In this episode, Donald Schneider, Deputy Head of US Policy at Piper Sandler and former Economic Staffer to Speaker Paul Ryan, provides a comprehensive overview of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He explains what DOGE is, its impact on the economy and markets, and what to expect going forward. Donald discusses DOGE's unconventional methods of achieving savings through executive actions, highlighting its progress in reducing administrative headcount and federal contracts. Additionally, Donald touches on the upcoming extension of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, with the focus on making tax cuts permanent and introducing new pro-growth measures.

This episode was recorded on March 18, 2025.

In this episode, Ali Jaffery, Executive Director and Senior Economist at CIBC Capital Markets, provides and in-depth analysis of the key macroeconomic themes affecting the Canadian economy. Ali explains why Canadian consumers remain cautious, highlighting the effects of mortgage rate resets and immigration policy changes on the housing market and broader economy. Ali also explores the potential economic impacts of the recently announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum and the implications of a trade war with the US. 

This episode was recorded on February 10, 2025.

In this episode, Marko Papic, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategist at BCA Research, explores the geopolitical and macroeconomic issues likely to impact the markets under the coming years. Marko explains his approach to geopolitics and why material constraints often outweigh policymakers’ preferences. Marko also discusses the implications of US fiscal policy, tariffs, and the geopolitical risks posed by China and Iran under the Trump administration.

The Fed’s existence is rooted in congressional legislation but are there enough legal guardrails to prevent encroachment by the executive branch? In this episode, Dr. Larry Hatheway, Founder of HarbourAdvisors, explores how the Republican Party’s consolidation of power may reshape how the Fed operates. Dr. Hatheway discusses the potential for increased government oversight, the possibility of the White House influencing monetary policy, and what this could mean for inflation and market volatility.

This episode was recorded on November 22, 2024.

In this episode, Ben Rabidoux, Founder of North Cove Advisors, rejoins hosts Matthew Schnurr and Dustin Reid for an update on the current trends and outlook of the Canadian real estate market. Ben discusses the challenges facing the condo market, including the potential for higher failure rates in closings in 2025 and 2026. He also examines the impact of recent interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada, highlighting how these cuts may improve affordability for potential homebuyers while still posing challenges for those renewing their mortgages at higher rates. Lastly, Ben explores the implications of the federal government’s decision to reduce immigration targets, which could lead to slower population growth and a softer rental market.

This episode was recorded on October 24, 2024.

With less than 65 days until the US presidential election, could this be the most investible election in history? In this episode, hosts Matthew Schnurr and Dustin Reid are joined by Dan Clifton, Partner and Head of Policy Research at Strategas Securities to discuss the upcoming election and its market implications. Dan explores how stark policy contrasts between the candidates may create unique investment opportunities and which sectors could thrive under a Democratic or Republican victory. Dan also examines the potential executive actions under both a Harris and Trump presidency, highlighting significant impacts on tariffs, immigration policies, and regulatory changes.

This episode was recorded on September 4, 2024.

Why should investors care about volatility and how can it be used to inform investment decisions? In this episode, hosts Matthew Schnurr and Dustin Reid are joined by David Wang, Director, FX Distribution and Volatility Strategies at TD Securities, to discuss the importance of volatility in financial markets, its role as a form of financial insurance, and its influence on asset allocation decisions. David also explores volatility in the FX market and how recent political events have influenced volatility.

This episode was recorded on June 27, 2024.

With the US election less than six months away, how should investors begin to assess the potential impacts on emerging markets? In this episode, hosts Matthew Schnurr and Dustin Reid are joined by Alejandro Cuadrado, Global Head of FX Strategy and Head of Emerging Markets Rate Strategy at BBVA, to discuss the implications of the US election in Latin America and Mexico. Alejandro explores what a Biden re-election or Trump victory could mean for new tariffs and the renegotiation of the USMCA agreement.

This episode was recorded on May 16, 2024.

Will the movement of cash from consumers to the government, especially during tax season, significantly influence economic activity? In this episode, hosts Matthew Schnurr and Dustin Reid are joined by Matthew Hornbach, Managing Director and Head of Macro Strategy at Morgan Stanley. Matthew explores how liquidity flows can offer insights into economic trends and influence investment decisions and asset valuations. Matthew also explains how immigration in 2023 has helped sustain economic growth and how the Fed uses all this data to inform monetary policy decisions.

This episode was recorded on April 9, 2024.

While central bankers are confident in achieving a soft-landing scenario, when can we reasonably expect rates to begin to ease? In this episode, hosts Matthew Schnurr and Dustin Reid are joined by Jason Daw, Head of North American Rates Strategy at RBC Capital Markets to discuss recent inflation metrics, the labour market, and the potential timing and sequencing of rate cuts from the Bank of Canada and the Fed.

This episode was recorded on March 6, 2024.