The Loonie Hour

Small businesses in Canada are feeling unprecedented gloom, hurt by tariffs and rising unemployment. The conversation turns serious as hosts explore the impact of immigration on housing prices and the struggles of students facing high living costs. Amid amusing travel stories, they highlight the troubling decline in air travel bookings and discuss potential recession implications. The Canadian auto industry also faces challenges with tariffs as it navigates competition from China, all while public confidence continues to wane.

Brent Johnson, founder of Santiago Capital and co-host of Macro Alchemist, dives into the shifting global macroeconomic landscape. He discusses how Trump's policies have affected world order and the unique dynamics of Canada-U.S. relations during his era. As inflation rises and Canadian consumer confidence plummets, Brent analyzes the tightening of credit by banks and its implications. He highlights the importance of rational investment strategies in today’s uncertain environment, providing insights into the future of financial markets.

The Bank of Canada has made surprising cuts to interest rates amid a looming crisis, raising concerns about future inflation. Mark Carney is discussed as a potential Prime Minister, while the carbon tax sparks debate over job losses in oil and gas. Global economic connections are explored, revealing the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canada and questioning the central bank's strategies. The hosts delve into skepticism over government narratives affecting housing and investments, all while navigational trade dilemmas and the need for regulatory reforms are highlighted.

Tariff volatility is freezing business investment and causing ripples in financial markets. The housing slump in major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto adds to the economic anxiety. Meanwhile, Europe is witnessing shifts in defense budgets, with Germany planning significant increases. The podcast also humorously juxtaposes nostalgic dreams of car ownership with the harsh realities of British Columbia's budget deficit. Political tensions and trade wars further complicate consumer confidence and the economic landscape.

Canadian banks are grappling with rising loan loss provisions amid a wave of mortgage renewals. Overconfidence among bankers clashes with an uncertain market, reflecting unrealistic expectations on housing recovery. The bond market is showing signs of concern about weaker growth, while U.S. policy changes could impact Canada significantly. A major lawsuit against BlackRock raises questions about ESG investing and shareholder priorities, amid discussions about global trade dynamics and increasing volatility in the economic landscape.

Inflation is on the rise in Canada, driven by increasing energy and housing costs. The Bank of Canada faces tough choices between managing inflation and navigating a volatile housing market. Meanwhile, heated debates surround the potential development of high-speed rail, as entrepreneurs are reportedly fleeing the country. International relations take center stage, with discussions about military spending and the implications of a shifting global order. The plight of electric vehicles and skiing costs adds to the complex economic landscape.

The labor market in Canada may not be as robust as it seems, with underreported immigration outflows skewing employment data. Meanwhile, the real estate landscape is shifting dramatically, with banks offering 100% LTV mortgages on condos and ongoing price corrections in major cities. Concerns about US inflation and interest rates loom large, while Canada's new Fentanyl Czar tackles a pressing crisis. The political climate is also evolving, as support for the Liberal Party grows amid uncertainties.

Canada's top investigative reporter and fentanyl expert Sam Cooper joins the show. How bad is the fentanyl problem, what does Trump want to see, and who will become Canada's fentanyl Czar? Corruption runs deep as policy makers turn a blind eye to the deepening drug crisis.  Start an investment portfolio that's built to perform with Neighbourhood Holdings. Visit www.neighbourhoodholdings.com/looniehour to learn more Protect your online data and secure your privacy with Incogni!Check them out using our link: www.incogni.com/looniehourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to discuss trade negotiations, the currency, and our natural resources. The Bank of Canada cuts rates again. Policy makers preparing for helicopter money, and more global uncertainty.  Start an investment portfolio that's built to perform with Neighbourhood Holdings. Visit www.neighbourhoodholdings.com/looniehour to learn more! Get your travel data sorted with Saily and enjoy smooth, safe, and reliable internet access while you're away in over 150 countries! Check out Saily at saily.com/looniehour and use our promo code 'LOONIEHOUR' to get 15% off your first purchase!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's CPI inflation slowed in December. Will inflation perk up again this year? The bond market says one more rate cut for the Bank of Canada. Policy makers are swinging to the right as public sentiment shifts. Scrapping the Carbon tax and Capital gains tax. The UK debt market barreling towards a crisis provides insights for other western countries on managing deficits. Start an investment portfolio that's built to perform with Neighbourhood Holdings. Visit www.neighbourhoodholdings.com/looniehour to learn more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.