Strategic Alternatives

AI momentum is converging with rising credit stress, softening consumer trends, and a pivotal December Fed decision. RBC’s Amy Wu Silverman, Head of Derivatives Strategy, joins Ben Fisher and Callie Simpkins of Cross-Asset Sales to unpack how investors are managing risk through shadow hedging, quietly preparing for downside even as they maintain upside exposure. They also explore how hyperscaler issuance, retail exhaustion, and shifting sentiment are shaping the next phase of market risk in this episode of RBC Capital Markets’ Strategic Alternatives.

The prevailing bear case suggests AI's rapid rise is eclipsing traditional software growth. New research from RBC Capital Markets takes a more nuanced view. In this episode of Strategic Alternatives, Matthew Hedberg, Head of Global TIMT Research, and Nate Mahrer, TMT Desk Sector Strategist, examine why reports of software's decline have been overstated and discuss how software vendors can strategically position themselves to capitalize on AI opportunities.

Hedge fund assets now surpass $5 trillion. But in a risk-laden market, what will be the impact of macro and micro trends on future growth? Jack Weiss, Head of Cross Asset Hedge Fund Sales, explores what's next for hedge funds with Greg Hart, Head of Global Markets Sales – U.S. This episode was recorded on October 23, 2025.

Earnings sentiment is fading and there’s widespread recognition that the current stretched valuations will see a correction. So how should equities players best navigate this environment? New Head of Global Equities, James Masserio, joins Vito Sperduto to analyze the market’s prospects in this episode of RBC Capital Markets’ Strategic Alternatives.

In this episode, RBC's Graeme Pearson, Co-Head of Global Research, joins Greg Pardy, Head of Global Energy Research, and Robert Kwan, Head of Global Power, Utilities, and Infrastructure Research, to discuss how Canada can solidify its position as a global energy leader. The discussion, based on the Energy Insights report, delves into how enhanced oil export diversification and improved carbon competitiveness in the oil sands are essential to futureproof Canada’s energy markets.

Across the industrials space, M&A activity ranges from ‘challenging yet steady’ to highly robust. Following RBC’s Global Industrials Conference 2025, this episode of Strategic Alternatives examines the mood of the sector. Joshua Rosenbaum, Global Head of Industrials, leads the specialists in assessing which sub-sectors are showing strength, and whether solid balance sheets and a potentially benign regulatory environment can set the stage for a broader wave of deals.

Vito Sperduto, Head of RBC Capital Markets, U.S., sat down with RBC Chief Economist Frances Donald, to explore five major disruptors reshaping the U.S. economy, how they are complicating forecasts, and what these dislocations mean for businesses, investors and policymakers.

Natural gas markets are experiencing structural shifts as demand from power generation and data centers creates new growth opportunities. Industry leaders are adapting their capital strategies to capitalize on these trends while managing financial complexity. CFO Jeremy Knop shares insight on EQT Corporation’s transformation, the company's innovative $3.5 billion midstream joint venture with Blackstone and how integrated business models are transforming investment strategies in the natural gas sector.

Insurance companies and pension plans are playing a bigger role in private credit, with new products evolving to meet their needs. But private wealth participation is still noticeably limited. In this episode of Strategic Alternatives, RBC's Robert Griffith, Global Head of Senior Relationship Management explores the evolving market with Jason Goss, Head of European and Structured Products, and Eric Wise, Head of Alternate Finance.

Private credit has outpaced growth expectations in recent years — but where is it headed next? In this episode of Strategic Alternatives, Robert Griffith, Global Head of Senior Relationship Management, speaks with Eric Wise, Head of Alternate Finance, and Jason Goss, Head of European Solutions and Structured Products, about innovation in private credit and how issuers can navigate this rapidly evolving market.