Faster Forward

Economic pressure rarely comes from a single source. It builds through policy shifts, innovation waves, and global relationships that test long-held assumptions. In this episode, host Paul Fahey speaks with Carl Tannenbaum, Chief Economist at Northern Trust, to reflect on the forces that defined 2025 and what they signal for the year ahead. They examine trade policy shifts, geopolitical strain, and the unwinding of global supply chains. The conversation also explores fiscal pressure across advanced economies, inflation expectations, and the evolving role of central banks. Together, they look at how artificial intelligence is influencing productivity, labor markets, and long-term investment decisions heading into 2026. Key takeaways: Why trade policy changes and tariffs reshape investment decisions and supply chain planning Global security concerns are influencing fiscal priorities and cross-border cooperation AI-driven productivity gains alongside labor market disruption for early career workers How the rising debt burdens and interest costs are pressuring government budgets How inflation trends, wage pressures, and central bank independence shape market outlooks And more! Connect with Carl Tannenbaum: LinkedIn: Carl Tannenbaum About Carl Tannenbaum: Northern Trust: Carl Tannenbaum