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