
Moody’s Talks – The Big Picture
On Moody’s Talks – The Big Picture, hosts Sarah Carlson, William Foster and Colin Ellis bring you insights from Moody’s analysts around the world on hot topics across fixed-income markets. Each episode will illuminate Moody’s thinking on the latest credit and economic developments, ranging from the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to technological disruption, political shifts and climate change. Please join us as we explore what’s on the horizon for the global credit landscape.
Latest episodes

Dec 7, 2023 • 12min
China's negative outlook explained
In this episode of the Big Picture podcast, we delve into the factors underpinning our recent decision to change the outlook on the Chinese sovereign rating to negative.Speaker: Gene Fang, Associate Managing Director - Sovereign Risk Group at Moody's Investors ServiceHost: Colin Ellis, MD-Global Credit Strategist at Moody’s Investors Service

Nov 29, 2023 • 16min
Israel-Hamas conflict: scenarios and effects
The conflict's credit effects should be limited to Israeli issuers, but an escalation that disrupts global energy and financial markets would widen the scope significantly.Speakers: Kathrin Muehlbronner, Senior VP-Sovereign Risk at Moody's Investors Service; Laura Perez, Associate MD-Credit Strategy at Moody's Investors ServiceHost: William Foster, Senior Vice President at Moody’s Investors Service

Nov 20, 2023 • 13min
Unpacking our negative outlook on the US sovereign rating
In this episode of the Big Picture podcast, we delve into the reasons behind our outlook change, factors supporting the Aaa rating and opportunities to slow a decline in fiscal strength.Speaker: William Foster, Senior Vice President at Moody’s Investors ServiceHost: Colin Ellis, MD-Global Credit Strategist at Moody’s Investors Service

Nov 14, 2023 • 16min
Higher-for-longer rates cloud economic and credit outlook for 2024
In this episode of the Big Picture podcast, we discuss our forecasts for G20 economic growth and inflation next year, and what this means for companies, lenders and governments.Speakers: Elena Duggar, MD-Credit Strategy; Madhavi Bokil, Senior VP-Credit StrategyHost: Sarah Carlson, Senior VP-SovereignRelated Research:Global Macro Outlook 2024-25: G-20 growth dynamics diverge amid ongoing global slowdown

Nov 6, 2023 • 11min
The tide is turning in global shipping
In this episode of the Big Picture podcast, we discuss what is driving the recent fall in freight rates and what this could mean for the sector’s efforts to decarbonize and the global economy.Guests: Daniel Harlid, VP-Senior Credit Officer within the Corporate Finance Group at Moody’s Investors ServiceHost: Colin Ellis, MD-Global Credit Strategist at Moody’s Investors Service

Oct 16, 2023 • 29min
Some sovereigns’ debt-reduction efforts will face mounting obstacles
Our forecasts suggest a decline in debt/GDP ratios for around 80 of the 140 sovereigns we rate next year. However, social and environmental demands, coupled with higher-for-longer interest rates, pose larger fiscal challenges for some.Guests: Marie Diron, MD – Global Sovereign Risk, and Sarah Carlson, Senior Vice President at Moody’s Investors ServiceHost: William Foster, Senior Vice President at Moody’s Investors Service

Oct 4, 2023 • 26min
US dollar will remain at the center of a more multipolar world
In this episode of the Big Picture podcast, we discuss the narrative around the dollar’s demise, the implications for the global economy and the viability of its rivals.Guests: Al Wilson, Chief Credit Officer at Moody’s Investors Service (MIS), and William Foster, Senior Vice President at Moody’s Investors ServiceHost: Sarah Carlson, Senior Vice President at Moody’s Investors Service

Sep 25, 2023 • 21min
What artificial intelligence means for companies and governments
Vincent Gusdorf and Christian Fang discuss the hype around generative AI, sectors at the forefront of AI's potential, challenges and downsides of integrating AI, and the economic implications of AI including increased productivity and innovation.

Sep 4, 2023 • 38min
Higher interest rates will test the shadow banking sector
In this episode of the Big Picture podcast, we delve into the world of shadow banking, exploring its recent rapid growth, where we think the risks are, the challenges facing regulators, and the potential threats to financial stability.Guests: Colin Ellis, MD-Global Credit Strategist at Moody’s Investors Service, and Michael Taylor, MD-Credit Strategy at Moody’s Investors ServiceHost: Jennifer Wong, VP-Sr Credit Officer at Moody’s Investors Service

Aug 2, 2023 • 23min
Population ageing is set to reshape Asia's credit landscape
Barring gains in productivity, participation rates, skills, education and experience, the coming drag on growth and public finances will be significant.Guests: Christian de Guzman, Senior Vice President/Manager at Moody’s Investors Service, and Anushka Shah, Vice President-Senior Credit Officer at Moody’s Investors ServiceHost: William Foster, Senior Vice President at Moody’s Investors Service