In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam engages in an insightful discussion with Ken Wattret, Vice President of Global Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, about the critical yet often overlooked topic of public debt.

Kristen and Ken explore the significant rise in public sector debt-to-GDP ratios since the mid-2000s, driven by adverse economic shocks, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ken explains the persistent challenges of high government budget deficits, the political reluctance to implement fiscal changes, and the implications of rising sovereign yields on economic growth. Ken discusses how these fiscal fragilities impact businesses and consumers, the potential for crowding out private sector investment, and the risks of triggering another economic shock.

Listen now for a thought-provoking conversation that highlights the complexities of fiscal policy in today's economic landscape.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026
• Top 10 Economic Insights 2026
• Fiscal fragilities: Dealing with high debt

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Fiscal fragilities: Dealing with high debt
• 2026: The age of agility
• Inflation indications

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Ken Wattret
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun