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