IMF Insights: Economic Resilience and AI's Impact

In this episode, host Andy Critchlow, Head of News at S&P Global Commodity Insights, is joined by Paul Gruenwald, Chief Economist at S&P Global Ratings. Together, they unpack the key takeaways from the recent IMF meetings, exploring themes of economic resilience amid tariff uncertainties, the shifting dynamics of global trade, and the implications of AI on future growth.

In this insightful episode of the Look Forward Podcast, Andy Critchlow sits down with Nathan Stovall, Director of FIG Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence and host of the Street Talk Podcast, to discuss the intricate dynamics of today's economy and the lessons learned from past financial crises. They delve into the historical parallels with the 1929 crash, the implications of private lending growth, and the current state of consumer finance. As they explore the resilience of the U.S. consumer amidst volatility and the potential risks posed by shadow banking, Nathan shares his expert insights on bank balance sheets, the role of the Federal Reserve, and what the future might hold for the financial landscape. Tune in to understand how current trends may shape economic outcomes and what strategies can be employed to manage potential downturns.

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow welcomes Professor Anoush Eteshami, a leading expert on Iranian affairs, to discuss the complex and evolving landscape of Iran. As the nation grapples with significant internal and external challenges, including economic turmoil and geopolitical tensions, the conversation delves into the implications of these factors on Iran's future. Professor Eteshami offers valuable insights into Iran's historical context, the impact of sanctions, and the potential for reform amidst a young population yearning for change. Join us as we explore the critical crossroads Iran faces and what it means for the broader Middle East.

In this exciting episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow welcomes S&P Global's own Srineel Jalagani, who is at the forefront of exploring the burgeoning space economy. Tune in to hear about the potential for human colonization of Mars, the role of private companies like SpaceX, and the future of the space economy, projected to soar from $650 billion to $1.8 trillion by 2035. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of finance, technology, and space exploration.

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow welcomes Charles Chang, the Greater China Country lead at S&P Global Ratings, to discuss the transformative trends in China's global trade and investment strategy. As Chinese firms increasingly pivot towards the Global South, with exports to these emerging markets surpassing those to the US and Western Europe, we explore the implications of this shift. Drawing insights from the recent report "China Inc. Heads to the Global South in the age of tariffs" the conversation delves into the factors driving this change, the competitive landscape of Chinese multinationals, and the evolving nature of trade relationships amid rising tariffs and geopolitical tensions. 

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow is join by Stephen Smith of the American Academy of Actuaries to explore the intricate relationship between the AAA and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the modeling techniques used to assess risk in the actuarial landscape and how the industry is preparing for future challenges. For more content, please register for our upcoming webinar; "Recent NAIC Developments Relating to Insurer Fixed-Income Investments"  The NAIC held its Summer National Meeting from August 10-13, and the NAIC Risk-Based Capital Investment Risk and Evaluation (E) Working Group held an interim meeting on September 8 to discuss the RBC treatment of CLOs.  Join us for a dialogue with Larry Hamilton of Mayer Brown to discuss the latest news on CLOs and key investment-related developments from the Summer National Meeting.

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow, head of news at S&P Global Commodity Insights, delves into the dynamic and resilient market of India. As the global geopolitical landscape shifts, India emerges as a pivotal player in the next chapter of global growth. Joined by an expert panel including Gauri Jauhar, Deepa Kumar, and Atul Arya from S&P Global, the discussion unpacks the forthcoming India Forward report, which offers insights into India's outlook for 2025 and beyond.

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow is joined by Lindsay Hall, Global Head of Thought Leadership at S&P Global Sustainable1, and Terence Thompson, Chief Science Officer at S&P Global ESG Product. Together, they delve into the urgent challenges posed by climate change, exploring its immediate impacts on global weather systems and the financial risks associated with inaction.

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow, head of news at S&P Global Commodity Insights, delves into the pivotal role of cement in shaping the global economy. Joined by industry experts Abdulhamit Akçay, Vice President of the Turkish Cement, and Binny Sabharwal, Senior Price Reporter at S&P Global, the discussion explores the intricate dynamics of cement production and consumption.

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow sits down with Joshua Hutchinson, Managing Director of Risk and Intelligence at Ambrey, to explore the pressing issues surrounding maritime security in today's geopolitical climate. They delve into the increasing threats to global trade routes, including attacks on shipping and the evolving tactics employed. Joshua shares insights on the severity of current maritime threats, the role of technology in intelligence gathering, and the importance of risk management for vessel owners. Despite the daunting landscape, Joshua emphasizes the resilience of the maritime industry and the opportunities for collaboration and innovation that arise from these challenges. Tune in for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the complexities of maritime trade and security in an ever-changing world.