Hopes for a V-shaped recovery – a short, sharp collapse followed by a bounce-back to pre-crisis activity – have been replaced by expectations of a “swoosh.” That is, a large drop followed by a slow incline. To bend the curve, Canadian policy makers have focused the latest round of relief on business. But how effective can these new measures be when much of the economy remains closed? Craig Wright, RBC's Chief Economist, joins us with his outlook for the private sector and a broader recovery.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

The U.S. equities market has rebounded upwards of 30% from its low in March, driven by plenty of good news and investor optimism. But the road ahead is full of curves and unknowns that could slow the momentum or worse. Looking in the rearview mirror, previous recessions offer a roadmap to guide the recovery journey. Lori Calvasina, RBC Capital Markets' Head of U.S. Equity Strategy, joins us to share lessons from past market downturns.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

China has touted economic re-opening as the central government's triumph over the COVID-19 virus. But though firms are back to work and factories are up and running, growth hasn't recovered. In fact, privately gathered data suggest China's economy continues to struggle. Can the government do more than reopen factories? And what will it take to get Chinese consumers shopping, travelling, and spending again? Leland Miller, CEO of China Beige Book International, joins us our podcast to explain what the official numbers don't.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

Australia is flattening the curve of COVID-19 and moving to reopen its economy—slowly. Thanks to a focus on testing and tracing, authorities are gaining confidence to start easing restrictions, but not without some conditions and challenges still ahead. Su-Lin Ong joins us with the details on Australia's COVID exit strategy and economic outlook.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

Commercial rent relief programs could not come soon enough. Small businesses, including retailers, struggling to make rent during the crisis months have been handed a lifeline. But will rent relief programs be enough to bridge them through the crisis? And how are landlords weathering the storm? Rod Hunt, RBC Commercial Banking's Managing Director for Real Estate Lending, joins us with his outlook on the commercial real estate market.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

North American producers have struggled to match the historic collapse in demand. One option is “shut and swap” – an idea that would see governments buy future production so oil companies can “smooth” their revenue and plan output with more confidence. Do Ottawa and Washington have the political stomach for that kind of risk? Greg Pardy, RBC's Co-Head of Global Energy Research, joins our podcast to share his proposal.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

The big U.S. banks have set aside massive loan loss provisions as they prepare for the worst of the COVID crisis. European banks begin to report earnings this week and are expected to do the same. Yet markets have not lost confidence in the world’s biggest banks the way they did in the global financial crisis. Gerard Cassidy, RBC Capital Markets' Head of U.S. Bank Equity Strategy, joins us on the podcast.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, sustainability may seem like the last thing on a troubled market’s mind. And yet, through the crisis, ESG-focussed investments have outperformed the market, and may be positioned to excel as governments design the biggest stimulus investments in history. Lindsay Patrick, RBC Capital Markets' Head of Sustainable Finance, joins us to discuss how sustainability will shape the post-crisis rebuild.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

For the first time, the price of West Texas Intermediate on futures markets plunged into negative territory. It’s the market sending oil producers a message: “We’re awash in oil. Please shut in production.” RBC Capital Markets’ Energy Strategist Michael Tran joins us on the podcast to explain what it means for global markets as well as Canadian production.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.

The global pandemic has roiled financial markets and changed the game for investors. For the past several weeks, investors have been tested on multiple fronts: lower risk premiums thanks to unprecedented central bank stimulus, disrupted business models, and their own emotions. Stu Kedwell, RBC Global Asset Management’s Co-Head of North American Equities, joins us on the podcast to share his perspective on how investment strategies are changing amid the crisis.

For more insights about social, economic and technological trends, visit rbc.com/thoughtleadership.