Special episode: Q2 2022 economic and geopolitical update

Published: July 7, 2022, 6 p.m.

As thoughts turn to second quarter financial reporting, companies will be trying to navigate the impact of rapidly changing macroeconomic and geopolitical dynamics. This week Heather Horn sat down with Craig Stronberg and Zain Siddiqui, directors in PwC Intelligence, for a discussion about the significant forces currently impacting the business landscape.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • 1:12 - An update on the geopolitical and macroeconomic impacts from the war in Ukraine
  • 15:02 - How companies are planning for the continued adverse supply chain impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (while also navigating ESG matters)
  • 29:57 - The future of the US economy and the possibility of a recession, with thoughts on the labor market
  • 37:25 - A discussion on the recent Fed activity and what to expect regarding their efforts to minimize stock market turbulence and curb inflation
  • 40:38 - Final thoughts and recommendations to prepare for the second half of the year

Want to learn more? Check out some of our previous podcasts with PwC Intelligence: Crypto toolkit: Decoding central bank digital currencies, and COVID-19: How looking back will help business move forward.

Craig Stronberg leads the Business Acumen capability for PwC Intelligence, spearheading the team of analysts that provides macroeconomic, sector, and geopolitical intelligence to key stakeholders. Named as one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, Craig had a nearly 20 year career in national security affairs working for and advising numerous agencies and international partners, having been decorated five times. His focus has been on numerous areas, including counterintelligence, economic espionage, counterterrorism, cyber threats, political-military issues, special operations integration, and support for major events such as the Olympic Games.

Zain Siddiqui is a senior economist for PwC Intelligence with a specialty in macroeconomics and finance. He advises stakeholders and clients on the business implications of emerging macro and geopolitical vulnerabilities, and helps them shape business strategy. His research has appeared in books on international economic policy and macroeconomic journals.

Heather Horn is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office and leader of the thought leadership group, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts are available upon request. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.