Senior Editor at the Journal of Commerce from S&P Global, they explore the significance of this event for shippers, logistics companies, and other stakeholders in the industry.

The conversation highlights the conference's theme, "Searching for Value Amid Uncertainty," reflecting the current economic climate and its impact on the logistics sector. Eric shares insights on navigating complexities in cross-border logistics between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, especially in light of recent trade policy changes and the impending renegotiation of the USMCA agreement.

Listeners will also gain valuable perspectives on how technology is transforming the logistics landscape, including discussions on appointment scheduling, automation, and the role of data in decision-making. As they look ahead to the challenges and opportunities in the freight market, Eric emphasizes the importance of building resilient teams in an increasingly complex environment.

Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or new to logistics, this episode offers essential insights and a preview of what to expect at Inland25. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and strategies that can drive business value in today's uncertain landscape.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Register for the Inland Distribution conference
• Toll of US tariffs begins to emerge on unsettled trans-Pacific
• Trade and tariffs insights and news

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Eric Johnson
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun