Welcome to The Look Forward Podcast from S&P Global.
In today's rapidly shifting markets, success depends on anticipating what's next. The professionals who excel are those who can spot emerging trends before they fully materialize. The Look Forward Podcast delivers exactly that—insights to help you prepare for tomorrow's opportunities and challenges. We bring you expert perspectives on macroeconomic trends, capital markets, energy transition, and global trade, with a sharp focus on what these developments mean for the decisions that will shape your tomorrow.
This podcast connects you with S&P Global's Look Forward Council, bringing cutting-edge research on long-term trends and transformative market shifts. Together, we're committed to providing the forward-looking intelligence you need to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
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As 2025 draws to a close, Andy Critchlow is joined by co-hosts Molly Mintz and Aries Poon to reflect on the Look Forward Podcast's 2025 conversations. From the persistence of inflation and the evolving role of central banks, to the rise of private credit and the profound impact of AI-driven data center investment, we dive into the macroeconomic, geopolitical, and sectoral shifts transforming global markets. Packed with expert insights, global perspectives, and forward-looking analysis, this epis...
In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Aries Poon is joined by Thea Fourie from S&P Global's Market Intelligence Division to explore three pivotal trends shaping the global payment landscape in 2026. They delve into the interoperability of domestic payment systems, the rise of BRICS alternatives to international payment frameworks, and the increasing adoption of stablecoins, particularly in emerging and frontier markets. Discover how these trends can enhance financial inclusion, f...
In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Molly Mintz reconnects with the audience as she dives deep into the critical role of data centers in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Joined by experts Kelly Morgan and Brian Partridge from S&P Global's 451 Research and authors from our latest Look Forward Report, "Navigating the US data center power crunch: On-site solutions offer a faster path to power," the discussion explores the unprecedented demand for data center capa...
In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, our new rotating host Molly Mintz makes her debut to explore the dynamic landscape of Africa's economy with authors from out latest Look Forward Journal "Look Forward: Unlocking Africa" and S&P Global Rating's experts Roberto Sifron-Arevalo, Samira Mensah, and Elijah Oliveros Rosen. Discover how Africa's abundant natural resources and youthful demographics present unprecedented investment opportunities, while also facing challenges in infrastructu...
In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow is joined by Lindsey Hall, Global Head of Thought Leadership at Sustainable One, and Eklavya Gupte, Head of Carbon News Reporting at S&P Global Commodity Insights. Together, they delve into the critical discussions surrounding COP 30, the "Davos of climate change." With the conference taking place in Brazil, the episode explores key themes such as carbon emissions reduction, the balance between economic development and sustaina...
In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast from S&P Global, host Andy Critchlow delves into the complex landscape of decarbonizing the aviation sector. Joined by experts Roman Kramarchuk and Ina Clarita from S&P Global Commodity Insights, the discussion highlights the critical challenges of reducing carbon emissions in aviation, including the rising demand for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and the high costs associated with their production. Listeners will gain insights into the curr...
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. c...
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 sanction...
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 s...
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 Sou...
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 Inv...
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...
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...
Join Andy Critchlow, head of news at S&P Global Commodity Insights, and Zahabia Gupta, head of emerging markets credit research at S&P Global Ratings, as they delve into the complexities of frontier markets. Listen along as the pair explores the distinctions between frontier and emerging markets, and the implications of recent global trends on these economies. Related Research: Frontier Markets Quarterly Highlights: Navigating Vulnerabilities: The Impact Of Global Supply Chains...
Join us on the Look Forward Podcast as host Andy Critchlow interviews Carlos Pascual, Senior Vice President for Global Geopolitics and International Affairs at S&P Global Commodity Insights. In this insightful episode, we discuss the current geopolitical landscape marked by increasing protectionism and the implications of recent tariff policies on global trade. Carlos highlights the role of emerging economies in a shifting world order and examines the challenges of energy transition amid ris...
Dave Ernsberger discusses OPEC's unprecedented market control and the oil market's remarkable resilience to geopolitical volatility, attributing it to market 'match fitness' and advanced risk management tools. He explores the growing impact of data and AI on dampening volatility and the intense energy demands of big tech. The conversation also redefines energy transition as 'energy expansion,' highlighting the crucial role of all energy forms and the evolving carbon markets, concluding with an optimistic outlook for commodity markets despite global uncertainties.
