As the global transition to clean energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence accelerates, the demand for critical minerals—including copper, lithium, and rare earth elements—is reshaping supply chains and intensifying geopolitical competition. In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam leads a discussion with S&P Global Market Intelligence experts to examine the evolving landscape of critical minerals.

The panel explores how changing definitions, trade flows, and strategic stockpiling are influencing both businesses and governments worldwide. Senior Supply Chain Analyst Eric Oak discusses the complexities of critical mineral classifications and shifting global trade patterns. Senior Economist Jason Kaplan provides insight into the tightening supply-demand balance for copper, price volatility, and procurement strategies. Carla Selman, Head of Latin America Country Risk, analyzes Latin America's strategic role in the minerals sector and the impact of regional politics and alliances with the US and China. Economist David Vagenknecht offers a European perspective, focusing on the EU's ambitions for strategic autonomy, challenges in domestic processing, and the balance between environmental leadership and resource security.

This episode delivers actionable insights for business leaders, investors, and policymakers on building resilient supply chains, anticipating market shifts, and navigating the geopolitical dynamics shaping the future of critical minerals.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Commodity Price Watch: March 2026
• Global Economic Outlook: March 2026
• Click here to subscribe to our Supply Chain Essentials newsletter.

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Commodity Price Watch Monthly (full report)
• Latin America's position in the critical minerals supply chain
• 2026: The age of agility

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Eric Oak, Jason Kaplan, Carla Selman, David Vagenknecht
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

• PMI research home page
• Click here to access our Debrief on the US-Iran Conflict Escalation webinar
• Click here to subscribe to our Geopolitical and Economic Risk Monthly newsletter

• Comparative Industry Briefing
• Global Executive Summary: Choppy markets, resilient economies
• 2026: The age of agility

• Host: Paul Smith
• Guests: Andrew Harker, Sian Jones
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

The US labor market is no longer running hot — but it isn't freezing up, either. In this episode of The Decisive, S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Juan Turcios unpacks what a "softening" labor market really looks like in late 2025 and into 2026, and why the headline numbers don't tell the whole story.

We dig into the sharp slowdown in payroll growth since the post-pandemic boom, the steady rise in the unemployment rate from its 2023 cyclical low, and the increasing concentration of job gains in a handful of sectors — especially healthcare. Juan also explores what's happening beneath the surface: a cooling appetite to hire, fewer workers quitting, and companies trying to get more output from the employees they already have.

Our economist also examines the supply-side forces reshaping the workforce, including slower labor force growth tied to immigration policy shifts and the longer-run drag from an aging population — trends that are changing participation rates and influencing where jobs are being created.

Finally, we look ahead to what this means for productivity, real wages, and the broader US growth outlook, while addressing a critical wild card: growing concerns about the reliability of monthly labor data as survey response rates decline.

Listen now to gain insights that could impact your business decisions and strategy.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Global Economic Outlook: February 2026
• Picture This: Escalating Marine and Aviation Risks in the Middle East
• Click here to subscribe to our Geopolitical and Economic Risk Monthly newsletter.

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Global Executive Summary: Choppy markets, resilient economies
• US GDP tracking
• 2026: The age of agility

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Juan Turcios
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun