Black Friday is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. So, what can consumers expect this year as they search for deals? George Doumet is our guest this episode. He’s a consumer products analyst at Scotiabank. He chats with Armina Ligaya to break down what the retail landscape looks like as it gears up for one of its busiest seasons. And he’ll even tell us what Taylor Swift, the Paw Patrol and weight loss drugs might have to do with all this.  Key moments this episode: 1:09 — What the latest consumer trends and data tell us about how the holiday shopping season is shaping up 1:58 — Why the trend around spending on experiences vs goods appears to be sticking around this year 2:32 — What does “Taylor Swift mania” have to say about the experience trend? 3:15 — Are consumers going to be able to find some deals this year on black Friday? 4:04 — Why consumers and retailers are playing a bit of a game of chicken 5:34 — How consumers are using their loyalty points this season 6:00 — What’s the general health of the consumer looking like this year? 8:06 — What about food costs this holiday season? What’s up, what’s down? 9:01 — What about eating out, why have consumers had a “shift of stomach” lately? 9:49 — One surprising potential trend to keep an eye on: the effect weight-loss drugs may have on food sales in the future 10:44 — Last year George told us inflation was going to play the Grinch that holiday season. Is that still the case this year? 

In this podcast, Rodrigo Echagaray explains the concept of nearshoring and its implications for supply chains and global markets. They discuss the shift of manufacturing back to North America, the impact on sustainability, and the integration of the economies of all North American countries. They also explore the potential increase in prices of goods due to nearshoring and the need for policy alignment between Mexico and Canada.

For many people, a credit score is a mysterious thing. But that number can have a huge impact on our lives. In this episode that originally aired in back in April, Laura Scheck, Vice President of Credit Cards at Scotiabank talks to Natalie Nanowski from our Perspectives Newsroom team to help bust some common myths around the credit score as well as explain the basics. What number is good, what’s bad, what will actually decrease your score and, of course, tips on how to improve it.  Key moments this episode: 1:24 — The “origin story” of the credit score 2:06 — What is a good credit score? 2:27 — Can you get a perfect credit score? 3:02 — How is a credit score calculated? 3:32 — Five main factors that impact credit scores 4:30 — The most common way to negatively impact your credit score 5:50 — Another common way people unknowingly decrease their score 7:04 — Can checking your own credit score negatively impact it? 8:33 — Is using your full credit card limit a bad thing for your credit score?  9:34 — Will taking a higher credit limit on your credit card affect your credit score? 10:31 — What are some ways to improve your credit score and how quickly can it be done? 11:36 — The best way for newcomers or students to build their credit 12:52 — Have attitudes changed from generation to generation when it comes to credit? 13:40 — The biggest shift in the current credit landscape that Laura has noticed 14:52 — The biggest takeaways when it comes to credit scores 

Taxes?! Isn’t that a March or April thing? According to our guest this episode, a little bit of planning now will save you some headaches come spring. Robbie Brown is the Director of Advanced Planning and Services and the Head of Wealth Management Taxation at Scotia Wealth Management, and he’s got helpful tips on everything from key dates, to maximizing government grants, to how to best use the new First Home Savings Account even if you don’t plan on buying a house in the near future. For more information, and even more tips, check out the full 2023 year-end tax planning tips article.Key moments this episode: 1:21 — Tip #1: Some key dates. Including a big one that has shifted this year 4:56 — Tip #2: If eligible, take advantage of the First Home Savings Account (or FHSA) 7:24 — Tip #3: RRSP basics 9:07 — Tip #4: How to best use the TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) 13:33 — Tip #5: How to maximize your RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan)  This publication has been prepared by Scotia Capital Inc. and is intended as a general source of information only and should not be considered as personal and/or specific financial, tax, pension, legal or investment advice. We are not tax or legal advisors and we recommend that individuals consult with their qualified advisors before taking any action based upon the information contained in this publication. Opinions and projections contained in this publication are our own as of the date hereof and are subject to change without notice. While care and attention has been taken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the material in this publication, neither Scotia Capital Inc. nor any of its affiliates make any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such material and disclaim any liability resulting from any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or the information contained herein. This publication and all the information, opinions and conclusions contained herein are protected by copyright. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior express consent of Scotia Capital Inc. 

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate steady at 5% due to easing inflation and a slowing economy. Geopolitical tensions may impact inflation. Future rate cuts are unlikely. Global issues may pose risks to interest rates and the economy. Reflection on the effectiveness of Bank of Canada's actions in the past 18 months.

October is Small Business Month, so this episode we're taking the pulse of this important sector in Canada. The challenges faced are numerous, including lockdown-era loans coming due, inflation, persistently high interest rates and labour issues. But there are also reasons for optimism. Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and Jascha Jabes, Vice President of Small Business at Scotiabank, join Perspectives’ Armina Ligaya to break down the hurdles as well as reasons for hope on the horizon. Read the full Path to Impact report here for more insights from the small business owners surveyed. Key moments this episode: 1:27 — What is the headline from the latest Scotiabank survey of small business owners? 2:26 — Why the post-pandemic debt load is a key worry for CFIB members 7:25 — Jascha digs into the data of CEBA loans and small businesses 9:20 — A few years removed from lockdowns, are small businesses better able to survive? 10:57 — The stats on how small businesses have embraced technology 14:50 — An interesting finding from the survey: BIPOC-owned businesses are more optimistic about their future 16:04 — Final question for Dan and Jascha – what next?  

Guests Rebekah Young and John Fanjoy discuss the importance of electric vehicles (EVs) and the challenges Canada faces in the EV production race. They delve into topics such as government commitments, pricing and availability issues, and the need for policy interventions to make EVs more accessible and affordable in Canada.

Phyllis Webstad, the woman behind Orange Shirt Day, discusses her new book, the changing views on reconciliation in Canada, and the spiritual side of her healing journey. She shares an excerpt from the book and emphasizes the significance of truth before reconciliation for Indigenous experiences.

Navigating uncertain times as an investor: concerns around the end of the rate hiking cycle, geographical distribution and diversification, challenges in the Canadian real estate market, and the importance of staying invested during economic uncertainty.

Yannick Lallement, VP at Scotiabank, discusses the use of ChatGPT in the workplace. The episode covers generative AI and its benefits, including creative writing and simulations. Ethical concerns and the future of generative AI are also explored.