Above the Fray

AI, higher rates, trade tensions, and geopolitical risks are reshaping the global economy. Three chief economists unpack the biggest surprises of 2026 and explore what could drive growth, markets, and economic change in 2027.

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Why do bonds matter so much? Robin Wigglesworth joins Winnie Cisar and Justin Patrie to explore how debt built the modern world, what rising Treasury yields mean, how ETFs are reshaping credit markets, and where the AI investment boom may be headed. 

What’s really powering the AI boom? Winnie Cisar talks with Andy DeVries and Wish Bakshi about data centers, compute scarcity, energy demand, natural gas, and the credit risks behind AI infrastructure as hyperscalers race to build the future.

Fitch Ratings' Chief Risk Officer Richard Hunter joins host Justin Patrie to explore global credit risks in 2026, from AI and private credit to geopolitics and government debt. An insightful look at late-cycle vulnerabilities and lessons from the Global Financial Crisis.

Recorded during Climate Week, this episode explores sustainable debt, climate resilience, AI infrastructure, and data center financing. Winnie Cisar, Marcy Block, and Steve Liberatore share insights into emerging trends and investment opportunities.

Is private credit a systemic risk or the next frontier of finance? Justin Patrie sits down with Fitch’s Meghan Neenan and Ruth Yang to unpack defaults, redemptions, AI-driven software stress, and what's ahead for this $6T asset class.

Is the mighty US consumer reaching a breaking point? Host Justin Patrie sits down with CreditSights' James Goldstein and Fitch's Olu Sonola to unpack 'fragile stability,' value-seeking spending, the labor market, and whether the economy is truly K-shaped.

Winnie Cisar & CIBC's Chris Harvey break down the SpaceX IPO, AI's $500B buildout, global competition & leverage in the system. Is a market melt-up next? Don't miss their smart takes on credit vs. equity.

Before we dive into markets and macro, meet the minds behind the mic. Hosts Winnie Cisar and Justin Patrie share their winding paths into finance, what sets Fitch apart, how AI is reshaping research, and the podcasts and books that fuel their curiosity. 

Markets move quickly, and so do the forces shaping credit, the economy, and global markets. Above the Fray is Fitch Group’s new weekly podcast covering the biggest developments in credit, macro, geopolitics, and market trends. Hosted by Winnie Cisar and Justin Patrie, the series offers expert analysis and clear perspectives to help audiences stay informed.