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