This episode we get a primer on what exactly the term ‘circular economy’ means, why it goes beyond recycling and the economic levers behind creating a sustainable system. Dan Yungblut, Head of Research and Chair of the ESG Investment Committee at Scotia Global Asset Management is our guest. Key moments this episode: 1:08 — What is a circular economy? 1:19 — How the circular economy goes beyond just recycling 2:02 — How long the idea has been around  2:30 — How the circular economy is being built into policy 3:01 — Two big pieces of policy that create incentives for reusing plastics  3:18 — What is extended producer responsibility?  5:37 — What can we learn about the circular economy from kids toys? 6:19 — What needs to happen for a circular economy to take hold? 7:48 — “There’s no such thing as a sustainable product, only a sustainable system.” 8:48 — Why is the circular economy on the radar of an asset management firm? 11:19 — What’s on the horizon for the circular economy 12:29 — What all this means for consumers' bottom line

Most COVID restrictions have long since lifted, but Canadian entrepreneurs are finding out “back in business” doesn’t necessarily mean “back to normal.” As we mark Small Business Month in October, we’re taking the pulse of that important sector of the Canadian economy with the help of Scotiabank’s Senior Vice President of Small Business, Jason Charlebois, and Dan Kelly, the President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Come back to the Perspectives page all month for more small business coverage. Key moments this episode: 1:27 — The mood of Canadian small business owners compared to a year ago 3:25 — Why businesses still have a long way to before being back to profitability 4:33 — What challenges small businesses now face with COVID restrictions lifted  5:36 — How entrepreneurs are dealing with interest rates and inflation 7:40 — Has the outpouring of support to small businesses during lockdowns carried over? 9:50 — How did lockdowns help with digitalizing business  12:57 — How the labour shortage is taking a massive bite out of businesses 14:00 — What advice does Charlebois has for small business owners? 15:20 — How they pandemic has changed how people approach work and what effect that has on small business 16:47 — What is at the crux of what the country needs to face current challenges

With political and economic turmoil in the news and the whole world asking, “Are we there yet?” about the end of interest rate hikes, it’s understandable that anyone with an eye on their money may be holding their breath. Andy Nasr, Scotia Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Officer returns this episode to explain how this has been affecting Canadian markets and maybe even find a silver lining.  Key moments this episode:  0:40 — Is Andy Nasr really this calm? 1:35 — Why investors around the globe are asking, “Are we there yet?” 2:38 — How is rising interest rates globally affecting the market? 4:50 — What should investors do when they see rates going up? 7:04 — Nasr’s expectation around a recession 7:40 — What’s the likelihood of a “soft landing”? 8:16 — How the latest developments from the war in Ukraine are affecting markets 9:16 — How long will this market volatility last? 9:48 — Why should investors care about what’s happening with the British Pound? 13:54 — Are there any silver linings here? 

From microchip shortages to volatile demand to supply chain issues — Canada’s auto sector has been through a lot the last few years. Scotiabank Economist Laura Gu is our guest this episode. She’ll answer our questions about why used car prices are up over 50% from pre-pandemic levels, the rental market and catch us up on the state of Canada’s auto sector. Key moments this episode:  0:58 — Quick summary of the rollercoaster ride over the last few years in the Canadian auto market 1:50 — Used car prices now vs pre-pandemic 2:25 — Are people still having to wait to get new vehicles? 3:09 — Microchip shortage 101 4:42 — What is just-in-time inventory and why is it used? 5:00 — What other factors are affecting supply and is that changing? 5:40 — What has all of this meant for vehicle prices? 6:18 — Why have used car prices gone up so much compared to new car prices? 7:42 — Rental car prices 8:42 — How healthy is Ontario’s auto industry? 10:03 — Where do we go from here? Will the price of vehicles come down again? 

It’s welcome news that inflation is easing – at 7% for August, down from 7.6% a month earlier – but what does this mean for interest rates and the Canadian economy overall?Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault returns this episode to discuss the latest inflation numbers and why interest rates are still expected to rise. While he doesn’t expect a recession ahead for Canada, he says inflation data from September and October are going to be critical and will set the tone for the country’s economy over the next year.Still trying to get your head around what inflation is in the first place? We have a whole episode dedicated to just that called Inflation 101.Key moments this episode:1:10 — Perrault’s take on what a 7% inflation rate means2:09 — What items contributed most to that rate3:54 — What’s comforting about the latest StatCan report4:55 — Why so much was riding on August inflation numbers and why the next few months are crucial5:47 — Taking a step back and looking at where inflation numbers have been lately6:24 — Why these numbers actually provide two sources of comfort for experts7:16 — How do the latest inflation numbers impact interest rate hikes?9:25 — The Prime Minister’s new inflation relief efforts and its impact. Will that increase inflation?12:07 — What's next when it comes to inflation numbers?12:47 — When is inflation going to get back to normal?13:54 — The r-word: recession. Is that where Canada is headed?15:22 — Why the hard data might contradict public feeling about a potential recession

Welcome new listeners! Here’s a quick sample of what you'll hear on Perspectives, Scotiabank’s weekly podcast.