In this episode of The Decisive, taken from a July 15 webinar, S&P Global Market Intelligence economists discuss the latest shifts in the global macroeconomic outlook, including the resilience of the US economy, China's growth profile, political and fiscal developments in Latin America, and Europe's cautious recovery amid persistent energy, trade and consumer-demand headwinds. Key themes · Shaky economic foundations remain the core global theme. Geopolitical uncertainty, unstable inflation and interest-rate dynamics, trade frictions and strained public finances continue to weigh on the outlook. · The US economy continues to show resilience. Lower energy intensity, AI-related investment and stronger equity valuations have helped support growth. · Asia Pacific growth is still highly export-dependent. China and several regional economies continue to benefit from technology- and AI-related demand, while soft domestic demand and inflation risks remain key vulnerabilities. · Latin America may be seeing an upside risk from political change. A shift toward more market-oriented policy agendas could improve investment conditions, although fiscal adjustment remains a major challenge across several economies. · Europe has weathered the energy shock better than in past crises, but growth remains modest. Lower energy intensity, healthier labor markets and softer energy prices have helped, while weak consumer demand, trade uncertainty, industrial softness and limited fiscal room continue to constrain the outlook. Why it matters The episode underscores how global growth is being shaped by a mix of resilience and fragility. AI investment, lower energy intensity and improving policy prospects in some regions are offering support, while geopolitical shocks, sticky inflation, strained public finances, weak domestic demand and fragile trade conditions continue to limit the upside. For businesses and investors, the outlook requires close attention to regional differences, policy shifts and the channels through which energy, technology and fiscal risks affect growth. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Global Economic Outlook: August 2026 How AI Is Reshaping the Global Economic Outlook Geopolitical Risk Brief: August 2026 For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Monthly Macro Monitor: Global economy shrugging off persistent uncertainty Recent economic resilience to shocks: So far so good, but don't take it for granted Credits: Host: Ken Wattret Guests: Ben Herzon, Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch, Rafael Amiel, Raj Badiani Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.