

The Loonie Hour
Steve Saretsky
The Loonie Hour is a Canadian based macro economic podcast covering newsworthy events across the globe and how they will impact Canadians.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 7min
Elbows Down, IMF Bailouts Coming to a Country Near You?
Canada's recent removal of counter-tariffs on the US sparks discussions on economic implications. The looming threat of IMF bailouts in Britain raises concerns of a global financial crisis. The podcast humorously connects hockey culture with serious economic topics, like housing affordability and demographic trends. Insightful analysis dives into yield curve complexities and investment strategies amid rising inflation. Finally, it highlights high-net-worth financial strategies in these uncertain times, showcasing risk management amidst economic turmoil.

Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 9min
Canada's Housing Markets are Flooded with Rental Supply
Canada's housing market faces a condo crash as rental supply surges in major cities. Inflation drops to 1.7% due to falling gas prices, but food costs still bite. A looming mortgage renewal crisis threatens families with rising payments. The decline in foreign investment raises concerns while experts suggest shifting focus to bonds over stocks. Amid all this, personal tales of travel chaos blend humor with serious economic discussions, highlighting the need for a robust investment environment.

8 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 17min
The UK Debt Spiral—A Cautionary Tale for Canada w/guest Liam Halligan
In this insightful discussion, Liam Halligan, a senior economics commentator at The Telegraph, dives into the UK's escalating fiscal crisis. He examines the troubling rise in bond yields and critiques government spending policies that could serve as a warning for Canada's economy. Liam draws compelling parallels between the two nations, stressing the urgency of addressing budget deficits to avoid a debt doom loop. With a keen eye on the political dynamics, he shares thoughts on how current economic strategies may impact future stability.

Aug 8, 2025 • 56min
Is the US Economy Finally Rolling Over?
Trump fires the head of the BLS after job revisions. Weak data out of the US prompts further calls for rate cuts. Tariff revenue could match corporate income taxes. Toronto pre-sale market on the brink. Start an investment portfolio that's built to perform with Neighbourhood Holdings. Visit https://www.neighbourhoodholdings.com/looniehour to learn more!Check out Saily at https://www.saily.com/looniehour and use our promo code 'LOONIEHOUR' to get 15% off your first purchase!

Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
Governments Pleading With Central Banks to Cut Rates
Bank of Canada Holds rates again. Powell refuses to cut rates despite political pressures. US GDP comes in stronger than expected. Real Estate developers ask PM Carney to remove foreign buyer ban. Is Canadian media compromised by the CCP?Start an investment portfolio that's built to perform with Neighbourhood Holdings. Visit https://www.neighbourhoodholdings.com/looniehour to learn more!The Loonie Hour team is currently looking for a full-time content manager / social media curator! Email your application to looniehourjobs@gmail.com if you're interested!

9 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 23min
Another Wave of Inflation? w/ guest Pierre Poilievre
In this discussion, Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party and former MP, dives into pressing economic issues facing Canada. He connects big deficits and inflation to the working class, particularly the struggles young adults face in the housing market. Poilievre critiques current tax policies and discusses the impact of U.S.-Canada trade on national security. He also emphasizes the need for accountability in economic leadership and explores historical lessons on inflation, advocating for bold fiscal strategies to tackle these challenges.

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 7min
Inflation Derails Further Rate Cuts from the Bank of Canada
The discussion highlights the rising inflation and its implications for the Bank of Canada's rate decisions, as investment concerns grow in real estate. There are anecdotes from summer adventures and a reflective look at Vancouver's luxury condo market's struggles. The podcast humorously tackles the challenges of managing debt and the political landscape surrounding fiscal policies. It also analyzes the migration trends within North America, driven by taxes, as well as the complexities of inflation affecting both Canadian and U.S. economies.

8 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 16min
Immigration Curbs Pushing Rents Lower Across the Country
Falling rents in Canada are catching attention as immigration curbs impact job markets and construction financing. The hosts delve into the intricate relationship between immigration trends and housing prices, revealing a decline in asking rents. They critiqued government policies on foreign buyers and discussed Toronto's significant condo sales downturn, linking it to economic challenges. The conversation also touches on taxation dynamics and strategies to attract wealthy individuals to Canada amid ongoing inflation concerns.

18 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Fiscal Bazooka is Coming
A massive fiscal stimulus bill is set to roll out, prompting speculation on interest rates and potential financial repression. The podcast dives into Vancouver's real estate slump, contrasting it with U.S. trends and discussing immigration's effects. Furthermore, it examines Germany's pivot in energy policy amid geopolitical strife. Recent job numbers from the U.S. showcase surprising growth, despite recession fears. Lastly, the Canadian digital services tax is evaluated for its true aim of shaping discourse rather than just revenue.

39 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 2min
Canada’s Energy Crossroads: A Deep Dive with Heather Exner-Pirot
Heather Exner-Pirot, a Canadian energy expert specializing in oil and critical minerals, explores crucial topics impacting Canada's energy landscape. She discusses Ottawa's potential to unlock the energy sector, the implications of Bill C-5, and the challenges facing infrastructure projects like the Northern Gateway pipeline. The conversation also delves into the complexities of decarbonization, the evolution of Canada's oil industry, and the strategic importance of critical minerals for national defense, particularly in relation to NATO and China's role.