The Loonie Hour

Discussion of central bank policy shifts and why rate cuts look unlikely. A dive into Fed balance sheet moves, liquidity and evolving market expectations. Tensions in the Middle East boost gold, commodities and oil price risk. Examination of Canada’s internal trade barriers and how they may be holding back growth and innovation.

A deep dive into Canada’s new trade deal with China and the trade-offs it creates for industry and geopolitics. Heated Davos moments and changing corporate language at the World Economic Forum. A surge in Canadian food inflation and the role of GST rebate changes. Housing pain with Toronto pre-sales at multi-decade lows and shifting market signals from commodities to gold and AI leaders.

David Chilton, the acclaimed author of 'The Wealthy Barber,' shares his insights on the current housing and cost-of-living crisis in Canada. He discusses how rising living costs challenge younger generations and emphasizes the growing trend of parental assistance for first-time homebuyers. David also explores the implications of rapid immigration on housing and whether homeownership is always the best path. Furthermore, he reflects on the struggles of startups in attracting talent due to high living costs, offering a comprehensive look at modern financial challenges.

The hosts dive into the U.S. operation to remove Maduro and its repercussions for Venezuelan oil. They discuss critical minerals taking precedence over oil in U.S. strategic priorities. With China's dominance in rare earths highlighted, they explore the implications for Canadian exports. The conversation shifts to the geopolitical landscape, tackling the significance of Greenland and U.S. military presence. Market volatility and opportunities for Canada in the resources sector round out this compelling discussion.

Gold has surged over 60% in the past year, while silver continues to climb, raising questions about future trends. The discussion also delves into grave warnings surrounding First Nations reconciliation and rampant fraud in Minnesota. Insights on Vancouver's struggling housing market shed light on economic recovery. The hosts examine the implications of federal policies on precious metals and the shift from globalism to domestic investment in key commodities. Overall, a mix of financial predictions and societal commentary makes for a captivating listen.

Join housing and macro analyst Ben Rabidoux as he shares insights on the Canadian real estate market. He discusses Toronto's plunging new home sales, the potential reintroduction of foreign buyers, and his bold prediction for 2026: a population decline impacting housing demand. Ben outlines how increasing rental vacancies and declining rents signal an oversupplied market. The conversation also dives into economic effects from slowed population growth and the implications of global currency volatility on investments.

Canada faces its first population decline in 80 years, with insights on falling real estate prices and rising vacancies. Developers are pivoting to rentals as housing demand shifts. A significant drop in home sales is reported, highlighting a mismatch between immigration rates and housing supply. The hosts explore the implications of zero population growth on rental markets, while also addressing recent challenges in private credit and Ford's retreat from its electric vehicle ambitions.

Jim Iuorio, a macro trader and commentator, joins to discuss the recent Fed rate cuts and the implications of the QE restart. He explains how the Fed’s actions, while not labeled as QE, are effectively increasing liquidity. Iuorio introduces his 'debasement portfolio' strategy, advocating for assets like gold and crypto to hedge against currency risks. The conversation touches on global reactions to US fiscal spending and trade dynamics with China, offering insights into the market's future amid evolving economic policies.

Heather Exner-Pirot, a renowned policy researcher specializing in Canadian energy and natural resources, joins the discussion to unpack Canada's potential commodities boom. She dives into the implications of the Alberta MOU, highlighting its promise for investors and the cautious optimism it brings. Heather also explores pipeline expansions, the challenges of carbon capture costs, and the pressing need for policy reforms to enhance BC's competitiveness in exports. With an eye on the future, she shares a bullish outlook for Canada's resource sectors, especially in mining and LNG.

Carney and Alberta strike a deal for a new oil pipeline, sparking discussions on its political implications and the economic benefits of attracting private investment. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan's potash expansion faces challenges with export routes. The podcast also critiques media narratives around immigration and productivity statistics while examining Toronto's housing market collapse and the broader impacts of inflation on affordability. The hosts dive into global debt issues and the potential of Canadian resources in international markets.