Brent Donnelly of Spectra Markets and author of Alpha Trader joins Dustin Reid to unpack how market narratives form, shift, and ultimately drive price action across global macro. He shares practical insight into managing confirmation bias, curating information flow, and staying agnostic in fast-moving markets. Brent also discusses how he uses technical analysis as a risk-management tool rather than a signal generator. The conversation closes with his outlook on major FX pairs, including Canada and Japan, as we head into 2026. 

This episode was recorded on November 25, 2025. 

From deficits to defense spending, Ali Jaffery of CIBC Economics joins Dustin Reid to assess the government’s fiscal plan and its market implications. They examine the fine balance between stimulus and discipline—and what it tells investors about the next phase of Canada’s economic cycle. 

This episode was recorded on November 5, 2025. 

In this episode, Steve Englander, Global Head of G10 FX Strategy and North American Macro Strategy at Standard Chartered Bank, discusses the evolving US macro landscape heading into Q4. He examines the Fed's recent rate cut, the implications of rising productivity on the neutral rate, and the early impact of AI on the labour market. Steve shares his views on US dollar positioning, potential challenges to Fed independence, and downside risks to Canadian growth and currency performance. He also addresses the durability of the current carry trade environment and the broader implications of policy-driven market volatility.

This episode was recorded on September 30, 2025.

In this episode, Tim Jones, Lead Policy Analyst at Medley Advisors, discusses the European Central Bank's rate outlook against a backdrop of shifting macro conditions and rising downside risks. He explores how currency moves and commodity prices could fuel disinflation, the fragility of services inflation, and what might trigger further policy easing. Tim also examines the EU's widening fiscal and political cracks within the EU, growing fiscal divergence between Germany and France, and the potential impacts of transatlantic relations with the US. Tim concludes with insights on European bond issuance and the structural shifts investors should watch for in the quarters ahead. 

This episode was recorded on August 13, 2025. 

In this episode, Durham Abric, Head of US Inflation at Citadel Securities, shares his outlook on US inflation for the second half of 2025, the market's perception of inflation trends, and why tariff-related volatility has yet to be fully reflected in CPI numbers. He examines the Fed's current policy stance, the risks of policy missteps, and how housing market trends and immigration could influence inflation dynamics. Durham also highlights several factors that are shaping client sentiment and explains why long-duration TIPS may be undervalued in client portfolios. 

This episode was recorded on June 25, 2025.

In this episode, Shahab Jalinoos, Managing Director and Head of G10 FX Strategy at UBS, shares his insights into the structural forces that could weaken the US dollar and challenge its long-standing global safe haven status. He examines the breakdown of traditional cross-asset correlations and explains how shifts in hedging strategies could drive appreciation in other currencies. Shahab also discusses the key factors that could lead to a sustained weakening in the dollar's value.

This episode was recorded on May 29, 2025.

In this episode, Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair at TD Securities and former Canadian ambassador to the US, shares his insights on the outcome of the Canadian federal election, what it means for Prime Minister Carney, and potential implications for financial markets. He explores how external factors shaped Canadians' demand for decisive leadership and how Prime Minister Carney can govern assertively with a strong minority government. Frank also discusses the fiscal challenges facing the new government and potential economic implications moving forward. 

This episode was recorded on April 29, 2025. 

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.