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

S&P Global
S&P Global
  • 4.8 (13)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Whether you're a business leader, investor, or simply curious about the forces shaping our world, The Decisive podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead. Join our team of seasoned Market Intelligence analysts as they explore the ever-changing landscape of maritime, trade and supply chain, economics and country risk.

  1. 1d ago

    Can Trucking Keep Up With the Data Center Boom?

    Every new gigawatt of data center capacity requires a massive physical build-out: steel, concrete, cooling systems, backup power, transformers, heavy equipment, server racks and supporting infrastructure. By one estimate, each gigawatt of new U.S. data center capacity could require roughly 100,000 truckloads, according to one estimate.   In this episode of The Decisive, host Kristen Hallam speaks with Bill Cassidy, Senior Editor, Trucking and Domestic Transportation at the Journal of Commerce by S&P Global, and Paul Bingham, Director, Transportation Consulting, S&P Global Market Intelligence, about why data center construction is a freight capacity story.   The conversation explores how surging demand from data center projects is arriving as the U.S. trucking market emerges from a post-pandemic freight recession, with capacity tightening, operating costs rising and regulatory enforcement removing some drivers and equipment from the market. As data center freight competes with retail, manufacturing, housing, energy and infrastructure shipments, shippers may face higher transportation costs, tighter capacity and more complex procurement decisions.   Bill and Paul also discuss how demand is spreading across transportation modes — from flatbed and heavy-haul trucking to dry van, less-than-truckload, intermodal rail, ocean shipping and air cargo — and why shippers may consider adopting a more integrated, end-to-end view of logistics planning for major construction projects.   The episode also previews themes that will be explored at the Journal of Commerce's Inland 26 Conference in Chicago, including freight demand, rates, capacity, network resilience and the broader economic outlook for transportation.   More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Data centers pulling on already shrinking pool of US truck capacity Breakbulk industry warily wades into AI Click here to register for the Inland26 conference  For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Chokepoints vs. shortcuts: Supply chain outlook for critical maritime routes Red Sea maritime and aviation risks Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guests: Bill Cassidy, Paul Bingham Produced By: Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

  2. Aug 29

    Global Growth on Uneven Ground: AI Tailwinds and Fiscal Headwinds

    In this episode of The Decisive, taken from a July 15 webinar, S&P Global Market Intelligence economists discuss the latest shifts in the global macroeconomic outlook, including the resilience of the US economy, China's growth profile, political and fiscal developments in Latin America, and Europe's cautious recovery amid persistent energy, trade and consumer-demand headwinds. Key themes ·       Shaky economic foundations remain the core global theme. Geopolitical uncertainty, unstable inflation and interest-rate dynamics, trade frictions and strained public finances continue to weigh on the outlook. ·       The US economy continues to show resilience. Lower energy intensity, AI-related investment and stronger equity valuations have helped support growth. ·       Asia Pacific growth is still highly export-dependent. China and several regional economies continue to benefit from technology- and AI-related demand, while soft domestic demand and inflation risks remain key vulnerabilities. ·       Latin America may be seeing an upside risk from political change. A shift toward more market-oriented policy agendas could improve investment conditions, although fiscal adjustment remains a major challenge across several economies. ·       Europe has weathered the energy shock better than in past crises, but growth remains modest. Lower energy intensity, healthier labor markets and softer energy prices have helped, while weak consumer demand, trade uncertainty, industrial softness and limited fiscal room continue to constrain the outlook. Why it matters The episode underscores how global growth is being shaped by a mix of resilience and fragility. AI investment, lower energy intensity and improving policy prospects in some regions are offering support, while geopolitical shocks, sticky inflation, strained public finances, weak domestic demand and fragile trade conditions continue to limit the upside. For businesses and investors, the outlook requires close attention to regional differences, policy shifts and the channels through which energy, technology and fiscal risks affect growth. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Global Economic Outlook: August 2026 How AI Is Reshaping the Global Economic Outlook Geopolitical Risk Brief: August 2026 For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Monthly Macro Monitor: Global economy shrugging off persistent uncertainty Recent economic resilience to shocks: So far so good, but don't take it for granted Credits: Host: Ken Wattret Guests: Ben Herzon, Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch, Rafael Amiel, Raj Badiani Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

  3. Aug 22

    Maritime Risk: Who Really Owns the World's Ships?

