Banks enjoyed strong earnings and wielded big balance sheets in 2024, but can the momentum last another year? The answer is yes, at least in the U.S. market, according to the experts in RBC Capital Markets’ global banks outlook. Gerard Cassidy, Global Co-Head of Financials Research and Head of US Bank Strategy, and Anke Reingen, Global Co-Head of Financials Research and European Banks, join host Peter Dawkins, Vice President, European Equity Research, to explore the economic and regulatory tailwinds, and the potential pitfalls, in this episode of Strategic Alternatives.

The global energy transition may be buffeted by political winds, but its progress is unstoppable. With new data revealing investment soared past $2 trillion in 2024, how can innovative companies position themselves for a piece of the pie this year? Ralph Ibendahl, Global Head of Energy Transition Banking, offers his latest insights on the next stage of energy transition in conversation with Trevor Gardner, Head of Global Banking Coverage.

The ABS market has evolved, expanding into new and non-traditional asset classes while attracting a broader investor base. Which sectors are driving this growth, and how might U.S. policy shifts shape the market’s trajectory? ABS specialists Sofia Shields and Nick Rogers share their insights in this episode of Strategic Alternatives.

Sponsor-backed deals are recovering steadily rather than spectacularly, but 2025 offers strong signs for cross-border activity in particular. In this episode of Strategic Alternatives, RBC Capital Markets’ Co-Heads of Global Financial Sponsor Coverage – Harold Varah, Graham Tufts and Ram Amarnath – assess the trends and opportunities for the year ahead.

After tariffs were delayed, RBC’s Chief Economist Frances Donald spoke with Ram Amarnath, Co-Head of Global Financial Sponsors and Head of Canadian Diversified Industries at RBC Capital Markets, about the potential impact of 25% tariffs on the Canadian economy and what corporations, investors and policymakers in Canada and the U.S. need to think about in the weeks and months ahead.

Blake Gwinn, Head of US Rates Strategy at RBC Capital Markets, brings his sharp insights on navigating the turbulent waters of financial markets. He highlights the Fed's hawkish stance and its implications for interest rates. The discussion unveils the unpredictable nature of volatility, likening the stock market to a 'paddling duck' with calm exteriors hiding chaos beneath. They also explore corporate strategies amidst a changing labor market and the need for adaptability in the face of potential tariffs impacting 2025 forecasts.

Peter Schaffrik, Chief European Macro Strategist at RBC Capital Markets, breaks down Europe's economic landscape as it gears up for 2025. He discusses how recession seems avoidable yet growth remains elusive amid political instability. Schaffrik highlights the evolving role of central banks in a shifting interest rate environment and the complexities of fiscal policies impacting trade. He also examines opportunities for investors navigating uncertainties, including inflation and geopolitical tensions.

Australia’s hopes for some strengthening in growth in 2025 rest on a pickup in household spending to support the public demand currently underpinning the economy. Meanwhile, housing, immigration, and inflation pose interlinked challenges – with geopolitical risks on the horizon. Chief Economist, Su-Lin Ong, and Macro Rates Strategist, Rob Thompson, join Rod Ireland, Head of Global Markets, APAC, to assess the prospects in this episode of RBC Capital Markets’ Strategic Alternatives podcast.

2025 will see the U.S. economy diverge even further from other developed nations, in ways that begin to look structural rather than cyclical. That’s one of the predictions from RBC Capital Markets’ Chief Economist Frances Donald and U.S. Economist Mike Reid in their outlook for the next year. They join Vito Sperduto, Head of RBC Capital Markets U.S. to weigh the economic impact of the incoming administration’s policies – and the tough line the Fed will need to tread in 2025.

Frances Donald, RBC's Chief Economist, offers keen insights into Canada's economic future as it navigates significant challenges in 2025. She discusses the stark divergence from U.S. growth and monetary policy, fueled by changes in trade dynamics and political leadership. The conversation dives into pressing issues like rising economic inequality, the impact of immigration on labor and housing, and the urgent need for effective solutions to Canada’s housing affordability crisis. Donald outlines the complex interplay between economic growth, inflation, and policy measures.