How Financial Institutions Are Using Data to Navigate Economic Uncertainty

By Janice Tagoe, MBA, MSc.,

February 28, 2025 – Leading financial intelligence firms are witnessing a surge in demand for data and analytics solutions in 2025. In February, both S&P Global and Moody’s Corporation reported stronger-than-expected profits, attributing their success to a market shaped by economic uncertainty and shifting U.S. policies. Their financial performance reflects a broader industry trend: companies are relying more than ever on data-driven decision-making to navigate volatile economic conditions.

S&P Global Strong Growth Amid Market Volatility

S&P Global has projected an annual profit that surpasses the analysts’ expectations, driven by the growing need for market intelligence tools. Investors are increasingly turning to data-driven insights to make sense of the post-U.S. election market rally, fueled by uncertainties caused by anticipated deregulation and tax reforms under the current administration.

In Q4 2024, S&P Global reported a 14% rise in total revenue, reaching $3.59 billion. Some key highlights include:

• A 27% jump in revenue for its Ratings division, totaling $1.06 billion.
• A 5% increase in Market Intelligence revenue, bringing in $1.19 billion.

Reinforcing its confidence in future growth, the company also announced a $650 million accelerated share repurchase program, underscoring its commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

Moody’s Corporation’s Positive Outlook for 2025

Moody’s Corporation has forecast an annual profit of $14.00 to $14.50 per share for 2025, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $13.58 per share. This optimistic outlook is fueled by strong demand for data and analytics, as investors look for insights to navigate fluctuating interest rates and evolving U.S. trade, immigration, and fiscal policies.

In Q4 2024, Moody’s reported a 13% rise in total revenue, reaching $1.67 billion. Key growth areas include:

• An 8.4% increase in its analytics division, highlighting the growing reliance on financial intelligence tools.
• A 17.2% boost in its investor services business, as companies and investors seek to mitigate risk amid ongoing policy uncertainty.

Why Financial Firms Are Doubling Down on Data

The increasing reliance on financial analytics is part of a much larger trend. As companies face an unpredictable global economy, they are making significant investments in data-driven decision-making to mitigate risks and seize opportunities.

• According to a study by Dresner Advisory Services, 69% of organizations plan to increase their investments in data and analytics in 2025, emphasizing the growing importance of data as a tool for navigating economic uncertainty.
• PIMCO, a global investment management firm, has noted that concerns over the new U.S. administration’s protectionist trade policies can reshape economic dynamics, prompting firms to deepen their reliance on financial intelligence tools.
• S&P Global Market Intelligence has been hosting webinars to help businesses navigate financial uncertainty with real-time analytics. These discussions highlight how fluctuating interest rates impact risk assets and why firms need sophisticated data insights to manage financial exposure effectively.

Why This Matters

The financial industry’s shift toward advanced data analytics is a clear indication of how businesses are adapting to uncertainty. Whether reacting to shifting interest rates, evolving trade policies, or changing investor sentiment, companies recognize that data is no longer just an advantage—it’s a necessity.

The upward revisions in profit forecasts from S&P Global and Moody’s reflect this growing reliance on data and analytics to guide investment strategies in uncertain times. As financial markets continue to evolve, firms are turning to AI-powered analytics, predictive modeling, and real-time insights to manage risk, identify new opportunities, and stay ahead of market trends.

Outlook

Looking ahead to 2025, this heightened demand for data intelligence will shape investment strategies, risk management approaches, and corporate decision-making on a global scale. Organizations specializing in financial analytics are well-positioned for growth, as their services become increasingly vital for stakeholders looking to navigate complex financial landscapes.

The emphasis on expanding analytics capabilities, as demonstrated by these industry leaders, reflects a commitment to meeting this growing demand. Beyond boosting the prospects of data analytics providers, this trend marks a fundamental shift in how financial decisions are made in times of uncertainty.

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Janice Tagoe is a multifaceted data analytics and technology professional with a distinguished career across various industries, including education, government, non-profits, and technology. She is a Business Intelligence Coordinator/Analyst at Bay Atlantic University and the Global Policy Institute, in Washington, D.C.

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