# Defying Gravity: A Lookback At 2025 & Deep Dive Into The Macro Forces Shaping 2026

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/innovation-with-mark-peter-davis-1367720/defying-gravity-a-lookback-at-2025-deep-dive-into-the-macro-forces-shaping-2026
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/innovation-with-mark-peter-davis-1367720/defying-gravity-a-lookback-at-2025-deep-dive-into-the-macro-forces-shaping-2026.md
Podcast: [Innovation with Mark Peter Davis](https://stenobird.com/podcast/innovation-with-mark-peter-davis-1367720)
Published: 2026-02-26T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://innovationwithmpd.captivate.fm/episode/defying-gravity-a-lookback-at-2025-deep-dive-into-the-macro-forces-shaping-2026
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/71d23f6c-9f0f-4018-9e06-32346f50c534.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/innovation-with-mark-peter-davis-1367720/episodes/defying-gravity-a-lookback-at-2025-deep-dive-into-the-macro-forces-shaping-2026
Duration seconds: 2024

## Resource

Is the global economy stronger than it looks or more fragile beneath the surface? If you’re trying to reconcile booming markets with rising geopolitical risk, this week’s episode brings an important perspective. I sat down with Chris Zhang, Partner & CIO of Ascend Interplay, to break down the real forces shaping 2026: How AI is shifting from a narrative to a measurable economic impact Why labor markets may determine where we go next Global structural shifts that are underway - from escalating Middle East tensions to the rise of protectionism - and what they imply for supply chains, inflation dynamics, and U.S. debt sustainability. Big thanks to Chris for a thoughtful, data-driven discussion. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome & Why 2025 Defied Gravity 02:00 – Global GDP Surprise & Market Performance 03:30 – The Structural Bull Market in Gold & Silver 07:45 – When Would Gold Actually Fall? 10:00 – 2026 Outlook: Cautiously Constructive 11:45 – AI’s Real Impact on Productivity & Labor 14:30 – Middle East Conflict & Oil Markets 17:15 – Are Trade Wars Really Over? 19:30 – Structural Protectionism & Supply Chains 22:00 – The Americas Strategy & Regional Integration 26:30 – U.S. Debt: Is There a Real Solution? 29:45 – The Fed, Growth & Kevin Warsh’s Role 32:45 – Final Takeaways for 2026 Links: Chris Zhang: LinkedIn Interplay: Website , LinkedIn , Twitter MPD: LinkedIn , Twitter

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## Transcript

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