    More than 90% of global trade moves by sea, but identifying who actually owns and controls the vessels behind that trade remains one of the maritime sector's biggest compliance challenges. In this episode of The Decisive, host Kristen Hallam speaks with Jeremy Domballe, Product Director of Maritime Intelligence and Risk, about the hidden ownership crisis at sea and why beneficial ownership transparency matters for sanctions compliance, illegal fishing, money laundering risk and supply chain integrity.   Jeremy explains how complex corporate structures, shell companies, nominee arrangements and rapid ownership transfers can obscure the true decision-makers behind maritime assets. He also discusses why vessel tracking alone is not enough, how regulatory gaps create risk for governments and businesses, and why a more vessel-centric approach to due diligence — or "know your vessel" — is becoming essential.   What you'll hear in this episode: Why beneficial ownership is one of the hardest maritime risks to identify clearly The limits of vessel tracking and port security when ownership data is opaque The business, legal, reputational and operational risks of engaging with vessels tied to hidden owners Practical steps regulators, port authorities, financial institutions and maritime companies can take to improve transparency Why "know your vessel" due diligence may become increasingly important for maritime risk management More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Click here to access the latest Maritime State of Play report The Gulf Puzzle: Strategic Implications for Global Shipping Networks Transshipment: Frequently Asked Questions For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Chokepoints vs. shortcuts: Supply chain outlook for critical maritime routes Red Sea maritime and aviation risks Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guests: Jeremy Domballe Produced By: Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

  4. Aug 15

    Beyond Disruption: The Next Chapter for GCC Economies

    In this episode of The Decisive, host Kristen Hallam shares highlights from a July 15 webinar on how Gulf Cooperation Council economies are adapting to trade disruption, infrastructure risk and shifting growth priorities. S&P Global Market Intelligence experts Kevjn Lim, Chris Rogers and Jamil Nayyem join Ralf Wiegert to discuss how the region is moving beyond immediate disruption toward longer-term questions about resilience, trade continuity and economic diversification. The conversation explores the practical limits of alternative routes around the Strait of Hormuz; the role of pipelines, ports, rail and corridor connectivity; and the implications for supply chains that depend on Middle East petrochemicals and other industrial inputs. The panel also examines what recent PMI data suggest about supply conditions across the GCC, how infrastructure investment could support non-oil growth, and why geopolitical uncertainty, fiscal pressure and execution risk may shape the pace of recovery. Topics covered include: How global buyers have responded to disruption in Middle East trade flows, including the different recovery paths for energy products, petrochemicals and industrial materials. The distinction between temporary workarounds and permanent bypass infrastructure around the Strait of Hormuz. Why pipelines, export terminals, port rerouting, rail links and multimodal corridors could make Gulf trade routes more layered and diversified. How June PMI data point to tentative improvements in supply conditions across parts of the GCC, while demand and confidence remain sensitive to geopolitical conditions. What resilience-led investment could mean for logistics hubs, industrial zones, port operators, freight forwarders, manufacturers and regional value chains. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Midyear Economic Check-In Geopolitical Risk Brief: July 2026 Global outlook marred by further slide in emerging market business confidence For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Middle East war  Red Sea maritime and aviation risks Credits: Hosts: Kristen Hallam, Ralf Wiegert Guests: Kevjn Lim, Jamil Naayem, Chris Rogers Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

  5. Jul 18

    PMI in Focus: High Frequency Signals for an Uncertain Business Environment

    In this episode of The Decisive, host Paul Smith is joined by senior economists Andrew Harker and Phil Smith to discuss the latest signals from the global Purchasing Managers' Index™ (PMI™) data and what they reveal about the direction of the world economy. The conversation revisits key themes from the previous PMI episode, including stockpiling, uncertainty, supply chain disruption and inflation risks linked to the tensions in the Middle East and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The economists explain how recent PMI data suggest some easing in inflation pressures and uncertainty, although both remain elevated compared with historical norms. The episode also explores why high-frequency PMI data can be especially valuable during periods of economic volatility, helping businesses, policymakers and forecasters assess turning points before slower-moving official data becomes available. Paul discusses how PMI signals can be combined with broader macroeconomic projections to provide a clearer view of both near-term conditions and longer-term trends. Other topics include the outlook for the eurozone economy, global export conditions, the continued impact of tariffs, and the divergence between weaker PMI export readings and stronger official export data driven in part by AI-related demand. Phil and Andrew highlight how the AI boom is showing up in semiconductor prices, manufacturing performance and capital expenditure intentions, particularly in the US. The episode closes with a look ahead to future PMI research on AI adoption and its impact on the workforce. This is the final episode before the summer break, with The Decisive returning in August for more insights and analysis. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: PMI data and commentary Global Economic Outlook: July 2026 Click here to learn how the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) and the World Economic Service (WES) help corporate planners interpret shifting global growth signals For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Middle East war Policy rate prospects Credits: Host: Paul Smith Guests: Andrew Harker, Phil Smith Produced By: Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

  6. Jul 11

    Frequently Asked Questions: Oil Shocks, Economic Resilience and Risks to Growth

    In this episode of The Decisive, host Kristen Hallam speaks with Ken Wattret, vice president of global economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, about frequently asked client questions on the recent oil shock, the conflict in the Middle East and the possible implications for the global economy. The conversation was originally recorded on May 12 and considers how the jump in crude prices compares with past oil shocks, why the length of the disruption is critical, which economies appear most exposed, and what indicators can help track the effects on growth, inflation and monetary policy. Ken explains that the increase in Brent crude prices following the start of the Middle East conflict was unusually large, with the monthly rise exceeding 40%. He cautions that the shock is still unfolding and that shortages, if they develop, could intensify the negative effects on global growth. Although S&P Global Market Intelligence's base case still points to continued global expansion, Ken says the global real GDP growth forecast has been revised down markedly since February. Ken says global growth surprised to the upside in 2025 despite extreme uncertainty over U.S. trade policy, repeated tariff announcements and fears of retaliation, suggesting economies have adjusted to repeated shocks in recent years. Key risks discussed in the episode include a failure to reach an agreement to end the conflict, a resumption or spread of hostilities, more persistent disruptions to energy production and supply, higher-for-longer prices, possible shortages, stronger inflation, higher-for-longer interest rates and asset-price problems. Listen to the full episode for Ken Wattret's perspective on how the oil shock could affect global growth, inflation and monetary policy — and what indicators may signal where the risks are headed next. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Midyear Economic Check-In Geopolitical Risk Brief: June 2026 Banking Risk Monthly Outlook: July 2026 For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Monthly Macro Monitor Middle East war Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guest: Ken Wattret Produced By: Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

  7. Jul 4

    The Age of Agility: Midyear Signals for 2026 - Part 2

    At midyear 2026, agility is no longer just a strategic advantage — it is a requirement for navigating structural change. In part two of this two-part series, The Decisive host Kristen Hallam continues the conversation with S&P Global Market Intelligence experts Ken Wattrett, Laurence Allan and Eric Johnson to explore how AI is showing up across the three strategic themes for 2026 outlined in the Age of Agility report.  AI is presented as a connective force across the Age of Agility themes: it is supporting economic growth through major investment, reshaping geopolitical power dynamics through emerging technologies, and forcing companies to adapt to new trade and logistics realities. The discussion also flags a key risk: AI is a powerful growth engine, but dependence on one investment theme could create concentration risks if the boom proves uneven or short-lived. The experts also discuss what they are watching for the rest of 2026 and into 2027 including: Fiscal pressure and debt sustainability Middle East conflict and energy market volatility AI as a growth driver — and a concentration risk Supply chain regionalization Trade policy and USMCA negotiations More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Age of Agility report Global Economic Outlook: June 2026 Geopolitical Risk Brief: June 2026 US warehousing expanding faster at key inland hubs For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Monthly Macro Monitor Frequently asked question: Do the effects of prior oil price shocks provide any pointers for the period ahead? Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guests: Ken Wattret, Eric Johnson, Laurence Allan Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

  8. Jun 27

    The Age of Agility: Midyear Signals for 2026

    At midyear 2026, volatility is no longer the backdrop — it is the operating environment. In this episode, host Kristen Hallam is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence experts Ken Wattrett, Laurence Allan and Eric Johnson to revisit the Age of Agility strategic themes: shaky economic foundations, shifting asymmetric power and adapting to trade realities. The panel examines what has changed for decision-makers heading into the second half of 2026, from the Middle East conflict and oil price shocks to AI-driven investment, resource nationalism, trade disruption and the rewiring of global supply chains. The experts provide timely signals on where resilience may hold — and where risks are becoming even more interconnected. Listeners will learn: How S&P Global Market Intelligence's 2026 "Age of Agility" strategic themes are holding up at midyear — and what has shifted. Why geopolitical shocks, oil prices and fiscal constraints are reshaping the global economic outlook. How trade routes and supply chains are being rewired by regionalization, choke points, tariffs and climate-related disruption. How resource nationalism, critical minerals competition and emerging military technologies are changing geopolitical power dynamics. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Age of Agility report Global Economic Outlook: June 2026 Geopolitical Risk Brief: June 2026 US warehousing expanding faster at key inland hubs For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Monthly Macro Monitor Frequently asked question: Do the effects of prior oil price shocks provide any pointers for the period ahead? Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guests: Ken Wattret, Eric Johnson, Laurence Allan Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

See All (300)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Whether you're a business leader, investor, or simply curious about the forces shaping our world, The Decisive podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead. Join our team of seasoned Market Intelligence analysts as they explore the ever-changing landscape of maritime, trade and supply chain, economics and country risk.

Information

More From S&P Global

You Might Also Like