The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.

As global trade faces unprecedented disruption, shippers must rethink everything from cost containment to risk management. In this episode of the Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam sits down with Peter Tirschwell, Vice President for Maritime & Trade at S&P Global Market Intelligence and TPM Conference founder, to break down the theme of TPM26: "Taking Costs Out, Putting Value In." Together, they explore the far-reaching impacts of U.S. tariff policies, evolving supply chain strategies, and the role of technology in managing costs. Peter shares vital insights on balancing freight rates with service reliability, current best practices for shippers, and what to expect from this year's TPM Conference—including highlights on macroeconomic trends, industry consolidation, and the current dynamics of global shipping. Whether you're a shipper, carrier, supply chain manager, or simply curious about the forces shaping global trade, this episode will help you navigate industry trends and challenges. Tune in for an inside look at the biggest topics captivating the container shipping industry in 2026. Click here to register for TPM26, the world's largest container shipping conference.  More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Asia-Europe ocean carriers add capacity as trade enters peak shipping period Geopolitical Risk Brief: December 2025 Top 10 Economic Insights 2026 For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Egypt opens new semiautomated Red Sea terminal as Suez traffic grows Global trade outlook and supply chains 2026: The age of agility Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guest: Peter Tirschwell 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 in an insightful discussion with Ken Wattret, Vice President of Global Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, about the critical yet often overlooked topic of public debt. Kristen and Ken explore the significant rise in public sector debt-to-GDP ratios since the mid-2000s, driven by adverse economic shocks, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ken explains the persistent challenges of high government budget deficits, the political reluctance to implement fiscal changes, and the implications of rising sovereign yields on economic growth. Ken discusses how these fiscal fragilities impact businesses and consumers, the potential for crowding out private sector investment, and the risks of triggering another economic shock. Listen now for a thought-provoking conversation that highlights the complexities of fiscal policy in today's economic landscape. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026 Top 10 Economic Insights 2026 Fiscal fragilities: Dealing with high debt For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Fiscal fragilities: Dealing with high debt 2026: The age of agility Inflation indications Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guest: Ken Wattret Produced By: Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In our final episode of 2025, host Kristen Hallam is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence economists Ken Wattret, Ben Herzon, Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch, and Thea Fourie to unveil the top 10 economic insights shaping the outlook for 2026. Discover how moderating inflation, shifting fiscal policies, and global trade dynamics are creating a delicate balance of tailwinds and headwinds across major economies. From the US avoiding recession and Western Europe's subdued growth, to China's pivot to domestic demand and India's resilience amid tariffs, this episode delivers actionable perspectives on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities. Understand the potential impact of artificial intelligence, evolving monetary policies, currency shifts, and the state of sovereign debt—essential listening for anyone navigating the year ahead. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Top 10 Economic Insights 2026 The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026 Global Economic Outlook: November 2025 For S&P Global subscribers (login required): 2026: The age of agility Inflation indications Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guests: Ken Wattret, Ben Herzon, Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch, Thea Fourie 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 dives into the intricacies of U.S. consumer spending as the holiday season approaches. Joined by Michael Zdinak, Ph.D., a director in S&P Global's U.S. economics team, Kristen explores the current economic landscape following a recent government shutdown and its impact on vital economic data. Kristen and Michael discuss the resilience of consumer spending—despite low consumer sentiment—highlighting the factors driving spending behaviors among different income groups. They analyze retail sales trends, the significance of Black Friday, and the growing share of online shopping in holiday sales. Listeners will gain insights into inflation's effects on purchasing power and the expected growth in holiday sales, alongside a nuanced understanding of how consumers are navigating their financial realities this season. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of the U.S. economy as we head into the holidays. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026 Global Economic Outlook: November 2025 Widening China import-export imbalance soaking up container capacity For S&P Global subscribers (login required): 2026: The age of agility Inflation indications Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guest: Michael Zdinak 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 economists from S&P Global Market Intelligence to unpack the U.S. economic outlook for 2026. The discussion explores key themes influencing growth, including the economic impact of artificial intelligence, evolving labor market dynamics, and the ongoing effects of tariffs on inflation and investment. Listeners will gain insights into the team's optimistic projections for 2026, driven by reduced policy uncertainty and consumer spending bolstered by recent tax cuts. The economists also address potential headwinds to growth, such as high borrowing costs and the implications of a government shutdown on economic performance. As the Federal Reserve navigates these challenges, the discussion explores monetary policy decisions, including expectations for rate cuts and the anticipated adjustments in response to inflationary pressures. With expert analysis and forward-looking perspectives, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions in a complex economic landscape. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026 Global Economic Outlook: November 2025 Stablecoins Explained: A Comprehensive FAQ Guide to Digital Currency Stability For S&P Global subscribers (login required): 2026: The age of agility Inflation indications US tariff plans Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guests: Ben Herzon, Patrick Newport, Michael Zdinak, Lawrence Nelson Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun