
Perspectives
Each week we help break down the important economic issues on Canadian’s minds. With our unique access to leading experts, timely insights and helpful explainers, we navigate the latest in the world of finance, housing, business, the markets — and more.For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures
Latest episodes

Oct 31, 2024 • 21min
5 (more) common investing mistakes to avoid
In this episode, we’re highlighting five more missteps that investors seem to make time and time again. Yuko Girard, Portfolio Manager on the Multi Asset Management Team at Scotia Global Asset Management returns to cover everything from ETFs vs. mutual funds, passive vs. active management and even how psychological factors like loss aversion or FOMO can hamper your investments. Check out Yuko’s first installment for more common mistakes to avoid. For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures Key moments this episode: 1:36 - Common investing mistake #1: Not fully understanding what it is that you’re buying. For example, what's the difference between an ETF and a mutual fund? 7:07 - Common investing mistake #2: Being impatient 8:52 - Common investing mistake #3: Letting your emotions drive your decision making. For example, the phenomenon of loss aversion 11:54 - Common investing mistake #4: Falling for the FOMO trap 13:30 - Common investing mistake #5: Overestimating your ability to invest on your own

Oct 23, 2024 • 18min
A breakdown of the jumbo interest rate cut
Join Jean-François Perrault, Scotiabank’s Chief Economist, as he discusses the Bank of Canada’s surprising 50-basis-point interest rate cut. He explains the unusual nature of this decision and its motivations amid inflation concerns. The conversation covers how Canadians and businesses will feel the impacts, and the timeline for these changes to take effect. Perrault also shares potential risks that could reverse inflation trends and offers insights into the economy’s outlook for 2025. Tune in for key takeaways every Canadian should know!

Oct 16, 2024 • 24min
An ‘unprecedented’ step towards economic reconciliation
Cedar Leaf Capital is the first Indigenous-led, Indigenous-owned investment dealer in Canada. Our guests today describe that as unprecedented, disruptive and a step towards empowerment and economic reconciliation in Canada. Mindy Wight, CEO of Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation — one of the three Indigenous shareholders which own the majority of Cedar Leaf — and Cedar Leaf CEO Clint Davis are here to tell us all about this latest venture and what it means for access to capital for Indigenous communities and beyond. Want to read more about Cedar Leaf Capital? Check out our full story here. Key moments this episode: 1:39 – What exactly is Cedar Leaf Capital? 2:21 – Why underrepresentation of Indigenous groups in capital markets particularly interest one of the shareholders, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation 3:17 – How did Cedar Leaf come together? 4:50 – Why Mindy found the proposition to be a part of Cedar Leaf so compelling 5:30 – What does an Indigenous-led, Indigenous-owned investment dealer bring to the table that other ventures may not? 6:40 – The feedback Mindy has been hearing from her community and why it’s an opportunity to educate 7:38 – Why Mindy thinks there is underrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in finance 9:13 – What progress has been made on economic reconciliation in Canada in the last decade? 12:30 – How Cedar Leaf may help with access to capital for Indigenous communities 13:55 – How the unique ownership structure of Cedar Leaf and the plan to be wholly Indigenous-owned sets a ‘new standard’ 17:12 – How did Cedar Leaf select its three Indigenous partners: Nch’ḵay̓, Des Nedhe and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation? 19:08 – What's next for Cedar Leaf Capital? 21:36 – Why this venture is such a personal mission for Clint and Mindy For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Oct 10, 2024 • 15min
How to avoid the latest online scams
When it comes to online scams, people not only need to remain vigilant to protect themselves, they have to look out for a parent and maybe even kids who are just starting to go online. So, this episode our fraud expert, Scotiabank’s Vice President of Cybersecurity Operations Louise Dandonneau, breaks down the latest cyber scams and offers tips on how you can keep your family safe. Key moments this episode: 1:54 – A quick snapshot of what the cyber crime landscape looks like 2:37 – The most common cyber crime according to statistics 3:58 – Are individuals (in addition to large organizations) being extorted by criminals locking down their data? 4:20 – Louise runs down an increasingly common online fraud: gift card scams 5:35 – The big reason scammers are becoming more sophisticated: AI 6:15 – Why phone scams are still prevalent 7:01 – What is spear phishing? 7:58 – In what ways are older people specifically targeted for cyber fraud? 9:22 – What should you tell an older parent to avoid being a victim of cyber fraud? 10:41 – How online security can take a cue from old school safety techniques 11:11 – How are kids targeted online and how can we help prevent them from becoming victims? 13:33 – One key tip that can help prevent cyber crime For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Oct 1, 2024 • 19min
Carbon Capture 101
Carbon capture sounds like a simple solution to a complex problem like climate change. And it’s especially appealing for a country like Canada with ambitious emission reduction targets. But does it work? John McNally, the Senior Advisor for Climate and Socio-Economic Policy at Scotiabank, recently wrote a report on the topic and is our guest this episode. He’ll give us a primer on this emerging technology and outlines the promise and potential hurdles it presents. Key moments this episode: 1:23 – A quick overview of what carbon capture is 2:26 – Why is there so much talk about carbon capture right now? 3:26 – What is done with the carbon after it’s captured? 5:12 – What do carbon removal or capture facilities look like? 6:11 – Why Canada has an advantage when it comes to storage 6:40 – The most common question John gets asked: does carbon capture really work? 8:15 – How realistic is this technology when it comes to curbing climate change? 9:58 – What is the current global carbon capture capacity? 10:30 – Why Canada has the ‘bronze medal’ when it comes to carbon capture 10:47 – How big of a role does carbon capture play when it comes to Canada’s strategy to hit its climate goals? 12:11 – What are the biggest hurdles in ramping up carbon capture? 14:12 – The risks around carbon capture technology 16:03 – Why put the effort towards carbon capture and storage rather than focusing on reducing emissions? 17:25 – What the future has in store when it comes to carbon capture For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Sep 25, 2024 • 32min
So, what exactly is a power of attorney?
When it comes to estate planning, most people’s first thoughts are about creating a will. But there’s another important document that only about one third of Canadian adults currently have in place. And that’s a power of attorney or POA. Laura Tamblyn Watts, Author and CEO of Canada’s National Seniors Advocacy Organization, CanAge, and Rob McGavin, the Managing Director at Scotiatrust give us the ins and outs of this sometimes intimidating, but essential document. Key moments this episode: 1:44 – So what is a power of attorney? 2:50 – The various names for these documents in different provinces 3:28 – How POA for property can be used to help a family member who would rather have someone else handle those decisions and tasks before its necessary 4:15 – Why POA is a critical part of the estate planning conversation 4:50 – How many Canadians actually have a POA? 7:20 – Why POAs are important for people of all ages 8:21 – What are the responsibilities for someone acting as an attorney? 11:12 – When POA for personal care kicks in and how is that determination made? 14:34 – The limitations of managing a loved one's finances without a POA 17:37 – When should someone get a POA? 20:00 – How to start a conversation with a parent about POA 22:32 – Addressing the common misconceptions around POAs 22:38 – Who should or shouldn’t you appoint as your POA? 28:20 – What role Scotiatrust can play when it comes to estate planning For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Sep 19, 2024 • 20min
5 common investing mistakes to avoid
Yuko Girard, a Portfolio Manager at Scotia Global Asset Management, shares invaluable insights on avoiding common investment pitfalls. She discusses the dangers of over-relying on tech stocks and the futile effort of trying to time the market. Yuko warns against chasing returns and emphasizes that the market doesn’t always reflect economic reality. She also highlights the risks of investing based on political speculation. Tune in for practical advice to enhance your investment strategy and build a resilient portfolio!

Sep 11, 2024 • 21min
The important type of insurance you may have never heard of
The last time you borrowed money, there’s a good chance you were also offered insurance on that loan. Something that will pay off the debt or keep up with payments if anything happens to you. And you might have thought, “But, I already have insurance from my job or my partner’s job.” Well, it’s likely not sufficient, according to our guest this episode. Wayne Hewitt is the Senior Vice President of Insurance Canada at Scotiabank. And he’s here to shed some light on creditor insurance, an often-overlooked type of coverage that can provide a crucial safety net. Key moments this episode: 1:27 – What exactly is creditor insurance? 4:00 – Why creditor insurance is important even if you’re not the main income earner in your family 5:40 – What are the options when it comes to coverage? 6:35 – What is the difference between term insurance and creditor insurance? 10:03 – What Wayne has to say to someone who thinks it’s just an unnecessary extra expense 11:17 – How does where you are in life affect considering creditor insurance? 12:34 – Why insurance coverage through your job (or a spouse’s job) may not be sufficient 14:00 – What does it mean to be ‘underinsured’ and how do you know? 15:35 – Key tips when getting creditor insurance 17:22 – What revolving and non-revolving line of credit and how does that play into creditor insurance? 18:35 – Addressing two big misconceptions about insurance 19:44 – The main takeaway from this interview For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Sep 5, 2024 • 16min
What the latest interest rate cut means for Canada
Jean-François Perrault, Chief Economist at Scotiabank, shares insights on the recent 25-basis-point cut in Canada's interest rate, the third consecutive reduction. He discusses its positive implications for borrowers, inflation trends, and the housing market. Perrault also explores the expected decisions for 2024-2025 and their potential impacts, including rising unemployment due to an expanding labor force. Additionally, he touches on trade tensions with China and how they may influence the economy amidst changing interest rates.

Jul 24, 2024 • 14min
Key interest rate cut for the second time
Scotiabank's Chief Economist discusses the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada, emphasizing factors like housing market impact, risks to inflation, and potential recession. Insights on divergence between U.S. and Canadian central banks and key takeaways for Canadians.
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