The US Federal Reserve is always in the spotlight, and that spotlight is brighter than ever in 2026.

In this episode of The Decisive, economist Lawrence Nelson, our resident Fed expert at S&P Global Market Intelligence, breaks down why the central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at its January meeting, and what "sticky" inflation could mean for the first part of the year.

We also examine the leadership uncertainty ahead of Jerome Powell's term as Fed chair ending in May, including how a US Justice Department investigation could complicate the transition—without necessarily changing the Fed's data-driven approach to monetary policy.

The episode offers a quick refresher on the Fed's dual mandate, the key indicators policymakers watch, and how disruptions—such as last year's government shutdown—can impact the data flow the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) relies on when setting rates.

Listen now to learn more about what our Fed expert is watching in January and beyond, and gain insights to guide your business decisions in the year ahead.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Listen: The Decisive | Episode 13 - How US Monetary Policy Works
• Top 10 Economic Insights 2026
• The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Weekly Economic Commentary
• Inflation indications
• Bubble trouble: Lessons from the dotcom days

Credits:

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

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