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

Dive into the critical back-to-school shopping season, a key retail period for U.S. consumers and businesses. Our experts explore projected growth in back-to-school retail trends and sales, the implications for supply chains, and what it tells us about the broader economy.

With insights into consumer behavior and supply chain dynamics, this episode sheds light on how retailers are navigating inflation and evolving market conditions. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on a retail season that significantly impacts the economy and consumer sentiment.

More S&P Global Content:

• US back-to-school sales to exceed $1 trillion in 2024
• Global economic outlook: August 2024

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Michael Zdinak, Chris Rogers
• Produced and Edited By: Kristen Hallam
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr

In this episode of the Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam sits down with Scott Hazelton, Consulting Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, to explore the dynamic landscape of the home improvement market. As they gear up for the Home Improvement Insights Summit in Chicago, Scott shares valuable insights into the factors driving consumer behavior and spending in this sector.

Listeners will gain an understanding of the key trends shaping the home improvement industry, including the impact of interest rates, consumer confidence, and the evolving demand for skilled labor.

Whether you're a professional in the industry or simply curious about home improvement trends, this episode is packed with valuable information to keep you informed and engaged.

Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/

Tea or coffee?

Our experts tell the fascinating story of the trade in two beloved beverages: tea and coffee. Featuring insights from Anna Rybicka and Agnieszka Maciejewska, this episode explores the global trade, market trends, and the impact of weather on these commodities.

Discover where people consume the most coffee per capita, which tea exporter barely drinks a drop of the crop, and the forecasted trade volumes by 2040. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a tea lover, this episode offers a deep dive into how your daily cuppa gets filled.

Read our blog on tea exporter Kenya: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/research-analysis/kenya-floods-2024-economic-impact.html?utm_source=GIA&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=secontent&utm_id=PC024015

Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/

Recent economic data releases have sparked turmoil in financial markets around the globe.

S&P Global Market Intelligence's interpretation of this recent data suggests that fears of an imminent US recession and related expectations of aggressive policy rate cuts are overdone. To be clear, our economists are not ruling out a US recession – that will remain a risk with financial conditions still restrictive – but the evidence to support it occurring imminently looks unconvincing at this stage.

As markets settle, we offer you this excerpt from our July 11th webcast, in which our global economist, Ken Wattret, reflects on key macroeconomic themes. We hope you find this commentary valuable in navigating the period ahead.

See our July economic update: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/research-analysis/global-economic-outlook-july-2024.html?utm_source=GIA&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=secontent&utm_id=PC024015

Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/

What are the top ranked ports in the world? Turloch Mooney, head of the port intelligence and analytics business at S&P Global Market Intelligence, discusses the latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) and what the results mean for businesses.

Turloch defines port performance and how it is measured through various metrics such as offshore waiting time, berth productivity, throughput, and container dwell time. Turloch and host Kristen Hallam also explore the importance of efficient ports in facilitating economic growth, investment, and employment opportunities, noting that inefficient ports can lead to shipment delays, reduced competitiveness, and higher emissions.

Tune in to gain a better understanding of port efficiency and its impact on global trade and economic development.

Learn more about the Container Port Performance Index: https://pages.marketintelligence.spglobal.com/1185-The-CPPI-2023-The-Container-Port-Performance-Index-2023-CD-Request.html

Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/

Jan Gerhard, Raj Badiani, and Chris Rogers from S&P Global Market Intelligence join host Kristen Hallam to discuss the new UK government and its implications on the economy, trade, industry, and EU relations.

The experts explore the outcome of the election, the reasons behind it, and the potential impacts on various sectors. They delve into topics such as economic growth, budget responsibilities, infrastructure investment, trade deals, and more. Gain valuable insights into navigating the potential impacts of the UK general election.

Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/

Bibianna Norek and Diego Iscaro discuss the French election and its potential impacts on policymaking and the economy. In the absence of an absolute majority for any political group and the resulting hung parliament, the experts explore scenarios for government formation. They also touch upon the potential influence on monetary policy and the impact on France's political stability.

The experts also discuss managing security risks ahead of the Paris Olympics and the economic considerations of hosting the Games.

Read our blog post on security risks and the Paris Olympics: https://tinyurl.com/acmk7m55

Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/

Economists Paul Smith and Andrew Harker use data from our Purchasing Managers Index surveys to provide insights and analysis on the performance of the global economy at the midpoint of 2024 and the outlook for the coming months. They discuss the impact of factors such as investment in new technologies and inflation trends on economic growth. The economists also delve into reshoring and how supply chain realignments have been influenced by factors like the pandemic, geopolitics, and domestic policies.

Discover Purchasing Managers Index commentary and analysis here: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/research-analysis/pmi.html

Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/

"Chaos." That's how steel expert John Anton describes the market for the rest of this year in this episode of The Decisive Podcast. John is joined by Amanda Eglinton, lead analyst covering base metals and stainless/specialty steel markets at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Together they analyze the current trends and challenges in the metal market, discussing factors such as regional divergence, supply disruptions, and demand dynamics. Whether you're a producer, buyer, or investor, this episode offers valuable information to navigate the ever-changing metal market. Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/

Dijedon Imeri, principal analyst for Europe and CIS country risk at S&P Global Market Intelligence, joins host Kristen Hallam to discuss the European Union parliamentary elections and their potential impact on the business landscape. They explore the evolving risk environment in the EU and discuss indicators that businesses and investors should monitor. They also delve into the role of the European Parliament in shaping regulations and the potential implications of a rightward shift. Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay informed about the future of the European Union.

Listen to our previous episode on elections to watch in 2024: https://tinyurl.com/ucrzmx48

Explore our library of S&P Global Market Intelligence podcasts: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/