In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow welcomes Paul Gruenwald, Global Chief Economist at S&P Global, to delve into the pressing issues shaping the global economy in 2025. The discussion kicks off with a critical examination of central bank independence and its vital role in maintaining macroeconomic stability. As they explore the current state of the US economy, they address the challenges posed by tariffs and political pressures, highlighting the fine line between...
In this inaugural episode of Look Forward , Andy Critchlow sits down with Evan Gunter and Andrew O'Neill, authors from the 10th edition of S&P Global's Look Forward Journal, "Look Forward: Future of Capital Markets ," to discuss the groundbreaking developments in the world of finance and investment with a focus on tokenized private credit funds. Discover the potential tipping point for the financial landscape as we discuss the future of blockchain technology in lending, where the entire tran...
In this episode episode we are joined by Mohsen Bonakdarpour from S&P Global Market Intelligence and Madeline Jowdy from S&P Global Commodity Insights to discuss the findings from part one of S&P Global's recent U.S. LNG Impact Study. More S&P Global Content: Read Part One of S&P Global's U.S. LNG Impact Study The Daily Update S&P Global Look Forward Report Credits: Host/Author: Nathan Hunt Producer/Editor: Patrick Moroney Published With Assistance From: Kyle May, Kurt Bu...
With 2024 rapidly coming to a close, we at The Essential Podcast decided to reflect on our favorite lessons of the year. Listen along as we walk down memory lane, reliving pieces of our most insightful conversations this year. Referenced Episodes: Better Faster Farther: Maggie Mertens and the Evolution of Women's Sports Making Sense of Chaos – An Interview with J. Doyne Farmer Overcoming AI Skepticism With Sudeep Kesh Making Sense of Oil Markets with Andy Critchlow Coronation And Collapse, The S...
This week, Nathan is joined by Brigid Schulte, author of "Overwork: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life." Together, the duo discusses the challenges of modern work life and explore innovative solutions to combat overwork. Brigid Schulte: Book: Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life More S&P Global Content: The Daily Update S&P Global Look Forward Report Credits: Host/Author: Nathan Hunt Producer/Editor: Patrick Moroney Published Wit...
Nathan sits down with Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge Sir David Spiegelhalter to discuss his new book "The Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk and Luck." Together, the pair covers nuances of probability, risk, and luck; as well as examine the way we understand the data surronding our everyday lives. David Spiegelhalter: Book: "The Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk and Luck" More S&P Global Content: The Daily Up...
Nathan Hunt sits down with historian and author Richard Overy to discuss his latest book, "Why War." Together, the pair explores the nature of conflict and it's persistent presence in human life, examining its potential roots through a variety of lenses. Rchard Overy: Book: "Why War" (Publisher W.W. Norton & Company) More S&P Global Content: The Daily Update S&P Global Look Forward Report Credits: Host/Author: Nathan Hunt Producer/Editor: Patrick Moroney Published With Assistance Fro...
Nathan Hunt is joined Andrew O'Neill and Evan Gunter from S&P Global Ratings to discuss the rapidly expanding realm of private credit markets. Together, they explore the challenges facing private debt, including liquidity, transparency, and discuss how tokenization could transform this landscape. More from Evan and Andrew: Tokenized Private Credit: A New Digital Frontier for Real World Assets More S&P Global Content: More S&P Global Podcasts The Daily Update S&P Global Look Forwa...
In this episode, Nathan sits down with author Maggie Mertens about her book, "Better, Faster, Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know About Women." Together, they discuss the challenges faced and progress made in women's sports. Maggie Mertens: Book: "Better Faster Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know About Women" More S&P Global Content: The Daily Update Turning Moments into Movements: Women's Sports Attendance and Viewership Soar Pre-Olympics MediaTalk | Season 2 EP 23 -...
In this episode, Nathan sits down with friend of the podcast Paul Grunewald, the Global Chief Economist for S&P Global Ratings, who shares his thoughts on the global macroeconomic picture and the specific economic landscape in China. More S&P Global Content: Working While Caregiving: It's Complicated The Daily Update Look Forward Credits: Host/Author: Nathan Hunt Producer/Editor: Patrick Moroney Published With Assistance From: Kyle May, Kurt Burger, Camille McManus www.spglobal.com...
In this episode, Nathan is joined by Joined by Susan Reinhard, Senior Vice President and Director of the AARP Public Policy Institute, to explore the challenges faced by working caregivers and the importance of supporting them in the workplace. Together they dive into the increasing need for caregiving as the population ages and the impact it has on today's workforce. More S&P Global Content: Working While Caregiving: It's Complicated The Daily Update Look Forward Credits: Host/Author: Natha...
