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. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Jun 20

    Uneven Demand, Tight Supply: Navigating the Next Procurement Challenge

    In this episode of The Decisive podcast, host Kristen Hallam shares highlights from a recent S&P Global Market Intelligence client webinar on the forces reshaping procurement strategy. The conversation explores how prolonged disruption in the Middle East is moving beyond energy markets and into broader supply chains, affecting shipping, chemicals, metals and industrial inputs. S&P Global Market Intelligence experts Emily Crowley, Gregory Muller and Maxwell Clarke examine why oil prices may stay higher for longer, why LNG markets are unlikely to repeat the extremes of 2022, and how AI-driven data center expansion is tightening capacity for transformers, electrical equipment, cooling systems and related components. This episode is designed for procurement professionals, supply chain leaders, corporate strategists, market intelligence teams and anyone tracking how geopolitical disruption, energy markets and AI investment are reshaping industrial input costs and equipment availability. What listeners will learn Why procurement teams may not see meaningful price relief even as demand softens in parts of the economy How inventory dynamics, shipping disruption and tariff uncertainty are shaping supplier behavior Why data center construction is creating sustained pressure on electrical and cooling equipment markets How companies can think about risk mitigation, contract management and inventory strategy in a constrained supply environment More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Commodity Price Watch: June 2026 US retailers forecast early — and brief — peak shipping season Picture This: Mexico's Avocado Exporters Look Beyond US Market For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Commodity Price Watch Monthly (full report) Key takeaways from April 2026 Pricing and Purchasing seminar briefings Credits: Host: Emily Crowley Guests: Gregory Muller, Maxwell Clarke Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

  8. Jun 13

    DRAMageddon: What AI Demand Means for Gaming Hardware Supply Chains

    AI is reshaping more than software — it's putting intense pressure on the global semiconductor supply chain. In this special cross-post from Data & Dimensions, The Decisive brings you a timely conversation on how surging demand for AI infrastructure is driving a shortage of DRAM memory, raising costs across consumer technology, and forcing companies to rethink production, pricing, and inventory strategy. Host Neil Barbour speaks with Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence, about the "DRAMageddon" unfolding across markets — from AI data centers and gaming hardware to smartphones, VR headsets, consoles, tariffs, and global trade. Key takeaways include: How AI accelerators are absorbing semiconductor capacity and pushing DRAM prices higher Why consumer electronics — including smartphones, VR headsets, and gaming consoles — are facing rising memory costs and supply constraints What the DRAM shortage means for the gaming market ahead of major launches like Grand Theft Auto VI How companies are shifting hardware production from mainland China to Vietnam amid tariff uncertainty Why inflation, component shortages, and macroeconomic pressures could delay the next generation of consoles until 2028 What today's memory squeeze reveals about the broader intersection of AI, supply chains, global trade, and technology strategy For listeners of The Decisive, this episode offers a sharp look at how disruption moves through industries in real time — turning a technical bottleneck in semiconductor memory into a wider story about pricing power, production strategy, and the future of consumer technology. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Electronics Supply Chain Outlook The Decisive | Season 6 Ep.2 - How Supply Constraints Are Defining Electronics Pricing Video game profitability tracker: Positive, if precarious, margin trends in 2025 For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Parallel processes: Rising component costs bifurcate sector, limit PC manufacturing volumes More than war: Q2 2026 corporate supply chain strategy outlook Credits: Hosts: Neil Barbour Guest: Chris Rogers Produced By: Neil Barbour, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Neil Barbour, Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

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4.8
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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.

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