Stablecoins are designed to keep a steady value—by pegging to a reserve asset like the US dollar—while delivering the speed and lower cost of blockchain-based payments. In this episode of The Decisive, S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Robert Matthee unpacks how stablecoins work, why their market has surged to an estimated $300 billion, and what's driving forecasts that the space could expand dramatically in the coming years.

Robert and host Kristen hallam dig into what's powering adoption: demand for cheaper cross-border transfers, growing use by major issuers, and the impact of clearer regulation—including the US GENIUS Act—on mainstream acceptance.

We also look at stablecoins through the lens of emerging markets, especially sub-Saharan Africa, where FX shortages, inflation, and friction-filled payment rails have made "digital hard currency" an appealing alternative for households and businesses. The episode also explores the tradeoffs—how widespread stablecoin use could accelerate currency substitution, weaken domestic monetary policy, and pressure local banks by pulling deposits out of the traditional system.

Finally, we close with what could come next—from continued growth in dollar-backed coins to new experiments, including stablecoins backed by assets like gold.

Listen now to gain insights on the future of stablecoin adoption.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Stablecoins Explained: A Comprehensive FAQ Guide to Digital Currency Stability
• Age of Agility: Key Themes Shaping the Sub-Saharan Africa Region in 2026
• Top 10 Economic Insights 2026

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Sub-Saharan Africa: FX shortages likely to accelerate US stablecoin adoption
• Banking risk 2025 highlights and 2026 outlook
• Fiscal fragilities: Dealing with high debt

Credits:

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

The US Federal Reserve is always in the spotlight, and that spotlight is brighter than ever in 2026.

In this episode of The Decisive, economist Lawrence Nelson, our resident Fed expert at S&P Global Market Intelligence, breaks down why the central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at its January meeting, and what "sticky" inflation could mean for the first part of the year.

We also examine the leadership uncertainty ahead of Jerome Powell's term as Fed chair ending in May, including how a US Justice Department investigation could complicate the transition—without necessarily changing the Fed's data-driven approach to monetary policy.

The episode offers a quick refresher on the Fed's dual mandate, the key indicators policymakers watch, and how disruptions—such as last year's government shutdown—can impact the data flow the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) relies on when setting rates.

Listen now to learn more about what our Fed expert is watching in January and beyond, and gain insights to guide your business decisions in the year ahead.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Listen: The Decisive | Episode 13 - How US Monetary Policy Works
• Top 10 Economic Insights 2026
• The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Weekly Economic Commentary
• Inflation indications
• Bubble trouble: Lessons from the dotcom days

Credits:

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

As global trade faces unprecedented disruption, shippers must rethink everything from cost containment to risk management. In this episode of the Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam sits down with Peter Tirschwell, Vice President for Maritime & Trade at S&P Global Market Intelligence and TPM Conference founder, to break down the theme of TPM26: "Taking Costs Out, Putting Value In."

Together, they explore the far-reaching impacts of U.S. tariff policies, evolving supply chain strategies, and the role of technology in managing costs. Peter shares vital insights on balancing freight rates with service reliability, current best practices for shippers, and what to expect from this year's TPM Conference—including highlights on macroeconomic trends, industry consolidation, and the current dynamics of global shipping.

Whether you're a shipper, carrier, supply chain manager, or simply curious about the forces shaping global trade, this episode will help you navigate industry trends and challenges.

Tune in for an inside look at the biggest topics captivating the container shipping industry in 2026.

Click here to register for TPM26, the world's largest container shipping conference.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Asia-Europe ocean carriers add capacity as trade enters peak shipping period
• Geopolitical Risk Brief: December 2025
• Top 10 Economic Insights 2026

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Egypt opens new semiautomated Red Sea terminal as Suez traffic grows
• Global trade outlook and supply chains
• 2026: The age of agility

Credits:

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