Perspectives

Gold 101: Why gold prices rise and what it really signals

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:04:00 -0000

In this episode, we break down how gold functions in today’s financial system, from the different ways people invest in it to why it often gains attention during periods of inflation, volatility and uncertainty, with guest Robert Cohen, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Scotia Global Asset Management. He is co-Portfolio Manager of Scotia Resource Fund as well as Portfolio Manager for Scotia Global Asset Management’s Dynamic-branded funds – Dynamic Precious Metals Fund and Dynamic Active Global Gold ETF, to name a few. Robertjoins the podcast to explain what’s behind gold’s recent rise, why central banks around the world continue to increase their gold holdings, and how gold differs from other market assets.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Views expressed regarding a particular company, security, industry or market sector are the views of the writer and should not be considered an indication of trading intent of any investment funds managed by 1832 Asset Management LP.

These views should not be considered investment advice, nor should they be considered a recommendation to buy or sell. These views are subject to change at any time based upon markets and other conditions, and we disclaim any responsibility to update such views.

Key moments this episode:

2:07 - Robert’s background and how he got into gold and mining

3:06 - What’s driving gold’s big rise right now?

5:35 – What is a fiat currency?

5:54 - Have we seen this kind of gold growth before?

7:24 - Why Canada has no gold reserves today

8:04 - Why other countries are still buying gold

9:45 - What makes gold a safe asset

10:46 - Why Canada matters in the global gold story

12:19 - How much gold Canada may still have left

13:54 - What the future of mining looks like in Canada

15:18 - What role gold plays in a diversified portfolio

16:33 - Where Robert thinks gold is headed next

17:56 - The biggest misconception people have about gold

19:08 - The main takeaway for Canadians watching gold right now

What is economic productivity?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:11:00 -0000

For many, the word “productivity” evokes thoughts of completing a to-do list or running errands. But in economics, productivity refers to how efficiently a good or service is produced with inputs like labour or energy.

And Canada’s economic productivity has been stalling and it’s impacting our economy.

In this episode, Scotiabank’s Director of Forecasting Patrick Perrier joins us to break down Canada’s productivity problem, explain how it affects Canadians directly and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:42 – What economists mean when talking about productivity
3:02 – Why productivity should matter to Canadians
6:30 – Canada’s productivity performance in recent years
8:35 – What caused Canada’s poor productivity
11:26 – Why productivity measures are volatile and hard to track
12:48 – Is productivity about replacing workers or making them work harder?
13:31 – How transformations like the Industrial Revolution and AI affect employment
14:52 – Why is productivity especially important for Canada’s success today
15:32 – How can countries like Canada improve productivity?
17:29 – Is Canada on the right track with productivity?
18:37 – Other countries that managed productivity well
19:36 – Where to find productivity numbers reported
20:04 – Patrick’s main takeaways on productivity

Bank of Canada holds steady as oil-price surge raises inflation risks

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:44:00 -0000

Once again, the Bank of Canada held the overnight interest rate at 2.25%, but signalled that higher oil prices due to the war in Iran will push up inflation in the near term.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back on the podcast to break down the latest rate decision, what it could mean for Canadians and what we could see in the second half of the year.

For legal disclosures, please visit ⁠http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim⁠ and ⁠www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures⁠

Key moments this episode:

1:05 - JF walks us through the Bank of Canada's decision

2:23- JF paints a picture of Canada's economy and why it prompted the central bank to hold its key rate steady

5:18 - An overview of how the war in Iran affects the Canadian economy

9:22 - Unpacking how different provinces in Canada will be affected differently

11:33 - JF weighs in on when a policy rate change may be needed

15:06 - JF's outlook for interest rate decisions and why he still expects a rate hike in 2026

17:18 - A look at Canada's housing market and why you should consider renewing your mortgage soon

18:58 - JF's main takeaways for Canadians

Fraud isn’t going away – here’s how you can protect yourself

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

You’ve probably received a phone call that looked like it was coming from a reputable institution, but when you pick up you quickly realize something sounds off. Financial scams are becoming more sophisticated, and scammers are even selling their methods online to other fraudsters. These phone calls, phishing emails or questionable text messages target Canadians at every age.

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron McAllister, Vice President of Fraud Threat Management at Scotiabank and Chris Lynam, the Director General of the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They explain what the latest scam trends look like and the various ways Canadians can protect themselves.

You can report cybercrime and fraud online at https://reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca/. For more information on the latest scams, visit Scotiabank.com/security.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:48 – An intro to Chris' work combatting fraud with the RCMP
2:45 – The scale of fraud in Canada according to recent data
4:02 – Why fraud seems to have grown so much
4:42 – Chris describes the prominent scams targeting Canadians in 2025
9:08 – Common scams Aaron has seen from his role at Scotiabank
10:25 – How scams target people of all ages
11:15 – The newest methods fraudsters are using, such as AI and deepfake videos
14:14 – Law enforcement's main challenges addressing fraud
16:28 – What Scotiabank and other financial institutions can do to combat fraud
17:27 – How the Maple Disruption operation brought together organizations to fight fraud
18:56 – The importance of education and Scotiabank's partnerships with other organizations
20:24 – What Canada can learn from other jurisdictions
21:36 – How a multipronged approach took down LabHost
25:08 – The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's revamped online report portal
27:49 – Aaron's tips for preventing scams
29:30 – How to reach seniors with fraud awareness content
30:04 – Chris' tips for preventing scams
33:21 – Why early disruption is key and more tips from Aaron
34:39 – How a 'safe word' can protect families
35:19 – Where you can find Scotiabank's latest resources on fraud
35:40 – Summarizing tips and the importance of talking about fraud

From Boomers to Gen Z – how different generations approach money and why

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’re exploring how different generations approach money — and why — with generational research expert, Kim Lear. She'll help us understand how these shifting attitudes can have big repercussions, dispel some stereotypes and help us bridge the generational divide when it comes to finances.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:49 – What exactly does an expert at generational research (like Kim) do?

3:50 – Why it's important to study how generational differences impact how people approach money

5:51 – Defining each generation and giving the broad strokes of their approach to money

8:44 – Diving a little deeper on the unique financial situation facing Gen Z

10:01 – Does Gen Z have any advantages when it comes to finances?

12:54 – What tip Kim would give Gen Z for building their wealth

14:48 – What is the ‘guilt of young inheritors’?

17:08 – How has social media influenced how different generations think of wealth and success

18:42 – Are social media trends helping financial literacy?

21:00 – Why transparency between generations has improved

22:44 – How we’ve moved from an ‘environment of secrecy’ to an ‘environment of openness’ when it comes to money

24:13 – Kim's main takeaway from the conversation

25:26 – Bonus question: Which generation does Kim have a soft spot for?

Bank of Canada holds again – for now

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:27:00 -0000

For the second time in a row, the Bank of Canada held the overnight interest rate at 2.25%.

The central bank made the decision citing that little had changed from its 2025 October Monetary Policy Report, so holding rates “remain appropriate” as Canada’s current economic outlook appears uncertain given the re-negotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and evolving trade policies.

For legal disclosures, please visit ⁠http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim⁠ and ⁠www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures⁠

Key moments for this episode:

1:12 – JF’s take on the main takeaway from the Bank of Canada’s latest decision

2:39 – JF on the current level of uncertainty and the challenge it poses

4:30 – How the Canadian economy has been “surprisingly resilient”

6:25 – The outlook for economic growth in 2026

7:51 – What is the “structural adjustment” that Canada is going through?

9:29 – What this all means for the average Canadian

10:49 – What does this mean for Canadians looking to buy a home or renew their mortgages?

12:57 – What are the takeaways for businesses?

14:20 – What are the main takeaways for Canadians from this decision?

Former U.S. Open Tournament Director on empowering women in tennis and in business

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Athletes like Billie Jean King or Serena and Venus Williams are known to even non-sports fans as iconic trailblazers when it comes to women’s tennis. But there’s another name, a Canadian, who spent a career off the court helping advance women in the sport and beyond: Stacey Allaster. Among her many accomplishments, she was instrumental in securing equal prize money for women, paving the way for the boom in professional women’s sports we’re seeing now. In partnership with the Scotiabank Women Initiative, Stacey is our guest this episode. She tells us the story behind getting that equal prize money, her insights on what it was like being a woman in a male-dominated industry and why it’s important to empower women on the tennis court, in the boardroom and beyond.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:57 – What it was like navigating male-dominated spaces throughout her career
4:36 – The significance of getting equal prize money for women in tournaments like Wimbledon and Roland-Garros
10:12 – What this historic accomplishment taught Stacey about leadership
11:51 – With the expansion of leagues like the PWHL and the WNBA, is women’s sports having a moment right now?
15:26 – Why people still have to go the extra mile to make the business case for women’s sports despite the success we’ve seen
17:38 – Why Stacey also finds it important to empower women off the court in fields like finance and business leadership
21:09 – Stacey talks about her early days at Tennis Canada and the impact it had on her
23:35 – The key factor Stacey learned that can help women succeed in business
24:25 – Stacey tells us what’s next for her as she plans to ‘hang up her full-time racket’ 27:00 – Stacey highlights some of her favourite tennis moments from her career

Looking ahead to 2026 with investing lessons from 2025

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we're helping investors gear up for 2026 by looking back at 2025. From trade uncertainty to a lesson on headlines versus reality, to AI, Yuko Girard, Vice President and Portfolio Manager on the Multi Asset Management Team at Scotia Global Asset Management, breaks down the last 12 months and gives us some tips for the year ahead.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

00:10 — Yuko’s one word to sum up 2025 when it came to investing
1:08 — The overarching lesson investors can best take away from 2025

2:30 — How did tariffs and U.S. relations affect investing in 2025 and what lesson can investors take into the new year?

6:36 — How everyday investors can spot the difference between short-term panic and a deeper market correction

8:52 — What lesson can investors take into 2026?

10:57 — How did AI factor in for investors in 2025?

13:19 — What are the main lessons when it comes to volatility that investors can take from 2025 going into 2026?

14:04 — How should investors approach rebalancing portfolios after a market swing?

16:07 — Why diversification is increasingly important

16:43 — One surprising trend that investors should watch for in 2026

17:30 — The main takeaway from 2025 and one key theme for 2026

What the Bank of Canada’s rate hold might tell us about 2026

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:59:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada has held its key policy interest rate at 2.25% after two consecutive cuts.

The central bank’s decision was widely expected and comes as the Canadian economy remains resilient despite tariffs on certain sectors, such as steel and aluminum, and ongoing trade uncertainty.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back on the podcast to break down the latest rate decision, why the economy has remained relatively strong, his outlook for rate decisions in 2026, and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:02 – What’s the main takeaway from the Bank of Canada’s decision?

1:27 – What’s going on in the economy that led the central bank to hold the rate steady at 2.25%?

3:58 – Can you help explain why the Canadian economy has remained resilient, despite the events of the last eight months or so?

7:05 – JF’s outlook for 2026

8:45 – How does JF see inflation progressing over the next few months, given government spending and fiscal policy over the next year. What impact could that have?

12:39 – Will food and housing continue to contribute to driving up the cost of living?

14:40 – JF explains why interest rates may rise again in the second half of 2026

17:20 – What impact does the Bank of Canada’s decision to hold now have on Canadians? With a potential rate increase in six months, what does that mean for those looking to buy big-ticket items?

19:22 – What impact does this decision have for businesses?

19:44 – What impact does the U.S. Federal Reserve’s rate decision have on Canada?

22:00 – What are the main takeaways for Canadians from today’s decision?
23:10 – Co-host Armina Ligaya joins us for a big announcement about the Perspectives podcast

How charitable giving fits into financial planning

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we walk through the ins and outs of modern-day philanthropy with Jacqui Allard, the Group Head of Global Wealth Management and co-executive sponsor of Scotiabank’s Employee Giving Campaign. She has tips on how to simplify and maximize donations, how to figure out where to give, how giving can factor into estate planning at any level and more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:14 – The role charitable giving has played in Jacqui’s life and the three pillars that are important to her when it comes to philanthropy

2:53 – What Jacqui would say to someone who might say, ‘I’m not wealthy, how can I think about giving?’

3:32 – Why it’s important to give

4:03 – How people should decide where to give their money or time

4:57 – Tips of making regular giving easier

6:55 – How philanthropy can play into overall wealth planning

8:57 – The role charitable giving can factor into estate planning

9:37 – Jacqui tells us about the Scotiabank Employee Giving campaign

11:28 – The key takeaway from this discussion

Looking back on a ‘historic’ first year: Cedar Leaf Capital hits a milestone

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Canada’s first Indigenous-led, Indigenous-owned investment dealer, Cedar Leaf Capital, just celebrated its one-year anniversary. So, Cedar Leaf’s CEO Clint Davis joins us to walk us through the ups and downs of the first year, the state of Indigenous economic reconciliation, what role organizations like Cedar Leaf play in that process, what the next year might hold and more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:04 – What is Cedar Leaf Capital?

3:43 – How Cedar Leaf Capital came about and what made it historic

5:14 – What exactly is an investment dealer?

6:42 – Clint breaks down year one of Cedar Leaf

9:58 – Clints tells us about Cedar Leaf’s historic all-Indigenous trading desk and what that represents

12:46 – What Prime Minister Carney’s latest nation-building projects represent for organizations like Cedar Leaf and for Indigenous economic reconciliation in general

21:40 – What lessons and challenges has Cedar Leaf faced in the first year?

23:14 – Clint’s goals for the second year of Cedar Leaf Capital

So, what exactly is a will?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode Rob McGavin, the Managing Director at Scotiatrust, gives us a primer on wills. We’ll cover the basics from exactly what a will is, why you need one and where to get it. Also, we’ll go a little deeper and explore what roles you might need to assign and who can best fill them, how often to update a will, how to avoid common family conflicts and more.

Estate planning is a very personal and complex area, with many nuances and provincial differences. This podcast is intended to address/cover high level matters, not present a comprehensive overview. Everyone’s situation is unique, so it’s important to engage your personal advisors to ensure that all aspects have been fully canvassed before making or changing any part of your estate plan.

For more on estate planning, check out our previous episode with Rob McGavin: So, what exactly is a power of attorney?

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:42 – Starting with some definitions – what is a will?

2:09 – What is a power of attorney?

3:22 – Why would someone need a will?

4:06 – How many Canadians have a will?

4:54 – When should people think about getting a will?

6:17 – Common reasons why people don’t get a will

7:31 – What are the roles that need to be assigned when making a will?

9:21 – What exactly is an executor and what do they do?

10:55 – How to choose an executor

12:17 – What about hiring a trustee?

13:48 – Other roles that need to be appointed when it comes to a will

15:29 – Why making your wishes clear in a will is important

19:40 – Why you shouldn't assume that when you die your money will go to your spouse automatically

20:53 – Where should someone start when it comes to making a will?

22:22 – How often should you update a will?

23:40 – Why a will is just one part of estate planning

25:10 – Breaking down how taxes work when it comes to estates

27:00 – Why communication is key when it comes to estate planning

28:01 – What is the Code of Conduct for the Delivery of

Banking Services to Seniors?

29:10 – The key takeaway when it comes to wills and estate planning

How is AI reshaping the global economy?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:58:00 -0000

In this episode, we dive into a recent Scotiabank report that unpacks how artificial intelligence might affect markets and the economy. Co-authors Rebekah Young, Vice President and Head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics at Scotiabank, and Walid Khalid, the Director of Investment Strategy at Scotia Wealth Management, walk us through the impact AI might have on jobs and productivity, whether there’s an ‘AI bubble,’ how investors should get their head around all of this and more.

For more, read the highlights of the report or the full report here: Macro, Markets, and Machines: The Economic and Market Transformation Driven by AI

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:34 – Rebekah summarizes what her and her co-authors were trying to accomplish with this recent paper

3:42 – How Walid looked at AI using an investing lens

7:01 – How does the emergence and rapid development of AI technology compare to previous technological revolutions?

8:41 – Is AI technology already helping productivity?

13:55 – What about the concern around AI replacing jobs? Is there any merit to that?

17:32 – What are the economic impacts that are already being felt from the increased adoption of AI?

21:09 – Some numbers around the potential impact AI may have on productivity

22:50 – Are we in an ‘AI bubble’? How does this compare with the ‘dot-com bubble’?

30:39 – Summarizing the key takeaways from the report

Breaking down the 2025 federal budget

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:17:00 -0000

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government has tabled its first budget with major spending aimed at driving economic growth and boosting Canada’s competitiveness but also cuts to various programs.

Rebekah Young, Scotiabank’s Head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics, joins us to break down the key takeaways from the federal government's spending plan, what caught her eye, and what it means for Canada’s economy going forward.

Read Rebekah’s full report on the 2025 federal budget - Balancing Boldness: Canada Tables Its Investment and Austerity Budget

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:01 - What is the headline for the federal budget?

1:22 - What does this mean for the average Canadian – are they better off (or not) with the measures in this budget?

3:00 - Rebekah breaks down some of the big-ticket items in the federal government’s $89.7 billion in new spending, and whether these investments will spur economic growth

8:14 - Rebekah weighs in on whether the government’s expectation that the budget will unlock $1 trillion in investment in the Canadian economy is doable

11:11 - What major spending cuts are in this budget?

13:14 - Is the federal budget’s $78-billion deficit concerning or reasonable given the challenging circumstances?

16:10 - Rebekah on whether the government’s spending plan is a step in the right direction

17:32 - The three biggest takeaways from the federal budget for Canadians

Bank of Canada lowers rate again, but don’t expect more cuts

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:00:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada has lowered its key policy interest rate for a second consecutive time by 25 basis points to 2.25% amid ongoing weakness in the economy and as inflation pressures ease.

Governor Tiff Macklem said the current policy rate is “at about the right level” to keep inflation in check near 2% while helping the economy through this period of “structural adjustment.”

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault returns to the podcast to break down this decision and what it says about the economy, as well as provide a preview of the upcoming federal budget and explain how it factors into the rate announcement, and much more.

To learn more about the upcoming federal budget and what to look for, read Scotiabank Economics’ report: The Cost of Ambition: Anticipating Canada’s Federal Investment and Austerity Budget.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

00:52 - JF’s main takeaway from the Bank of Canada’s decision to cut its key policy rate for a second time

02:32 - What drove the central bank’s decision to cut?

04:01 - The upcoming federal budget and how it factors into the Bank of Canada’s rate decisions

5:51 - What to expect and look for in the upcoming federal budget announcement in November

7:06 - What does this cut and the overall outlook mean for Canadians?

9:00 - What does this cut, and the central bank’s message that it will be the last cut for a while, mean for those wanting to buy a home? What does this mean for the Canadian housing market?

10:30 - Governor Tiff Macklem said that the weakness in the Canadian economy is “more than a cyclical downturn. It is also a structural transition.” JF breaks down what this means.

14:05 - JF on where the economy goes from here

16:03 JF on the main takeaways from the Bank of Canada’s decision for Canadians

Business journalist Amber Kanwar on why ‘investing changes lives’ — especially for women

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In partnership with the Scotiabank Women Initiative, business journalist Amber Kanwar, host of the In the Money with Amber Kanwar podcast, is our guest to talk about women’s relationship with money, how motherhood affects that, her personal journey from TV host to being her own boss and what she’s learned about investing and finance along the way.

There is a lot to consider when planning for your future. Discover Scotia Wealth Management’s Total Wealth Planning process and how it can benefit you. Learn more at https://www.scotiawealthmanagement.com/ca/en/about-us.html

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:01 – Amber walks us through the decision to focus as a reporter on money and business journalism

3:16 – What it was like learning the ropes in a largely male-dominated industry

5:56 – How women tend to approach investing differently and why

11:00 – The generational difference on how women approach money

13:49 – Amber's biggest tip for women who are interested in starting to invest

15:28 – What Amber's learned from the latest chapter in her career: leaving TV and starting her own podcast

What does sustainability mean when it comes to agriculture?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:16:00 -0000

Sustainability has long been part of agriculture, by necessity and design, but what does it mean for today's modern growers? For Dr. Sally Flis, the Director of Sustainable Ag Programs at Nutrien Ag Solutions, sustainable practices can help producers be more resilient in the face of global economic uncertainty. Sally is our guest along with Janice Holzscherer, the Managing Director and Head of Agricultural Banking at Scotiabank. They’ll explore what sustainability means when it comes to agriculture, how it plays an important role in the story that modern farmers and growers tell the public and more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:13 – Sally tells us about Nutrien Ag Solutions

3:06 – Some context around Scotiabank’s partnership with Nutrien

5:22 – What Sally mean by “cutting through the noise of sustainability” in agriculture

9:46 – How has the notion of sustainability evolved over the last few decades?

12:19 – What about the consumer side? Is there added pressure on growers and producers to adopt more sustainable practices?

14:13 – What is the story growers want to tell the public when it comes to sustainability?

16:37 – Final thoughts on the state of sustainability and where it’s heading in agriculture

The evolution of technology in banking

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

From the impact of the pandemic to AI, security to quantum computing, this episode two industry veterans will walk us through the state of technology in banking. Inci Akpinar, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer for Canadian Banking Engineering at Scotiabank, and Sebastian Blandizzi, the Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer for Data & Global Wealth Technology at Scotiabank, explore how far the field has come, where it might be going and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:17 – Inci and Sebastian look back on technology in banking when they started their careers vs where it is now

7:27 – What pressures does a bank face when it comes to the evolution of technology?

10:50 – What are the next big challenges and opportunities on the horizon?

12:53 – What keeps Sebastian up at night and why that’s recently changed

16:47 – How AI has changed how Inci and Sebastian look at their work and what clients expect

22:50 – What is banking technology going to look like in the next ten years?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ten years out: A conversation with commissioner Marie Wilson

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Just over a decade ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its Final Report into Canada’s Residential School System, including its 94 Calls to Action and 10 Principles of Reconciliation. This episode we’ll hear about the legacy of the TRC 10 years later with one of the three commissioners, Marie Wilson. She’ll tell Myan Marcen-Gaudaur, Scotiabank’s Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, about her time as a commissioner, the state of reconciliation over the past 10 years, the progress on the 94 Calls to Action and more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

3:05 – Marie describes the work she did with the TRC and explains why 10 years later many might be unaware

10:09 – The importance of starting with the ‘why’ when it comes to reconciliation

13:57 – What did Marie see as the potential for her work 10 years ago?

18:17 – How much progress has Marie seen in the last 10 years?

27:48 – Where the title of Marie’s book, North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner came from

29:55 – Where the inspiration for writing a book came from

32:27 – What role Marie sees her book playing in Canada’s collective commitment to reconciliation

38:47 – What advice Marie would give to Scotiabank as they continue on the path of reconciliation

Avoid the latest scams with these expert tips

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we have two experts to break down the latest scams and tell us how to avoid falling victim. From bank impersonation scams to AI and even old-fashioned door-to-door grifts, Detective Constable Valerie Dahan from Toronto Police Service and Aaron McAllister, Vice President of Fraud Threat Management at Scotiabank, run down the red flags and what to do if you suspect you, a loved one or a neighbour might be a victim.

For more fraud prevention resources, check out Scotiabank’s Cybersecurity and Fraud Hub.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:02 – Val tells us about her role at Toronto Police Services and an overview of the scams landscape right now

3:23 – Aaron gives us his overall take on the current state of scams

4:11 – Broader context about scams and how they are often perpetrated by overseas victims of human trafficking

8:07 – A deeper dive into specific scams starting with impersonation scams, specifically bank impersonation scams

13:24 – Val breaks down romance scams and the psychology behind them that makes them so potent

20:07 – What are home improvement scams and what should people look out for?

22:26 – Are seniors targeted more often with scams?

23:13 – Some final tips on how people can protect themselves

What the first rate cut since March tells us about the economy

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:23:00 -0000

Some welcome relief has come for consumers and businesses as the Bank of Canada has decided to lower its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.5%, marking the first cut since March.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back to explain what drove the central bank’s decision, what it says about the state of the economy, why we “aren’t out of the woods” yet on inflation, the odds of another cut this year, and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

00:53 - JF’s main takeaway from the Bank of Canada’s decision to cut its key policy rate

1:53 - What does this say about the state of the economy?

2:28 - How much of an impact does a cut of 25 basis points have on the economy? (And why another cut is likely)

5:08 - With counter-tariffs on the U.S. largely eliminated, what is driving inflation in Canada now? What is keeping inflation higher than hoped?

7:39 - What does JF see for the economy ahead, given all the uncertainties?

9:14 - With a federal budget to be announced in November, what could this influx of government spending mean for the economy and inflation?

12:33 - How will this 25 basis point cut impact households, individuals, and businesses? And why mortgage borrowers are most likely to feel the impact

14:14 - Will lowering interest rates and making it easier for consumers to buy a house drive up prices and inflation?

15:16 - Why JF expects the Bank of Canada to cut again before the end of the year – but then possibly start to reverse them next year

16:26 - JF’s main takeaways for Canadians from the central bank’s announcement

Breaking down 5 key stats to help you interpret the economy

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The economy seems to be top of mind for most Canadians’ right now. But it can be hard to understand which stats actually matter and what they mean for us. So, Scotiabank Senior Economist Farah Omran is back this episode to break down five key economic indicators to help you better interpret the state of the economy and understand the headlines.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:44 – Why understanding economic indicators is especially important now

2:19 – Indicator #1: Inflation

6:35 – Indicator #2: GDP growth

10:41 – Indicator #3: Unemployment rate

13:55 – Indicator #4: Bank of Canada policy rate

18:25 – Indicator #5: Housing prices

21:17 – Bonus indicator: Productivity

Bank of Canada holds rate for third time as Canadian economy shows resilience

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:43:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada has decided to hold its key policy rate steady at 2.75%, for the third consecutive time, amid ongoing trade uncertainty.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault returns to break down the central bank’s decision to hold once again, how Canada’s economy has been stronger than anticipated, possible economic scenarios ahead, and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:10 - JF’s main takeaway from the decision

1:35 - Did we learn anything from the Bank of Canada’s commentary or outlook?

2:31 - Was a hold the right call in JF’s view?

3:16 - JF walks us through the Bank of Canada’s three possible economic scenarios ahead

5:18 - What scenario does JF think is most likely?

5:55 - How unusual is it for the Bank of Canada to not have an economic forecast?

7:14 - What is the current state of Canada’s economy?

9:30 - A breakdown of Canada’s “unbelievable” employment numbers

10:34 - Which sectors are feeling the impact of trade uncertainty the most?

12:17 - Scotiabank Economics’ outlook for rate decisions for the rest of 2025

15:07 - What’s happening in Canada’s housing market?

16:54 - JF’s main takeaways for Canadians from the Bank of Canada’s decision and outlook?

The importance of newcomers to the Canadian economy

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Newcomers to Canada are still critical to fuel our country's economic growth, despite recent cuts to immigration targets. In this episode, we’re joined by Kingsley Chak, the Senior Vice President of Deposits and Investments at Scotiabank, and Anthony Bambokian, Senior Economic Analyst with Scotiabank. They’ll discuss Canada’s changing immigration targets and the potential economic impacts that may have, the hurdles new Canadians face, some of the services Scotiabank offers newcomers, and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:14 - Anthony catches us up on Canada’s immigration numbers from pre-COVID to present

7:13 – Why, despite changing targets, Canada will always be a nation of immigrants

8:48 – What balance Canada needs to strike when it comes to new arrival targets

10:24 – What are the main challenges newcomers face when they first arrive in Canada?

11:30 – Some data around how long it takes newcomers to find their economic footing after arriving in Canada

13:25 – Two more key hurdles many newcomers face in Canada

14:42 – What challenges newcomers face when it comes to banking and finances

19:02 – The numbers behind newcomers and entrepreneurship

21:12 – How Kingsley's personal immigration story also relates to banking

22:18 – Final takeaways from the conversation

How is AI changing banking?

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Scotiabank’s Chief AI Officer, Yannick Lallement, returns to fill us in on the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. He’ll also give us an update on how AI is being used in the banking and finance world and what might be on the horizon.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:54 – How Yannick got to be Scotiabank’s Chief AI Officer

3:44 – Did Yannick expect this proliferation of AI technology when he started studying it in the 90s?

4:37 – The thing that surprised Yannick most about the latest breakthroughs in AI

5:45 – The surprising way Yannick uses AI in his day-to-day work

6:30 – A new type of AI on the horizon: agentic AI

9:02 – In general, has the financial services industry adopted AI?

9:37 – How has Scotiabank been adopting AI?

15:25 – How banks and other institutions are safeguarding clients when it comes to AI

18:22 – What Yannick sees for the future of AI in banking

Bank of Canada holds its key interest rate steady as inflation strengthens, economy weakens

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:15:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada announced that it has held its policy interest rate steady at 2.75% for the second consecutive time as tariff uncertainty continues to loom, the Canadian economy shows signs of weakness and inflation persists.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back on the show to break down the central bank’s latest decision, what’s happening with inflation and in Canada’s housing market, why he doesn’t expect any interest rate cuts this year, and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:00 — What is JF's main takeaway from the Bank of Canada's latest decision?

1:43 — JF breaks down Canada's latest GDP numbers and how that factored into the central bank's decision to hold

4:03 — A closer look at inflation in Canada and how key measures are rising

6:35 —JF's outlook for the economy in the coming months

10:00 — Why JF isn't expecting the Bank of Canada to announce a cut this year

14:06 — What's happening in the Canadian housing market? If interest rates stay put for awhile, what kind of ripple effect could that have?

16:29 — The main takeaway from the Bank of Canada's decision and outlook for Canadians

What is elder financial abuse?

Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Financial abuse has been called ‘The crime of the 21st century’ and elder financial abuse in particular is becoming increasingly prevalent. In this episode, our guests are Raeann Rideout, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, and Nicole Daley, Senior Investigator for Central Canada at Scotiabank Corporate Security Investigation Services. They'll explain how elder financial abuse happens, how to spot it, what to do if you’re a victim or suspect someone is and more.

For more resources and information please visit Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario or Scotiabank's Cybersecurity and fraud hub.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:40 – Starting with the basics: what is elder financial abuse?

2:41 – A few stats to give a sense of the scale of the issue

4:16 – How does this type of abuse typically start?

4:55 – Who are the typical perpetrators of elder financial abuse?

7:33 – How to spot elder financial abuse

8:33 – Misconceptions around this issue

9:30 – How power of attorney, or POA, factors into elder financial abuse

10:56 – How seniors can balance the benefits of a POA for property while still protecting themselves

12:15 – What should someone do if they are a victim or suspect someone is a victim of elder financial abuse?

14:16 – What Scotiabank is doing to prevent financial abuse of seniors

15:15 – Final takeaways from the discussion

Investing Through the Ages, Part 2: Navigating retirement in an age of volatility

Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

With life expectancy on the rise, people may actually spend more time in retirement than they do working. With that in mind, this episode is the second of a two-part series we’re calling Investing Through the Ages. In it, we’ll work our way through different age groups and break down how they should be thinking about saving and investing at each stage along the way. In this instalment, we’re looking at age 50 and beyond, also known as the decumulation stage. Erin Griffiths, the Executive Vice President of Scotiabank Global Wealth Solutions, is our guest to give tips on how to age gracefully from a financial perspective in the face of recent volatility, how to best shift from saving to generating income from your assets, address some common misconceptions about this phase and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:46 – Erin introduces us to what experts call the “decumulation stage”

4:25 – How should people think about investing differently at this stage?

6:09 – How longevity has complicated retirement planning in recent years

9:35 – Addressing common misconceptions about managing money at age 50+

10:55 – How should people who are facing retirement or recently retired be navigating market volatility?

13:40 – What exactly does a financial plan look like at age 50+?

15:50 – Breaking down the two key elements around planning for retirement: financial and personal

19:13 – What challenges do women in particular at this age face when it comes to wealth management?

20:15 – What about intergenerational wealth transfer — how does that factor into financial planning?

22:09 – What Erin wants people to take away from this conversation

The business strategy behind the PWHL’s success

Wed, 14 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) recently announced they'll be adding two new teams next season and league-wide attendance has now surpassed the 1 million mark. What’s been the key to this still-young league’s huge success? Jayna Hefford, the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the PWHL and a four-time Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada, tells us how the business strategy behind the league helped propel it beyond a successful launch and into part of what’s becoming a cultural movement.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:02 – Jayna's overall assessment of the PWHL’s second season so far

3:36 – What surprised Jayna about the make-up of the fans

4:23 – The strategy to sustain fan excitement for the second season

5:20 – How a mandate from leadership helped enable some of the league's innovations

7:53 – Why has this iteration of professional woman’s hockey gained traction?

10:16 – How does the PWHL attract talent?

11:25 – How viewership has changed since the league started and how that's helped growth

12:43 – The role the PWHL plays in wider societal change

15:08 – A look ahead to next season

16:32 – What the success of the PWHL means personally to Jayna

How much can free trade between provinces help Canada’s economy?

Wed, 07 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

As talk of U.S. tariffs continues to dominate headlines, one potential homegrown way to mitigate the effects keeps cropping up: interprovincial trade. But just how much impact would removing or reducing the existing barriers to trade between provinces actually have? John McNally, Economist and Senior Policy Advisor at Scotiabank, is our guest to tell us what the main roadblocks to interprovincial trade are, what the newly-elected Liberal government plans to do about the issue and give us a reality check on just how much of an impact reducing these barriers might have on the Canadian economy.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:29 – How realistic are the estimates of the potential impact of reducing interprovincial trade barriers on GDP ?

2:01 – How much trade currently happens within Canada? And how important is it to the economy?

3:30 – How much of Canada's international trade is with the U.S.?

4:36 – Which sectors do interprovincial trade barriers impact the most?

10:04 – Some examples of the current barriers to trading between provinces

12:31 – How labour mobility is affected by interprovincial barriers

14:56 – How difficult is it to actually reduce these barriers?

17:12 – What about the EU? Is there anything we can learn from their model?

18:47 – What difference has the Canadian Free Trade Agreement made and is that something that can be built on?

20:40 – What has Mark Carney promised on the campaign trail around interprovincial trade?

24:34 – What’s a realistic boost to GDP that we might expect to see if we reduce trade barriers between provinces? And what’s stopping us from getting there?

28:10 – John gives a sense of the scale of trade between provinces vs. trade with the U.S.

30:42 – Why lowering interprovincial trade barriers isn't a silver bullet

Investing Through the Ages, Part 1: What to set aside (and how) during your working years

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:52:00 -0000

No matter what stage you're at in life, saving and investing can seem daunting. That’s why this episode, we're bringing you the first of a two-part series we’re calling Investing Through the Ages. In it, we’ll work our way through different age groups and break down how they should be thinking about saving and investing at each stage along the way. In this installment, we’re focusing on what experts call the accumulation stage – roughly age 25 to 50. These are most people’s core working years where they accumulate the majority of their wealth. Devon Lacombe, Vice President of Retail Investments at Scotiabank, is our guest and has some practical tips on how to balance short-term and long-term savings goals during this pivotal phase.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:05 – Devon explains what the accumulation phase is

3:44 – The start of the accumulation stage: how should people be investing and saving in their 20s and 30s

4:36 – A key tool to ensure people are hitting their saving and investment goals during this period

5:48 – The first type of account people should be thinking of during this phase

8:11 – What about people who are carrying student debt? How should they approach saving?

9:43 – The benefits of starting to save and invest early

10:53 – At what point should someone talk to an advisor when it comes to saving and investing?

11:55 – A mistake Devon made early in her accumulation stage and the lesson she learned from it

13:04 – The next potential milestone during the accumulation stage: home ownership. How does that factor into investing and saving goals?

14:06 – A primer on the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

15:55 – How much of your income should go towards home expenses?

17:11 – What about buying a house as an investment?

18:32 – Another milestone during this phase: having children. Devon explains how an RESP works

19:27 – How to prioritize saving and investing when financial responsibilities are piling up during this phase

22:31 – How to approach investing during the next major life milestone: middle age (and a good benchmark for what you should have saved for retirement at this point)

24:50 – How should wealth transfer from parents impact financial planning?

26:02 – Planning for the next phase (and our next installment of this series): the decumulation stage

Bank of Canada 'coin toss' lands with a hold amid global economic uncertainty

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:23:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada announced that it held its policy interest rate steady at 2.75% — a pause after seven consecutive cuts — as uncertainty about tariffs and the economy continues to cloud the global outlook. Experts were split on whether the central bank would deliver a cut or a hold.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault returns to break down the announcement, provide some context around why the Bank of Canada went this direction, what it might say about the state of the economy, take stock of where we are with the ever-evolving global tariffs and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:11- JF’s main takeaway from the Bank of Canada’s latest decision

1:54 - Was a hold the right call?

2:45 - What did we learn from the latest inflation data for March about the impact on the economy?

3:49 - The Bank of Canada laid out two illustrative scenarios for the economy, as it is difficult to create a forecast with so much uncertainty. JF explains why this is so rare, and walks us through the central bank’s two scenarios

5:52 - What does JF forecast as the most likely scenario?

7:17 - What is the probability of a severe recession in Canada?

8:56 - An overview of the current state of tariffs in Canada and internationally

12:00 - Are higher costs for businesses and suppliers starting to pass through to consumers?

13:08 - What are the impacts on Canada’s jobs market?

14:23 - What has the ripple effect been on the country’s housing market?

16:07 - JF’s cautious outlook for upcoming Bank of Canada’s decisions

18:22 - Main takeaways for Canadians

What is Indigenous economic power? An interview with author and entrepreneur, Carol Anne Hilton

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, our guest is Indigenous entrepreneur, CEO and founder of the Indigenomics Institute, Carol Anne Hilton. Her first book, Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table came out in 2021. Her new book is titled The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power: Deconstructing Indian Act Economics. You’ll hear a conversation between Carol Anne and Clint Davis, CEO of Cedar Leaf Capital, the first Indigenous-led, Indigenous-owned investment dealer in Canada. They talk about her new book, the massive potential of the Indigenous economy in Canada and more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:30 – Carol Anne gives us an overview of her new book, The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power: Deconstructing Indian Act Economics

2:20 – What she aimed to accomplish with this second book

3:25 – Defining what Carol Anne’s new book calls Indian Act economics

6:03 – How the 1876 Indian Act still impacts Indigenous economic development today

8:25 - How Indian Act economics also impacts non-Indigenous Canadians

10:57 – Carol Anne tells us about the ‘phenomenal rise of Indigenous entrepreneurs’

13:48 – The goal of creating a 100-billion-dollar Indigenous economy in Canada

17:12 – Why traditional GDP may not properly capture Indigenous economic power and strength

18:43 - Do we need to get rid of the Indian Act in order to fully unleash the economic potential of Indigenous Peoples?

20:30 – What is the role of the federal government to empower Indigenous economic growth?

22:30 - What does Indigenous economic power look like today and how is it shifting?

24:58 – How the unique location that Carol Anne wrote part of the book helped clarify the themes she was writing about

26:21 – Why focusing on Indigenous economic inclusion is especially important during these times of economic uncertainty

More than just fishing - breaking down the diverse and vibrant Atlantic Canadian economy

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

When they think about the economy of Canada’s Atlantic provinces — New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador — no doubt many Canadians’ minds first go to the fishing industry. But it's so much more than that. In fact, the Atlantic economy has taken on a new sense of vibrancy and diversity in recent years. Scotiabank’s Atlantic Regional Senior Vice President Nicola Ray Smith and David Chaundy, the President and CEO of The Atlantic Economic Council, join us to help break down the current state of the economy in Atlantic Canada.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:54 – David gives us a snapshot of the Atlantic Canadian economy

4:22 – What Nicola is hearing from her clients about the general mood around the Atlantic Canadian economy

6:18 – David gives a surprising stat about the Atlantic Canada fishing industry and a primer about what other industries play a significant role

9:24 – What sector is a growth area in the region?

9:53 – What other Canadians may be surprised about when it comes to the Atlantic Canadian economy

13:40 – How population growth and shifting demographics factor into the economics of the region

17:35 – Both guests tell us what they see as the biggest challenges are for the Atlantic provinces from an economic perspective, as well as the biggest opportunities

22:56 – Nicola reflects on the significance of Scotiabank’s history in the region

As Canadians head to the polls, a challenge to strengthen the Canadian economy

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A federal election in Canada is just a few weeks away and top of mind for many voters is the economy and the volatile trade situation with the U.S. Rebekah Young, Vice President and Head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics at Scotiabank, is our guest to tell us how the election could be an opportunity to think about how we make the Canadian economy more resilient and less vulnerable to external forces.

Check out the Scotiabank Economics full report, Owning the Podium in Canada’s Federal Elections for more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:40 – The crux of what this new Scotiabank Economics report is asking of campaigning politicians

2:57 – The specific number the report says politicians should be aiming for when it comes to economic growth (and why it was chosen)

6:43 – Why this challenge is necessary

9:26 – What are the policies a government might implement to achieve these goals?

14:01 – How is the responsibility divided up between public and the private sector?

17:10 – How the threat of tariffs and economic uncertainty are making us rethink things like interprovincial trade and regulation

20:00 – Some of the short term or temporary measures that could help achieve the proposed economic goal in the report

23:57 – What Rebekah and the economics team will be looking for as the campaign rolls out

27:07 – What should Canadians be looking for in an election campaign?

Unpacking the latest interest rate cut as tariff situation escalates

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:37:04 -0000

The Bank of Canada has announced it has cut its policy interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 2.75% amid looming threats and what the central bank called “pervasive uncertainty”. Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault returns to the podcast to help unpack the announcement, how the uncertainty alone may be impacting Canadians, the outlook for Canada’s economy, and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:35 - JF’s main takeaway from the Bank of Canada’s decision to cut its policy rate

2:27 - Did the central bank make the right decision?

2:28 - Where are we at in terms of inflation in Canada?

7:17 - Could the tariff measures implemented to date and the uncertainty alone push us into recession?

10:02 - JF’s thoughts on rate cut decisions for the rest of the year

11:07 - What are the chances of an interest rate increase at this point?

11:53 - What JF has to say to Canadians who may be worried

12:39 - JF’s main takeaways from the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision

Navigating the markets in a world of tariffs

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Severe U.S. tariffs were imposed on Canada and Mexico this week, and the situation continues to evolve by the hour. Regardless of how long they last or if some sort of compromise is found, many Canadians are worried about the potential impact on their portfolios. Here to help us make sense of all this market uncertainty is Andy Nasr, Chief Investment Officer at Scotiabank Global Wealth Management.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:50 – Giving some historical perspective around how the U.S. tariffs compare to other recent economic crises

7:04 – What Andy is hearing from clients and investors vs. the reality of the situation

12:45 – What Andy would tell the average investor in terms of how to navigate the current situation and why time-tested investing principles still apply

16:44 – Why a little perspective may help investors during this unusual time

8 simple tips to protect yourself from the latest scams

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

March is Fraud Prevention Month and Tammy McKinnon, Scotiabank’s Senior Vice President of Global Fraud Management is back to bring us up to speed on the latest scams and has eight simple tips for how to avoid falling victim.

For more fraud prevention resources, check out Scotiabank’s Cybersecurity and Fraud Hub.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

0:01 – What is ‘pig butchering’ and how did it become the most costly online scam of 2024?

1:54 – What about demographics? Are certain groups the target of scams?

2:21 – Breaking down the latest scams: what is quishing?

3:39 – Ticket sales scams

4:37 – What is ‘loyalty fraud’?

5:31 – Fraud prevention tip #1: create a code word

7:37 – Fraud prevention tip #2: beware of deepfakes

10:05 – Fraud prevention tip #3: slow down

11:46 – Fraud prevention tip #4: limit what you share on social media

13:05 – Fraud prevention tip #5: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

13:51 – Fraud prevention tip #6: always verify the people contacting you

15:04 – Fraud prevention tip #7: monitor your accounts

16:54 – Fraud prevention tip #8: educate yourself

Real estate update: Why the market is likely to heat up this spring

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Despite general economic uncertainty, there’s reason to be optimistic about Canada’s housing market. Tracy Gomes, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Secured Lending at Scotiabank and Scotiabank Chief Economist, Jean-François Perrault join us to give the lay of the land ahead of what is shaping up to be a strong spring real estate season.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:22 – JF and Tracy give us a quick summary of the current real estate market

2:20 – Breaking down the new buyer-friendly regulations that recently came into effect

6:37 – Why things are looking optimistic for the spring real estate market

9:13 – Do changes in immigration policy have any effect on housing demand?

10:10 – Tracy tells us what the sentiment is from folks on the ground in the housing market

11:22 – Why developers aren’t necessarily optimistic right now

12:36 – Will prices be increasing this fall?

13:50 – Where Canada is at in terms of construction of new housing (including condos)

15:29 – The number one question on mortgage clients’ minds right now

18:45 – Why tariff uncertainty could be both good and bad news for mortgage holders and would-be buyers

21:00 – What should people who are looking to buy a house this spring be asking themselves?

How to talk to your partner about money

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Finances aren’t the most romantic conversation starter. But it's a talk that has to happen sooner or later in every relationship. And according to our guest, learning to have productive discussions about money can help you have healthier conversations in other aspects as a couple. So, life transitions expert, speaker, coach and consultant for Scotiabank and The Scotiabank Women Initiative Dr. Amy D’Aprix is back with some practical advice on how to talk to your partner about money.

There is a lot to consider when planning for your future. Discover Scotia Wealth Management’s Total Wealth Planning process and how it can benefit you. Learn More at https://www.scotiawealthmanagement.com/ca/en/about-us.html

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:58 – The top issues Amy hears about from couples when it comes to talking about money

3:46 – Why the ‘sandwich generation’ may have an especially hard time talking about money with their partners

5:42 – How to start a conversation around early inheritance

8:00 – Some strategies for having productive conversations around money with a partner

11:41 – When money conversations tend to happen in a relationship (and why it might be too late)

12:37 – Why having productive money conversations can help other aspects of a relationship

13:31 – How to handle things when partners have differing approaches to money

15:03 – A trick from the Harvard Negotiation Project can help make a big difference in couples agreeing on finances

16:55 – Is having just one person handle the finances in a relationship okay?

21:17 – What conversations should couples have before they move in together?

22:41 – One thing you should never say to your partner when it comes to money

23:40 – Why conversations about money aren't really about money

How a trade war was averted — for now — and what happens next

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 21:41:57 -0000

Canadians breathed a sigh of relief late Monday when U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an agreement to pause threatened tariffs that would have had a huge impact on the Canadian economy. The pause is for 30 days, during which time Canada and the U.S. will discuss other economic issues between the two countries.

Scotiabank Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault joins us to discuss the latest developments in the potential trade war, the impact tariffs could have on Canadians, and what policy changes Canada could consider to make itself less vulnerable to these kinds of actions in future.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:22 – JF catches us up on what has happened with tariffs over the last 24 hours

3:49 – What economic issues might come up in further Canada/U.S. tariff negotiations?

5:57 – With the tariffs only delayed, what is the ongoing impact for the Canadian economy?

9:07 – Can (or should) Canada be ‘tariff-proofed’ moving forward?

11:13 – How this latest tariff news might affect the outlook on Canada’s economic growth and future Bank of Canada rate cuts

13:51 – What might happen next?

15:20 – The key takeaways for Canadians

Another interest rate cut amid tariff uncertainty

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 20:27:43 -0000

The Bank of Canada has announced yet another interest rate cut. This time, a 25-basis-point reduction that brings the policy interest rate to 3%. Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault returns to break down the announcement, explain how things like potential tariffs and other political uncertainties may weigh into future decisions and much more.

For an up-to-date breakdown of the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate and its change over time alongside inflation numbers, visit our interest rate page. 

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:13 - JF's key takeaways from the Bank of Canada's decision, in two buckets

2:52 - Was an interest rate decision the right call?

3:45 - JF's view on how potential tariffs factored into the central bank's decision

4:57 - The Bank of Canada's outlook for the Canadian economy (without tariffs)

6:17 - The Bank of Canada's view on the potential impact of tariffs

8:21 - What does JF expect in terms of future Bank of Canada interest rate decisions this year?

9:16 - Is there a risk that interest rates could go back up?

11:44 - What does all of this mean for Canadians who are renewing their mortgages or looking to buy a home?

13:36 - What about businesses and consumers?

15:30 - What are the main takeaways for Canadians?

A path to recovery through sport: The Invictus Games return to Canada

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In just a few weeks, Vancouver and Whistler will host the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick military service members and Veterans. This episode we’re joined by former Invictus competitor Mike Bourgeois as well as Nick Booth, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation. They’ll tell us about the games themselves (and how Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex is involved), what participating means for the competitors and the larger impact they hope the create through the event returning to Canada.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:15 – What exactly are the Invictus Games?

3:35 – The origins of the games

4:44 – Some details about the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 games

6:05 – Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex's connection

7:12 – Former Invictus competitor and Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Mike Bourgeois tells his story about finding purpose at the Invictus Games

11:13 – Mike tells us the keys for success in archery

12:00 – Why participating in the games for your country is so healing, especially for veterans

14:32 – Nick Booth, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation tells us what their role is in the Invictus Games and how it goes beyond the event itself

16:40 – What are adaptive sports?

17:59 – How this year’s games have worked closely with the British Columbia’s Indigenous Peoples

19:20 – Details on the veteran employment symposium hosted by Scotiabank during the games and why hiring plays a key role in the transition to a successful civilian life

22:08 – Mike reflects on his journey back to civilian life

23:25 – What Nick hopes people take away from the games

2025 Market Outlook – 8 key themes to watch for this year

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we break down some key themes that will shape the investment landscape in the new year. Hugo Ste-Marie is our guest. He’s the Director of Portfolio and Quantitative Strategy in Equity Research at Scotiabank and tells us where he thinks markets may head, where there may be opportunities as well as risks, the possible impact of a new administration in the U.S. and much more as we start the new year.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:18 – How a second Trump administration might factor into the 2025 outlook

3:48 – Some context around the key themes that shape the outlook

4:28 – Key theme 1: Why the 2025 outlook largely hinges on a synchronized interest rate easing cycle

7:35 – Key theme 2: “Abundant liquidity looking for a home.”

9:46 - Key theme 3: “U.S. equities: uptrend extends, but diversification needed.”

11:45 - Key theme 4: “Size trade: Will U.S. small caps hit a home run or grand slam?”

14:12 - Key theme 5: “Canadian equities: Banking on Financials.”

16:18 – Key theme 6: “Commodities: The shine is fading.”

18:08 – Key theme 7: “International equities: A land of broken dreams.”

20:04 – Key theme 8: “Bond market: 2024 Redux”

7 Simple tips to de-stress your financial life in 2025

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

As we head into 2025, household finances are still a large source of worry for many Canadians. So, Devon Lacombe, the Vice President of Retail Investments at Scotiabank, is our guest this episode and has seven simple, practical tips to de-stress your finances. From a no-fuss approach to budgeting to tools that make saving easier and much more to help make the new year a less worrisome one.

For more financial advice visit Scotiabank’s Advice+ Centre.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:21 – Why finances are a particular worry for Canadians in 2025

2:34 – Tip 1: Be kind to yourself

4:20 – Tip 2: Start small

5:26 – Tip 3: Make a simple budget

7:27 – The 80, 30, 20 rule and how it can be an easy guide to budgeting

9:23 – Tip 4: Break down your goal

11:40 - Tip 5: Get the right accounts (plus a primer on some of the key savings vehicles: RRSP, RESP, TFSA and FHSA)

16:44 - Tip 6: Use the tools available to you

17:35 – An example of the power of compound interest

21:02 - Tip 7: Don’t be afraid to get help

22:37 – Why Devon’s New Year’s resolution may or may not have to do with money

Another big Bank of Canada rate cut – what does it mean for you?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada has announced a 50-basis-point reduction – the second in a row – that brings the policy interest rate to 3.25%. As always, here to break down what this latest announcement means for Canadians is Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault.

He tells us what factors may have led to this decision, what it might indicate about the health of the Canadian economy, if and when we’ll see further cuts, and much more.

For an up-to-date breakdown of the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate and its change over time alongside inflation numbers, visit our interest rate page.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:04 – JF’s main takeaway from the Bank of Canada’s latest rate cut decision

1:54 – Does this mean that the Bank has gotten inflation under control?

3:00 – Who benefits from a lower interest rate?

5:19 – How Bank of Canada’s monetary policy affects fixed rate versus variable rate mortgages

6:01 – How the rate cut affects businesses

6:29 – The main factors that motivated the central bank’s decision

7:47 – Do aggressive cuts indicate economic trouble is on the way?

9:26 – What can we expect from upcoming interest rate decisions from the Bank of Canada?

10:27 – Could increased consumer spending trigger inflation growth?

11:39 – What impact might temporary tax cuts, government spending have on interest rates or inflation?

14:08 – The main takeaways for Canadians about the Bank of Canada’s decision

What is regenerative agriculture? And why it makes economic sense

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we leave the studio and record in the field. Literally. We visit the green pastures of Paul Meunier & Sons Farms Ltd., a cattle farm located just outside of Edmonton, Alta., to speak with co-owners Chad and Stacey Meunier. They’ll not only walk us through their unique way of farming, but also their unique way of running a business.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

0:07 – We get a tour and learn a bit about the history of the farm

3:27 – What are Chad and Stacey trying to accomplish by running their farm sustainably? And how exactly do they do that?

4:22 – One of the keys to quality on their farm? Grass

5:59 – Stacey breaks down their year-round approach to regenerative agriculture

10:15 – How does technology play a part in a sustainable farm?

11:28 – The surprising reason Chad and Stacey started farming the way they do

12:18 – How is this farm managed differently from traditional cattle farms?

14:00 – How their operation takes advantage of by-products from food production

15:52 – Why more and more farmers are opening their eyes to the importance of soil health

16:35 – What do non-farmers not understand about farmers?

17:40 – The future of Paul Meunier & Sons Farms Ltd.

Leadership Series: Author Dan Pallotta wants to change how we think about non-profits

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This episode, we bring you another instalment in our series where leaders at Scotiabank interview experts on an issue that resonates with them. Today, you’ll hear a conversation about re-thinking the typical approach to charitable giving hosted by Nicole Frew, Executive Vice President & Co-Head of Global Banking and Executive Champion of Scotiabank’s Employee Giving Campaign, with activist, speaker and author of Uncharitable: How restraints on non-profits undermine their potential, Dan Pallotta. They discuss the problem with how we currently think about charity, the importance of dreaming big when it comes to the sector and some practical questions people should be asking before they decide where to donate their time and money.

Other episodes of the Leadership Series:

Challenging the narrative around women in farming

The power of allyship in the workplace

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:40 – A little background on Dan’s history in non-profit and activism

4:03 – Dan walks us through what foundational changes we need to make in our current thinking around non-profits

7:33 – What does innovation in the non-profit sector look like?

10:04 – Advice that Dan gives to non-profits around how they can innovate their approach to fundraising and giving

13:12 – What about smaller non-profits? Can they use the same approach?

14:44 – What should donors be thinking about when they are looking for a place to donate?

16:28 – If a non-profit does want to change, how can they get donors on board?

18:01 – The number one key to success for non-profits, according to Dan

Why Canadians are approaching this holiday spending season with ‘caution’

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. So, we're taking the pulse of Canadian consumers and retailers. John Zamparo, Analyst in Retail and Consumer Products at Scotiabank is our guest and will tell us why Canadian retailers and consumers are feeling cautious, where bargain hunters may (or may not) find some deals, what trends he’s seeing and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:15 – Why the headline for this year’s Black Friday is “proceed with caution”

2:01 – Why good economic news isn’t translating to increased consumer spending

3:56 – The most common question John gets from family and friends on pricing

4:33 – How consumer sentiment might affect Black Friday trends

6:11 – What does John mean when he says we might see a more “traditional” Black Friday?

6:25 – How the postal worker strike may affect Black Friday and holiday purchasing

6:54 – Where consumers will likely see some deep discounts this Black Friday (and where they won’t)

7:44 – Canadians love a deal. And that’s backed by research

9:00 – What about trends when it comes to Canadians dining out vs. dining in?

10:01 – What is the state of food prices in grocery stores now vs. a year ago?

11:36 – How Canadian consumers compare to the rest of the world when it comes to online shopping and how that changes on Black Friday

12:48 – What’s John splurging on for himself this holiday?

10 estate planning myths busted

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Do you have a will? For almost half of Canadians, the answer is no – and the task of creating one is likely at the bottom of their to-do list. The process can seem complicated or even intimidating. So, this episode we’re going to help make things less daunting by debunking some common misconceptions around wills and other end-of-life documents. Erin Bury, Co-founder and CEO of Willful, a Canadian, do-it-yourself online will platform is our guest and has ten common myths around this topic that she’ll dispel once and for all.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

2:15 – How did Erin come up with this list of myths around estate planning?

3:45 - Myth 1: I’m too young to need a will

5:19 - Myth 2: I don’t have enough assets to warrant getting a will

6:35 - Myth 3: I don’t need a will, everything will just go to [insert family member’s name] anyway

9:00 - Myth 4: I can just tell my family my wishes

9:55- Myth 5: I have to visit a lawyer to create a will

12:13 - Myth 6: A will is a one-and-done document

14:24 – Bonus myth: where should you keep the paper copy of your will?

15:05 - Myth 7: I’ve got a will, now I’m done with estate planning.

17:35 - Myth 8: Creating a will is extremely time-consuming

19:05 - Myth 9: I need to list out all my assets in my will

21:45 - Myth 10: My spouse and I only need one will

A look ahead at the economy post-election and beyond (LIVE)

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we bring you a live discussion all about what might be in the cards for the next few months and into 2025 when it comes to the Canadian economy and beyond. Jean-François Perrault, the Chief Economist at Scotiabank, and Myles Zyblock, Chief Investment Strategist at Scotia Global Asset Management, are our guests and discuss everything from what the results of the U.S. election might have on stock markets and investors, how AI is reshaping companies and workforces, and much more.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:46 – Has the Bank of Canada stuck the “soft landing”?

5:33 – From a layperson’s perspective, stock markets seem to be doing pretty well. Is it as rosy as it looks?

8:27 – How the outcome of the U.S. federal election will factor into their latest economic outlook

11:55 – What impact will the U.S. federal election have on markets, if any?

16:15 – What impact might Trump’s potential tariffs have on the economy?

18:00 – Broadly speaking, what might be ahead in terms of global economic growth?

20:28 – What does the success or failure of China mean from an investor perspective?

21:49 – Looking under the hood at U.S. markets

24:24 – What about Canadian markets?

25:45 – What effect might the Canadian government’s latest announcement about scaling back immigration numbers have on things like the labour market or housing?

32:28 – Why Myles thinks gold has been so puzzling lately and how you may be able to use it in a portfolio

34:31 – Has AI created a market bubble?

37:17 – Wrapping up, what are the big risks and opportunities investment wise over the next year and how can people mitigate those risks?

5 (more) common investing mistakes to avoid

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’re highlighting five more missteps that investors seem to make time and time again. Yuko Girard, Portfolio Manager on the Multi Asset Management Team at Scotia Global Asset Management returns to cover everything from ETFs vs. mutual funds, passive vs. active management and even how psychological factors like loss aversion or FOMO can hamper your investments. 

Check out Yuko’s first installment for more common mistakes to avoid.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

1:36 - Common investing mistake #1: Not fully understanding what it is that you’re buying. For example, what's the difference between an ETF and a mutual fund?

7:07 - Common investing mistake #2: Being impatient

8:52 - Common investing mistake #3: Letting your emotions drive your decision making. For example, the phenomenon of loss aversion

11:54 - Common investing mistake #4: Falling for the FOMO trap

13:30 - Common investing mistake #5: Overestimating your ability to invest on your own

A breakdown of the jumbo interest rate cut

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:30:11 -0000

The Bank of Canada has announced yet another interest rate cut and this time, it’s a big one: a 50-basis-point reduction that brings the policy interest rate to 3.75%. As always, here to tell us what this latest announcement means for Canadians is Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault.

For an up-to-date breakdown of the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate and its change over time alongside inflation numbers, visit our interest rate page.

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key moments this episode:

00:59 - JF’s initial thoughts of the Bank of Canada announcement.

2:03 - How unusual is a 50-basis-point cut for the central bank?

2:55 - Why did the Bank of Canada push forward with a large cut?

4:20 - JF weighs in on whether this was the right move.

6:00 - How will Canadians feel the impact of this interest rate cut?

7:54 - How will businesses feel the impact?

8:44 - How long does it take for these cuts to have a tangible impact?

9:37 - What are the risks that could drive inflation back up?

11:43 - What’s the impact of inflation becoming too low?

12:33 - What does JF expect from the Bank of Canada’s next decision in December?

13:50 - What is the current outlook for the economy in 2025?

15:44 - What are the key takeaways for Canadians from this announcement?

An ‘unprecedented’ step towards economic reconciliation

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Cedar Leaf Capital is the first Indigenous-led, Indigenous-owned investment dealer in Canada. Our guests today describe that as unprecedented, disruptive and a step towards empowerment and economic reconciliation in Canada. Mindy Wight, CEO of Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation — one of the three Indigenous shareholders which own the majority of Cedar Leaf — and Cedar Leaf CEO Clint Davis are here to tell us all about this latest venture and what it means for access to capital for Indigenous communities and beyond.

Want to read more about Cedar Leaf Capital? Check out our full story here.

Key moments this episode:

1:39 – What exactly is Cedar Leaf Capital?

2:21 – Why underrepresentation of Indigenous groups in capital markets particularly interest one of the shareholders, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation

3:17 – How did Cedar Leaf come together?

4:50 – Why Mindy found the proposition to be a part of Cedar Leaf so compelling

5:30 – What does an Indigenous-led, Indigenous-owned investment dealer bring to the table that other ventures may not?

6:40 – The feedback Mindy has been hearing from her community and why it’s an opportunity to educate

7:38 – Why Mindy thinks there is underrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in finance

9:13 – What progress has been made on economic reconciliation in Canada in the last decade?

12:30 – How Cedar Leaf may help with access to capital for Indigenous communities

13:55 – How the unique ownership structure of Cedar Leaf and the plan to be wholly Indigenous-owned sets a ‘new standard’

17:12 – How did Cedar Leaf select its three Indigenous partners: Nch’ḵay̓, Des Nedhe and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation?

19:08 – What's next for Cedar Leaf Capital?

21:36 – Why this venture is such a personal mission for Clint and Mindy

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

How to avoid the latest online scams

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

When it comes to online scams, people not only need to remain vigilant to protect themselves, they have to look out for a parent and maybe even kids who are just starting to go online. So, this episode our fraud expert, Scotiabank’s Vice President of Cybersecurity Operations Louise Dandonneau, breaks down the latest cyber scams and offers tips on how you can keep your family safe.

Key moments this episode:

1:54 – A quick snapshot of what the cyber crime landscape looks like

2:37 – The most common cyber crime according to statistics

3:58 – Are individuals (in addition to large organizations) being extorted by criminals locking down their data?

4:20 – Louise runs down an increasingly common online fraud: gift card scams

5:35 – The big reason scammers are becoming more sophisticated: AI

6:15 – Why phone scams are still prevalent

7:01 – What is spear phishing?

7:58 – In what ways are older people specifically targeted for cyber fraud?

9:22 – What should you tell an older parent to avoid being a victim of cyber fraud?

10:41 – How online security can take a cue from old school safety techniques

11:11 – How are kids targeted online and how can we help prevent them from becoming victims?

13:33 – One key tip that can help prevent cyber crime

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Carbon Capture 101

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Carbon capture sounds like a simple solution to a complex problem like climate change. And it’s especially appealing for a country like Canada with ambitious emission reduction targets. But does it work? John McNally, the Senior Advisor for Climate and Socio-Economic Policy at Scotiabank, recently wrote a report on the topic and is our guest this episode. He’ll give us a primer on this emerging technology and outlines the promise and potential hurdles it presents.

Key moments this episode:

1:23 – A quick overview of what carbon capture is

2:26 – Why is there so much talk about carbon capture right now?

3:26 – What is done with the carbon after it’s captured?

5:12 – What do carbon removal or capture facilities look like?

6:11 – Why Canada has an advantage when it comes to storage

6:40 – The most common question John gets asked: does carbon capture really work?

8:15 – How realistic is this technology when it comes to curbing climate change?

9:58 – What is the current global carbon capture capacity?

10:30 – Why Canada has the ‘bronze medal’ when it comes to carbon capture

10:47 – How big of a role does carbon capture play when it comes to Canada’s strategy to hit its climate goals?

12:11 – What are the biggest hurdles in ramping up carbon capture?

14:12 – The risks around carbon capture technology

16:03 – Why put the effort towards carbon capture and storage rather than focusing on reducing emissions?

17:25 – What the future has in store when it comes to carbon capture

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

So, what exactly is a power of attorney?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

When it comes to estate planning, most people’s first thoughts are about creating a will. But there’s another important document that only about one third of Canadian adults currently have in place. And that’s a power of attorney or POA. Laura Tamblyn Watts, Author and CEO of Canada’s National Seniors Advocacy Organization, CanAge, and Rob McGavin, the Managing Director at Scotiatrust give us the ins and outs of this sometimes intimidating, but essential document.

Key moments this episode:

1:44 – So what is a power of attorney?

2:50 – The various names for these documents in different provinces

3:28 – How POA for property can be used to help a family member who would rather have someone else handle those decisions and tasks before its necessary

4:15 – Why POA is a critical part of the estate planning conversation

4:50 – How many Canadians actually have a POA?

7:20 – Why POAs are important for people of all ages

8:21 – What are the responsibilities for someone acting as an attorney?

11:12 – When POA for personal care kicks in and how is that determination made?

14:34 – The limitations of managing a loved one's finances without a POA

17:37 – When should someone get a POA?

20:00 – How to start a conversation with a parent about POA

22:32 – Addressing the common misconceptions around POAs

22:38 – Who should or shouldn’t you appoint as your POA?

28:20 – What role Scotiatrust can play when it comes to estate planning

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

5 common investing mistakes to avoid

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

This episode, we’re breaking down five missteps that our guest Yuko Girard, Portfolio Manager on the Multi Asset Management Team at Scotia Global Asset Management has seen investors make time and time again. From following fads to trying to time the markets and much more.

Key moments this episode:

1:19 - Common investing mistake #1: Not diversifying beyond tech

3:39 - Common investing mistake #2: Trying to time the market

8:16 - Common investing mistake #3: Chasing returns

10:08 - Common investing mistake #4: Not understanding that the market is different from the economy

13:05 - Common investing mistake #5: Investing based on potential election results

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

The important type of insurance you may have never heard of

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The last time you borrowed money, there’s a good chance you were also offered insurance on that loan. Something that will pay off the debt or keep up with payments if anything happens to you. And you might have thought, “But, I already have insurance from my job or my partner’s job.” Well, it’s likely not sufficient, according to our guest this episode. Wayne Hewitt is the Senior Vice President of Insurance Canada at Scotiabank. And he’s here to shed some light on creditor insurance, an often-overlooked type of coverage that can provide a crucial safety net.

Key moments this episode:

1:27 – What exactly is creditor insurance?

4:00 – Why creditor insurance is important even if you’re not the main income earner in your family

5:40 – What are the options when it comes to coverage?

6:35 – What is the difference between term insurance and creditor insurance?

10:03 – What Wayne has to say to someone who thinks it’s just an unnecessary extra expense

11:17 – How does where you are in life affect considering creditor insurance?

12:34 – Why insurance coverage through your job (or a spouse’s job) may not be sufficient

14:00 – What does it mean to be ‘underinsured’ and how do you know?

15:35 – Key tips when getting creditor insurance

17:22 – What revolving and non-revolving line of credit and how does that play into creditor insurance?

18:35 – Addressing two big misconceptions about insurance

19:44 – The main takeaway from this interview

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

What the latest interest rate cut means for Canada

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada made yet another 25-basis-point cut to its benchmark interest rate, marking its third in a row and bringing the rate to 4.25%.

This move was largely expected, but still welcome news for Canadians and a reflection of easing inflation.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back to break down this latest announcement and the impact of the central bank’s cutting cycle so far, and provide his take on the current state of the Canadian economy.

For an up-to-date breakdown of the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate and its change over time alongside inflation numbers, visit our interest rate page.

Key moments this episode:

1:01 - JF's reaction to the latest central bank decision to cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points

1:27 - What can we glean from the Bank of Canada's comments?

2:24 - What JF expects for the Bank of Canada's two decisions in 2024 and 2025

3:13 - What imnpact has the two previous interest rate cuts had on Canada's housing market?

5:20 - The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to start cutting rates this month. How does that factor into the Bank of Canada's decisions and how does it impact the broader economy?

6:17 - Risks to inflation, and the current state of the Canadian economy

9:48 - A closer look at GDP data - should we be concerned about weak household and per capita spending?

11:17 - Will already high unemployment in Canada rise further?

12:48 - How could trade tensions with China and tariffs on electric vehicles, steel and aluminum impact inflation?

14:42 - Three key takeaways for Canadians

For legal disclosures, please visit http://bit.ly/socialdisclaim and www.gbm.scotiabank.com/disclosures

Key interest rate cut for the second time

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 19:37:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada has cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, marking the second cut in as many months, to 4.5%. Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault returns once again to break down the decision and its implications.

For an up-to-date breakdown of the Bank of Canada's key interest rate and its change over time alongside inflation numbers, visit our interest rate page.

Key moments this episode:

1:00 – Why Canadians should “take a lot of comfort” from the latest announcement

1:42 – What might have given the Bank of Canada assurance to make a cut

3:13 – Will we see back-to-back cuts in the next two meetings as well?

4:21 – What are the biggest risks that could keep inflation from coming down?

6:20 – The state of the housing market – a large factor when it comes to inflation in Canada

8:06 – What about risk around a potential recession? Are we out of the woods?

9:37 – What is the impact of the U.S. and Canadian central banks diverging?

11:30 – The 3 key takeaways for Canadians from this announcement

Author Michelle Good on the state of reconciliation and ‘radical hope’

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

This episode we have a very special guest: award-winning author Michelle Good. Michelle is a writer of Cree ancestry and a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. Her books include Five Little Indians and Truth Telling. Her writing takes an unflinching look at our nation’s past and how it still affects the present. So, she’s here today to give us a bit of a history lesson ahead of Canada Day. You’ll hear a conversation between Michelle and Myan Marcen-Gaudaur, Scotiabank’s Director of Social Impact and Reconciliation. They talk about the motivation behind Michelle’s writing, the state of reconciliation in Canada, the concept of “radical hope” and more.

This episode contains accounts of violence and mention of suicide.

Key moments this episode:

3:00 – Why Canada’s colonial history is still very much part of the present

4:00 – Michelle gives some insight into a very personal chapter of her latest book, Truth Telling

6:21 – What the relationship between Michelle’s mother and her grandmother can tell us about how challenging it can be being Indigenous in a non-Indigenous world

8:10 – How colonial perceptions can be passed down to subsequent generations

9:10 – The meaning behind the chapter titled $13.69 and what it says about restoration for the past

12:00 – Michelle defines her concept of “radical hope”

13:20 – How the crisis around missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit peoples is rooted in history

17:31 – The decimation of the buffalo and the impact that had on Indigenous communities

21:35 – Why is the truth part of “truth and reconciliation” so important?

25:03 – How can Canadians move from knowledge to action when it comes to reconciliation?

27:54 – Michelle reflects on the changes she has seen in thoughts and attitudes among non-Indigenous people in her lifetime

The long-awaited interest rate cut has arrived — now what?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 20:53:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada has cut its key interest rate for the first time in more than four years, marking a pivot in its long fight to tamp down inflation. After a quarter-percentage-point cut, the central bank’s benchmark rate now sits at 4.75% — welcome relief for variable-mortgage holders, businesses and others feeling the pinch of higher interest rates.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back to discuss the central bank’s decision to cut, what this means for Canada’s housing market and the broader economy, and what Canadians can expect in the months ahead.

For an up-to-date breakdown of the Bank of Canada's key interest rate and its change over time alongside inflation numbers, visit our interest rate page.

Key moments this episode:

1:21 – JF's initial take on the central bank’s decision to cut its key rate

1:50 – Why did the Bank of Canada decide to cut today?

2:31 – Will inflation get back down to the Bank of Canada’s target?

3:45 – What does this cut mean for Canadians? How will they feel the difference?

5:00 – How many more cuts can we expect this year? How fast or slow will this process be?

5:45 – What can we expect to see next year based on this latest cut?

6:15 – Is this the ‘soft landing’ we’ve been hoping for?

7:45 – What are the indicators that Canadians should be looking for to tell us the path ahead for future cuts?

8:43 – The three key takeaways for Canadians from this latest decision

The unexpected cost of caregiving

Wed, 29 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

People are living longer, but the cost of caregiving is something many Canadians don’t plan for. Our guest this episode is Dr. Zahinoor Ismail. He’s a dementia expert and Clinician Scientist at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary. He’ll tell us all about the often overlooked emotional and financial impacts of caring for those with dementia as well as the research he’s doing with the help of charity Gordie Howe CARES.

For more information on the University of Calgary CAN-PROTECT caregiver study and for caregiver resources visit Gordie Howe CARES.

Key moments this episode:

1:27 – What exactly is dementia and how it is different from Alzheimer's?

3:23 – What is meant by the term “caregiver”? How has the definition evolved?

5:46 – Three major factors that can contribute to the burden on a family/friend caregiver

10:19 – The financial and emotional cost of caring for a loved one

11:20 – How Gordie Howe CARES is helping caregivers

14:20 – An example of the financial burdens of caregiving

15:14 – What about the taboo around having a loved one with cognitive decline? How does that affect caregivers?

15:56 – The two things Dr. Ismail finds rewarding about this work

17:33 – How can caregiving be made a positive experience?

AI is creating ‘another industrial revolution,’ but is Canada keeping up?

Thu, 23 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Generative AI, the kind of artificial intelligence that creates content for you or answers questions based on a prompt, is already changing many aspects of our lives. But according to our guest this episode, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, especially when it comes to businesses taking advantage of this new technology. Divya Goyal is an Analyst in Global Equity Research at Scotiabank and will give us a birds-eye view of how Canadian businesses are approaching and adopting this revolutionary technology. She’ll tell us what sectors are ripe for disruption, what role Canada could play when it comes to homegrown innovation, some unintended consequences of this new technology and much more.

Key moments this episode:

1:27 – A quick snapshot of the state of AI

3:25 – How have technologies like generative AI changed things for business?

5:38 – Why we are just at the ‘tip of the iceberg” with generative AI adoption in business

8:04 – How businesses have started to use these AI technologies already

10:11 – Which industries are most “ripe for disruption” when it comes to AI

12:29 – Is AI going to take away jobs?

12:49 – What about the increased demand for electricity and electrical grids driven by AI’s increased usage?

15: 33 – Where does Canada stand in terms of its adoption of these technologies in business?

17:05 – What is the state of AI technology development in Canada?

19:27 – How will AI reshape our world ten years from now?

21:38 – What's the next big thing when it comes to AI tech?

Real estate market update: Uncertainty, high stakes and suspense

Wed, 15 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Scotiabank Senior Economist Farah Omran is back this episode to give us her take on the state of the Canadian housing market. She'll break down the latest numbers, explain the high stakes and “suspense” she’s seeing, tell us what might play out in the next six months and much more.

Key moments this episode:

1:10 – Farah catches us up on the market since her last podcast appearance in the fall

2:41 – What Farah means when she says “stakes are high”

3:42 – The mystery behind why we’re seeing a relatively slow spring real estate season

5:38 – Are there any markets that are especially hot in Canada?

6:45 – Are people waiting for rate cuts before entering the market?

8:12 – How the housing market impacts the interest rate outlook and vice-versa

10:02 – An update on housing shortages and what governments (including the recent federal budget) are doing

15:18 – Digging into the psychology around the housing market

17:03 – Farah breaks out her non-existent crystal ball: what might the next six months look like?

A beginner’s guide to investing

Wed, 08 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

This episode is a handy primer for anyone looking to get started in investing, or even those looking to refresh their knowledge. Our guest Craig Maddock, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager with Scotia Global Asset Management, breaks it all down in plain language. Everything from GICs, to stocks and bonds, to ETFs and mutual funds. It even addresses some common misconceptions and provides some questions to ask yourself before you visit an advisor.

Key moments this episode:

1:30 – What is the difference between investing and saving?

2:49 – Why are people intimidated by investing when they first start out?

5:17 – The most common misconception people have about investing (and how to avoid it)

6:47 – What should someone ask themselves before they see an advisor?

9:56 – How does time horizon factor into investing?

11:17 – What is a GIC?

13:44 – What are stocks and bonds?

20:56 – How is investing more than just ‘gambling’?

23:18 – What are mutual funds? How are they different from ETFs?

30:09 – How is investing like fixing your car?

32:16 – Some final advice for someone who is just getting started investing

Why is money so tough to talk about? (and how to fix it)

Wed, 01 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Talking about money with loved ones can be difficult. So in order to make those tricky conversations a little easier, a new project has broken down how we relate to money into six different Money Styles. Think love languages, but for finances. Tanya Eisener, the Senior Vice President of Retail Customer Value at Scotiabank, and Adam Palanica, the Senior Manager of Global HR insights and People Analytics at Scotiabank, are our guests this episode. They tell us how this tool works, why it’s needed and how you can use it to get a better handle on the emotions around money.

To take the quiz and find your Money Style, check out the Money Style by Scotia Advice+ page.

Key moments this episode:

1:47 — So what is a Money Style?

2:14 — How did behavioural science inform the creation of Money Style?

2:53 — Why is money so difficult to talk about?

4:29 — Getting to the root of the feelings around money

5:13 — How does the Money Style quiz help make money conversations easier?

6:23 — Why taking the stress out of financial conversations is especially important now

7:17 — Some fascinating numbers around money and relationships

7:46 — Breaking down the six Money Styles

10:11 — How to interpret the quiz results

11:24 — What to do once you’ve figured out your Money Style

12:07 — How long does the quiz take?

12:37 — One final behavioural science tip to help your relationship with money

12:46 — Tanya’s takeaways around what she’s learned about our sometimes thorny relationship with money

Real Estate 101 – What to know when buying a home

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Getting into the housing market these days can be daunting. So, this episode we’re answering all the questions you may have had about mortgages and real estate but were too afraid to ask. Our guest is Tracy Gomes, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Secured Lending at Scotiabank. Tracy will define some key terms, give us a primer on how to pick between a fixed and variable interest rate mortgage, how much you might expect to pay for a down payment and more.

Key moments this episode:

1:32 — What’s the big question or concern that Tracy hears the most from people looking to get into the market?

2:30 — What’s the first thing someone should be thinking about if they’re looking to buy a home for the first time?

4:12 — What do you need to qualify for a mortgage?

4:33 — The 4 Cs lenders are always looking at when processing a mortgage application

5:27 — What is the minimum down payment needed in Canada?

6:07 — Does the size of a down payment have an impact on the interest rate of a mortgage?

6:36 — Breaking down the different types of insurance when it comes to mortgages

8:34 — The role of ‘the bank of mom and dad’

9:18 — Is it possible to buy a home without a down payment?

9:25 — Options available for first-time buyers to save for a down payment

10:07 — What is a stress test?

11:35 — What other costs are associated with buying a house?

13:07 — How do real estate agents get paid?

13:46 — If you’re already in the market, should you sell before you buy or buy before you sell?

15:20 — Mortgages 101

17:10 — The most common mortgage question: what is the difference between fixed and variable rate mortgages?

19:45 — Some quick mortgage definitions: term and amortization

21:39 — How Scotiabank’s adjustable-rate mortgage works

22:37 — Recap of variable vs fixed rate

25:03 — Some tips on paying off a mortgage faster

27:40 — What’s the final thing Tracy thinks people should know about buying a home

Breaking down the 2024 federal budget

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Liberal government has laid out its 2024 Federal Budget, with new spending focused on issues such as housing, defence, and childcare, with new tax measures to help offset the cost.

Rebekah Young, Scotiabank Economist and Head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics, joins us to break down the key takeaways Canadians need to know about the federal government’s spending plan, what is missing from the budget, and the impact it is likely to have on the broader economy and inflation.

Read Rebekah’s full report: Canada’s 2024 Federal Budget.

Key moments this episode:

1:21 — A look at overall spending and key items

3:19 — Key buckets of spending important for Canadians

5:41 — Tax measures and other ways the federal government plans to pay for this new spending

8:23 — A primer on capital gains

10:24 — What impact these tax measures will have on productivity

11:56 — What's the economic impact of this budget, near term and long term? What does it mean for housing and inflation in Canada?

15:37 — The main thing Rebekah is taking away

Will we see an interest rate cut this summer?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate steady at 5% for the sixth consecutive time, as expected. Even though inflation and other indicators are heading in the right direction, Governor Tiff Macklem said the central bank needed to see this pattern for longer to be assured it is “not just a temporary dip.”

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back to discuss the Bank of Canada’s latest decision, why he believes a rate cut in September is more likely than in June, and his thoughts on next week’s federal budget and the impact it could have on inflation.

For an up-to-date breakdown of the Bank of Canada's key interest rate and its change over time alongside inflation numbers, visit our interest rate page.

1:06 — What can we take away from the Bank of Canada’s latest decision?

2:26 — The big question: When will rates finally come down?

4:00 — So, could we see a rate cut this summer?

4:50 — What would we need to see in terms of indicators for a June or July rate cut decision?

6:33 — What is happening in Canada’s housing market and what does it mean for inflation?

8:20 — Where do we stand on geopolitical risks when it comes to inflation?

9:15 — What about a weak loonie compared to the U.S. dollar? Is that a factor that could impact inflation?

10:45 — How do higher-than-expected U.S. inflation numbers complicate things when it comes to rate cuts?

12:23 — What risk does Canada’s low productivity pose?

13:31 — The Bank of Canada made a slight increase to its nominal neutral interest rate. What is that and why is that important?

16:27 — Is there anything else we can learn from the latest Bank of Canada Monetary Policy Report?

17:28 — What can we expect from the Federal Budget next week and how might that impact inflation and the Bank of Canada’s future decisions?

19:52 — The top three takeaways for Canadians from the latest Bank of Canada decision 1:06 — What can we take away from the Bank of Canada’s latest decision?

2:26 — The big question: When will rates finally come down?

4:00 — So, could we see a rate cut this summer?

4:50 — What would we need to see in terms of indicators for a June or July rate cut decision?

6:33 — What is happening in Canada’s housing market and what does it mean for inflation?

8:20 — Where do we stand on geopolitical risks when it comes to inflation?

9:15 — What about a weak loonie compared to the U.S. dollar? Is that a factor that could impact inflation?

10:45 — How do higher-than-expected U.S. inflation numbers complicate things when it comes to rate cuts?

12:23 — What risk does Canada’s low productivity pose?

13:31 — The Bank of Canada made a slight increase to its nominal neutral interest rate. What is that and why is that important?

16:27 — Is there anything else we can learn from the latest Bank of Canada Monetary Policy Report?

17:28 — What can we expect from the Federal Budget next week and how might that impact inflation and the Bank of Canada’s future decisions?

19:52 — The top three takeaways for Canadians from the latest Bank of Canada decision

Wills 101 with Willful CEO Erin Bury

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:01:00 -0000

In this episode, co-founder and CEO of Willful Erin Bury joins us to give us a Wills 101 lesson. She’ll cover everything from what exactly a will is to when you should get one, some key definitions and much more.

An earlier version of this episode said 57% of Canadians don't have a will, and that rises to 75% for younger Canadians. In fact, the poll showed that 43% of Canadians don't have a will, rising to 66% for younger people.

Key moments this episode:

1:16 — Before we start, we have to ask Erin: what was it like being on Dragon’s Den?

2:50 — What is a will?

3:56 — The most common misconception about wills

5:46 — The personal experience that triggered Erin and her husband to start Willful

8:14 — Why the will is the ‘tip of the iceberg’ when it comes to estate planning

9:03 — When should people start thinking about getting a will?

10:43 — What is an estate?

11:57 — A little more about what inspired Willful

13:22 — What makes a will a legal will?

14:48 — What situations are out of the scope of Willful?

16:51 — What is a power of attorney?

19:06 — What is an executor? And what should you be thinking about when you choose one

22:01 — Why Willful is partnering up with Scotiabank

24:50 — The unexpected brand Erin has cultivated within her circle of friends

Understanding loud budgeting and other social media money trends

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Loud budgeting is just one of many money trends you may have seen in your social media feed lately. This episode we get a level-headed take on some of these fads with the help of Kingsley Chak, Senior Vice President of Deposits, Savings and Investments at Scotiabank. He’ll let us know which ones might work, which ones might not and why, as well as give some evergreen tips on getting a handle on your own finances.

Key moments this episode:

1:21 — How are Canadians feeling about their money right now? Discussing the results from Scotiabank’s Worry Poll

5:45 — Budgeting trend 1: loud budgeting

6:54 — How does bungee jumping help explain loud budgeting?

8:15 — Is loud budgeting a good thing?

8:49 — What is quiet luxury and how does it relate to loud budgeting?

9:50 — Budgeting trend 2: soft saving

11:38 — Budgeting trend 3: FIRE — financial independence, retire early

15:07 — Two tips to take away from the conversation

The secret to saving for retirement (and why it’s changing)

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

With life expectancy on the rise, people’s retirement years could soon be longer than their working years. So, how will that affect how you save? Our guest this episode is the Chief Investment Officer of Global Wealth Management at Scotiabank, Andy Nasr. He’ll tell us what those years might look like, give us some tips for saving at any age, and explain why living longer may change the conventional thinking around how we invest for retirement.

Key moments this episode:

0:05 — What does a 10-year-old used car teach us about the secret to saving for retirement?

2:00 — Some numbers and context around how much longer people are living these days?

4:15 — What effect longevity might have on public policy

5:27 — An eye-opening stat about how long the next generation could live for

6:24 — When should people start thinking about saving for retirement?

9:19 — Saving money can be challenging.What advice does Andy give to his clients?

10:32 — What exactly does a financial plan consist of?

15:15 — Why some people might think they have a financial plan, but actually might not

16:46 — A financial plan isn’t just about the money

17:05 — Does this issue of longevity change the traditional 60/40 approach to retirement saving?

20:00 — The issue that Andy worries about all the time when it comes to retirement

21:46 — What is Andy’s secret to saving for retirement?

Why it’s ‘too soon’ for the Bank of Canada to start cutting interest rates

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada held rates steady, again, for the fifth consecutive time to no one’s surprise (but disappointing perhaps for homeowners and others anxiously awaiting a cut).

Its latest decision came even though the latest data from January shows inflation in Canada is slowing and is within the central bank’s target range of 1% to 3%, but not quite at its target of 2%. Still, Governor Tiff Macklem said that while it’s clear the central bank’s previous moves are working, it’s too early to cut the benchmark rate.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back to break down the latest decision, what the Bank of Canada needs to see in order to start cutting rates and when a rate cut is likely at this point.

Key moments this episode:

00:56 — What have we learned from this latest announcement?

1:43 — What numbers fed into this rate decision?

3:08 — Why has it been so hard to get to that Bank of Canada inflation target?

4:50 — If shelter costs are the most stubborn part of inflation, how much can the Bank of Canada move the needle?

7:12 — Breaking down the conundrum around how inflation and shelter costs are related

8:26 — What other risks could drive up inflation?

10:05 — When might we see rate cuts?

12:05 — What would need to happen for the Bank of Canada to begin interest rate cuts?

13:24 — How does government spending factor into the Bank of Canada’s upcoming decisions?

15:46 — It’s been about two years since the Bank of Canada began hiking rates. What have we learned since then?

17:16 — The two things Canadians need to know after the decision today

Bonus: Making sense of the markets

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:13:00 -0000

Something a little extra in your feed this week: a conversation recorded at a live event with the Chief Investment Officer of Global Wealth Management at Scotiabank (and Perspectives regular) Andy Nasr. Andy gives his take on the current state of the economy, interest rates, inflation, geopolitical events, and all the ways those factors are affecting stock markets and investing looking ahead towards the rest of 2024.

Key moments this episode:

2:00 — It’s been a roller coaster of sometimes seemingly conflicting economic news and headlines lately. What should people make of that?

6:30 — Has the Bank of Canada been able to ‘thread the needle’ with rates?

9:00 — What might happen to the global economy if interest rates remain elevated

9:40 — Why household finances are becoming a little more strained in Canada

11:48 — What is the impact of current interest rates on markets right now?

11:42 — Andy puts on his prediction hat: Where might GDP be headed in Canada?

17:05 — How ongoing geopolitical issues could affect economies and markets

18:12 — How the upcoming U.S. election could affect the Canadian economy

20:12 — What might play out in 2026 with the re-negotiation of CUSMA [Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement]

21:38 — A ‘hot take’ on labour markets

25:25 — What explains the discrepancy between U.S. markets and Canadian market growth in the last year?

27:02 — What role does the ‘Magnificent 7’ play in U.S. markets?

31:31 — What Andy looks at when it comes to geography in investing

35:30 — What impact have interest rates in the last year had on corporate debt?

37:45 — What kind of impact will the Chinese economy have on markets?

39:35 — What kind of opportunities does nearshoring bring to North America?

41:33 — Andy’s take on expectations for equities earnings growth over the next year

43:22 — What about the fixed income side when it comes to portfolio construction?

46:17 — What about the 60/40 equities/fixed income rule of thumb? Is that a dated trope when it comes to investing?

48:28 — Question from the audience: Where does Andy see real estate prices landing in the next two years?

49:51 — Question from the audience: Where might the Canadian Dollar go in the near future?

Leadership Series: Challenging the narrative around women in farming

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we bring you another instalment in the occasional series where leaders at Scotiabank interview experts on an issue that resonates with them. You'll hear a conversation between Janice Holzscherer, Managing Director and Head of Agriculture at Scotiabank and Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel, farmer, speaker, advocate and Scotiabank Women Initiative participant. Recorded on location at Cherilyn’s farm in Saskatchewan, the two discuss the misconceptions around the role of women in agriculture, the need for all modern farmers to get their stories out to the public and more.

Other episodes of the Leadership Series:

A conversation with the woman behind Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad

The power of allyship in the workplace

Key moments this episode:

2:21 — Cherilyn tells us a bit about the history behind her farm

3:03 — Why Cherilyn didn’t always want to be a farmer and what changed her mind

5:18 — How Cherilyn came to be an advocate for farmers

6:11 — What unique perspective does Cherilyn bring to the table as an advocate?

9:05 — Why bringing diverse perspectives and voices to the table is important and how far agriculture has come

10:59 — Why Cherilyn hates getting asked about ‘women in agriculture’

14:34 — The lesson Janice got from her daughter about hearing other women’s experiences

17:12 — A story about a media appearance that surprised Cherilyn, inspired a unique gift from her mom and taught her a lesson about women in farming

21:00 — Why Cherilyn now focuses her energy on talking to non-farmers

22:54 — Why there is a disconnect between how the public perceives farmers and what farmers really do, and how to potentially bridge that gap

25:38 — Why farmers suddenly have a new job: PR

27:02 — What is the one thing Cherylin is the most proud of?

The latest high-tech scams (and how to avoid falling prey)

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Imagine it’s late one night and you’re awoken by a call. It’s a panicked loved one telling you they’ve been in an accident and need money right away. Except it’s not actually a loved one, it’s a fraudster using AI to perfectly mimic their voice. That’s just one example of the latest in advanced schemes being employed these days to trick you into parting with your money. Tammy McKinnon, Senior Vice President of Fraud Management at Scotiabank is our guest this episode to walk us through some emerging scams, tell us some potential red flags to watch for and some simple ways for you or someone in your family to avoid becoming a victim.

For more fraud prevention resources, check out Scotiabank’s Cybersecurity and Fraud Hub.

Key moments this episode:

1:44 — What stats tell us about whether fraud is getting worse

2:21 — The stigma associated with being scammed, why anyone can be a victim

4:00 — Emerging scam #1: the shocking way AI is being used to swindle people

8:21 — Emerging scam #2: cryptocurrency scams

9:21 — Why fraudsters are willing to put in more time for scams

9:38 — What is a romance scam?

10:21 — Do we know where these scams are originating from?

10:52 — Emerging scam #3: impersonation scams

12:16 — Some ways to tell if a call from a bank is legitimate or not

13:29 — Some simple precautions to avoid these increasingly sophisticated scams

16:07 — A bit about how Tammy prevents fraud at the bank

17:12 — The one thing listeners should take away from the interview

17:40 — How to tell the real Stephen from his voice clone

Why Canada's lagging productivity could harm your standard of living

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Canada’s productivity is declining and has been lagging for some time. A country’s productivity is an economic measure that boils down to how much stuff is produced by each working person. And according to our guest, Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault, it’s the most important economic variable we have. And declining productivity can have big implications for everyday Canadians. This episode, we have a crash course on productivity. We'll learn exactly what it is, how it’s calculated, where Canada stands and why finding a solution to declining productivity is so difficult.

Key moments this episode:

1:33 — The basic definition of what productivity is

2:09 — How is it measured? (And why is it so complex?)

4:19 — Why productivity is “the most important economic variable we have”

5:59 — Why increasing productivity equates to increasing standard of living

7:00 — How Canada’s productivity has looked historically

8:21 — The mystery behind why Canada lags behind in productivity

12:15 — What the long-term impact of declining productivity could be on Canadians

14:08 — The big question: how do you solve the problem when you aren’t sure what the cause is?

18:03 — Why productivity is the “number one public policy issue” in Canada

The 'critical' resource that Canada doesn’t have enough of

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Critical minerals are used in the manufacturing of just about all modern technology — including things like solar panels and EV batteries that are key to the global energy transition. But according to our guest, Rebekah Young, the world doesn't currently have enough of these minerals and what we do have is concentrated in just a handful of countries. Rebekah is the Head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics at Scotiabank and recently wrote a report all about this shortage. She’ll give us a critical minerals 101 lesson and outline the challenges Canada and the world will face to meet this new demand.

Key moments this episode:

1:27 — Let’s start with the basics: what are critical minerals?

2:24 — What are critical minerals used for?

3:33 — An eye-opening fact about how many more critical minerals are used to produce an EV compared to a traditional combustion engine vehicle

3:48 — Just how critical critical minerals are when it comes to hitting net zero targets

4:48 — What exactly does it take to get critical minerals out of the ground and into products we use?

6:06 — What kind of critical mineral deposits does Canada have?

7:54 — What is the current demand for critical minerals and what will that look like in the coming years?

11:11 — Why nearshoring may be a solution to Canada’s critical mineral needs in the future

14:26 — The key takeaway for the average Canadian on this issue

How drones, AI and other tech are making farming more green

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

We go behind the scenes of a modern family farm to see how cutting-edge technology is helping farmers run a more sustainable operation. This episode, Terry Aberhart gives us a tour of Aberhart Farms and tells us about the advanced tools he uses, the hurdles he sees in implementing these practices on a wider scale and the public perceptions of sustainability in agriculture vs. the reality.

Key moments this episode:

1:59 — Terry tells us more about Aberhart Farms and their mission

3:25 — “Sustainability” has become a bit of a buzzword, how does Terry define it?

5:12 — How have Terry’s processes evolved in order to be more sustainable?

8:40 — What is “precision farming”?

10:54 — How much technology is used on a modern farm and why it’s unexpected to some

12:12 — How well adopted in precision farming in Canada?

13:50 — What do non farmers usually get wrong when it comes to perceptions of sustainability?

17:45 — How is a movement towards sustainability received in the industry?

19:29 — What hurdles the sector faces when trying to implement sustainable practices

21:54 — Does running a farming operation more sustainably make it more difficult?

23:54 — Who will be taking over the Aberhart family farms in the future?

BoC opens the door — just a little — to rate cuts

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada’s decision to hold its key interest rate — for the fourth consecutive time — was no surprise. However, this time the central bank signalled that the discussion going forward won’t be about how high its key rate should go, but how long it will stay at 5%.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back to break down the Bank of Canada’s latest decision and what factored into it, why inflation remains stubborn, when rate cuts could begin, and the risk factors that could push that timing back.

For an up-to-date breakdown of the Bank of Canada's key interest rate and its change over time alongside inflation numbers, visit our interest rate page.

Key moments this episode:

1:24 — Why this announcement is a bit like Groundhog Day

2:02 — The latest BoC decision wasn’t a surprise, but what’s the big takeaway?

2:40 — What did BoC Governor Tiff Macklem say that signals there may be a cut before too long?

3:21 — How did the December inflation numbers factor into the Bank of Canada’s decision?

4:50 — Why has inflation been so stubborn?

6:11 — Are geopolitical factors like the attacks in the Red Sea playing into inflation?

7:44 — Is a potential surge in housing demand putting pressure on inflation?

9:12 — What other factors might the BoC be watching to make their next decision?

10:10 — Later this month we get the latest GDP numbers, what might those look like and how may they affect the BoC’s next decision?

11:13 — Are we out of the woods in terms of recession risk?

12:26 — The US economy has been doing very well, how does that factor into the performance of our economy and this latest decision?

13:15 — Why is US inflation coming down faster?

14:02 — Will the Fed’s upcoming decision have an impact on what the BoC does?

14:40 — Is June still when interest rates are expected to come down?

15:22 — What should a mortgage holder or would-be home buyer be taking away from this?

16:12 — Three big takeaways for Canadians from this latest decision

2024 Market Outlook

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Markets have been doing pretty well lately, but what's in store for 2024? Hugo Ste-Marie is our guest. He is the Director of Portfolio and Quantitative Strategy in Equity Research at Scotiabank and he provides advice to global institutional investors, but his insights will be of interest to investors of all kinds. This episode he'll tell us what the markets might look like in the year ahead, where there may be some opportunities, what a ‘perfect soft landing’ is — and whether we may see one — and much more.

Key moments this episode:

00:57 — Some context around Hugo’s insights

1:30 — The big conclusions about where the economy is potentially headed in 2024

3:16 — Why the US Federal Reserve is a focal point when looking at the global economy

1:45 — Recap around what the Canadian and US economies looked like at the end of 2023

6:22 — Why 2023 ended with some optimism

7:08 — What is a ‘perfect soft landing’?

9:35 — What are the prospects for volatility in 2024?

10:30 — Where are there some potential opportunities as we look ahead at the year?

12:00 — What are small cap vs large cap equities and how to best leverage them

14:42 — Are there places geographically that show a more positive outlook?

15:32 — Hugo sums up his take on 2024

How to get a handle on your money in 2024

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

If your resolution is to get a handle on your money, this year might be a little more challenging for some people. Lucky for us, personal finance expert Bruce Sellery is back this episode. He’s the CEO at Credit Canada Debt Solutions and host of Moolala, the weekly personal finance radio show on SiriusXM. He has some concrete tips for managing your money in a year with continued high-interest rates, high inflation and a looming threat of recession.

For more financial advice visit Scotiabank’s Advice+ Centre.

Key moments this episode:

2:05 — Why people are looking at their finances a little differently in 2024

3:03 — A shocking stat that illustrates the need for help with personal finances

5:03 — "I can't afford my life!” — what Bruce is hearing from his clients

6:23 — The first thing Bruce has people consider about their finances heading into the new year

10:05 — The next thing people should think about: savings

11:01 — Bruce’s secret to saving money

11:33 — Two pitfalls around emergency funds

13:24 — The third thing to think about in order to get a handle on your finances: optimizing returns

14:34 — Bruce answers the question he gets all the time

15:20 — What Bruce is hearing around mortgage payments from clients and why it’s a shock for many

16:58 — Some tips on staying on top of your finances without thinking about money all the time

18:20 — Why Bruce thinks strict budgeting isn’t sustainable or effective

20:30 — Ending with wise words from one of the greatest philosophers: Bruce Sellery

Leadership advice and more from Tangerine Bank CEO Gillian Riley

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Gillian Riley joins us in the studio for a candid interview as she marks her fifth anniversary as the head of Tangerine — a pioneer in digital banking in Canada. She’ll tell us about the evolution of digital banking and her experiences as a woman in the corporate world and how that inspired her to found the Scotiabank Women Initiative five years ago. Also, she gives some leadership lessons she's picked up along the way.

For more on the Scotiabank Women Initiative, read this article featuring Gillian Riley and an entrepreneur the initiative has helped.

Key moments this episode:

1:41 — Gillian’s highlights from her five years as the CEO of Tangerine

4:07 — Looking back at some of the benefits of, and lessons from, being a digital bank during COVID lockdowns

5:20 — Breaking down the evolution of digital banking in the last five years

6:47 — Transitioning to working for a digital bank

8:14 — What does it mean for Tangerine when many banks are moving towards the digital space?

9:42 — How Tangerine maintains its brand awareness and identity

11:21 — What is the next step in digital banking?

13:05 — Reflecting on her role in creating the Scotiabank Women Initiative

15:43 — Personal experiences as a woman in the corporate world that inspired the creation of SWI

18:27 — Gillian’s advice to people who aspire to be a leader like her

20:40 — Final question: how’s your jump shot?

What is 'buy now, pay later'?

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:51:22 -0000

You’ve probably seen the ads or prompts at online checkouts offering to let you break up your purchase into multiple instalments. This is a new trend in payments called buy now, pay later or BNPL. And a lot of consumers might be wondering, ‘What’s the catch?’ Laura Scheck, Scotiabank’s Vice President of Credit Cards, joins this episode to give us a crash course on this emerging way of paying. Scheck recently helped launch the Bank’s own offering, called SelectPay, and explains exactly how BNPL works, how to use it wisely, as well as some helpful tips.

On Laura’s previous appearance on the show, she busted some common myths around the ever-mysterious credit score. You can find that episode in our podcast feed or visit the show page.

Key moments this episode:

1:32 — What exactly is buy now, pay later?

2:03 — Does it seem like this type of payment option is popping up everywhere?

3:15 — Why buy now, pay later appears to be having a moment right now

4:35 — How exactly does this type of payment plan work?

5:36 — Is there a catch?

6:41 — Laura’s insider tip of how to make the most of BNPL

7:12 — Why are banks getting in on BNPL

7:40 — Advice on when to use BNPL and when to use your credit card

8:33 — What to look out for before using BNPL with different providers

9:23 — Laura addresses some of the frequently asked questions and misconceptions

11:31 — What is Scotiabank currently doing on the buy now, pay later front?

Have interest rates finally peaked?

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The Bank of Canada announced Wednesday that it is holding its key interest rate at 5% — as widely expected — for the third consecutive time amid signs that past interest rate increases are dampening economic activity. So, does this mean that the central bank is finally done with rate hikes? And when might interest rates start to fall?

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back to explain why the central bank’s decision was a no-brainer, where rates could go in the new year and why inflation isn’t disappearing anytime soon.

Need a refresher on interest rate moves and the impact on inflation? Here’s a handy chart with the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate decisions and monthly inflation rates over the past two years.

Key moments this episode:

00:53 — Is there anything new that we learned from the Bank of Canada’s statement Wednesday?

1:36 — Was this latest decision to hold a no-brainer?

3:01 — Will we still see impacts from previous rate cuts?

3:36 — Have rates finally peaked?

4:24 — Where is inflation at and how much progress have we made in tamping it down?

5:37 — What are the major risks on the horizon on the inflation front?

7:10 — What signs are we looking for in the next month or two that might inform where rates will go?

7:48 — How is the Canadian economy doing and what are the prospects of a recession?

9:17 — Should Canadians expect higher than normal rates for longer?

10:03 — When will we finally see rate cuts?

11:42 — Breaking down the impact of a January 2023 rate hike pause on the housing market

12:22 — What does the decision Wednesday tell us about what other major central banks might do?

13:22 — Three key takeaways from the latest announcement as we head into the new year?

Growing need, shrinking budgets: The state of charitable giving

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

With the holidays just about here, people's minds aren’t just on buying gifts. They’re also thinking about charitable giving. That’s especially true this year with many feeling the strain of high interest rates and inflation. Nation Cheong, Vice President of Community Opportunities & Mobilization at the United Way of Greater Toronto, and Malcolm Burrows, Head of Philanthropic Advisory Services at Scotia Global Wealth Management, are our guests today. They’ll break down the state of giving as they see it, tell us how trends and technology are affecting philanthropy and even share some advice on how to give effectively this holiday season.

Key moments this episode:

1:33 — Nation gives us a bird's eye view of the giving landscape in Canada right now

2:17 — Did people step up in terms of giving during initial COVID lockdowns?

4:00 — Malcolm explains his role as Head of Philanthropic Advisory Services

4:57 — Malcolm weighs in on what he’s seen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic

6:24 — Nation gives some surprising stats on the increased need for giving

8:24 — What trends Nation has seen in terms of fundraising over the course of the pandemic

10:02 — How does a charity or non-profit stand out when there are so many places to give?

11:03 — An answer to a question Malcolm frequently gets: “Which one charity should I give to?”

12:22 — Malcolm's experience on how technology and the pandemic have shaped how we give

14:02 — Nation on why he’s noticed it’s tougher to get volunteers post-pandemic

15:07 — What role big companies play in generating volunteers

16:13 — Advice for people who want to give their money or time this holiday season but might be overwhelmed by the options

19:29 — What motivates Nation and Malcolm to keep doing the work they do

Nearshoring 101

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The term ‘supply chain issues’ conjures visions of empty shelves, delays and high prices. And it’s not just an inconvenience for customers, it’s costing companies, too. That’s where the concept of nearshoring, or friendshoring can help. This episode, we're getting a nearshoring 101 lesson from Rodrigo Echagaray, the Global Head of Product Management and Head of Latin America Equity Research for Scotiabank. He’ll break down what exactly the term means, what implications it has beyond supply chains, and why it’s the next big thing in global markets.

Key moments this episode:

1:04 — Is nearshoring the same as friendshoring?

2:24 — Is nearshoring the opposite of offshoring?

3:32 — What specific issues are driving nearshoring’s popularity?

4:32 — What’s the incentive to move manufacturing back to North America now?

5:56 — How does nearshoring tie into sustainability?

8:30 — What is the benefit to Canada or North America of a policy of nearshoring?

9:44 — Will the consumer see prices of goods go up thanks to nearshoring?

11:51 — A surprising fact about where nearshoring investment in Mexico is coming from

12:35 — How much nearshoring is already taking place?

14:06 — How nearshoring helps integrate the economies of all North American countries

15:02 — Is nearshoring the next big thing in global markets?

Credit score myths busted (encore)

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

For many people, a credit score is a mysterious thing. But that number can have a huge impact on our lives. In this episode that originally aired in back in April, Laura Scheck, Vice President of Credit Cards at Scotiabank talks to Natalie Nanowski from our Perspectives Newsroom team to help bust some common myths around the credit score as well as explain the basics. What number is good, what’s bad, what will actually decrease your score and, of course, tips on how to improve it.

Key moments this episode:

1:24 — The “origin story” of the credit score

2:06 — What is a good credit score?

2:27 — Can you get a perfect credit score?

3:02 — How is a credit score calculated?

3:32 — Five main factors that impact credit scores

4:30 — The most common way to negatively impact your credit score

5:50 — Another common way people unknowingly decrease their score

7:04 — Can checking your own credit score negatively impact it?

8:33 — Is using your full credit card limit a bad thing for your credit score?

9:34 — Will taking a higher credit limit on your credit card affect your credit score?

10:31 — What are some ways to improve your credit score and how quickly can it be done?

11:36 — The best way for newcomers or students to build their credit

12:52 — Have attitudes changed from generation to generation when it comes to credit?

13:40 — The biggest shift in the current credit landscape that Laura has noticed

14:52 — The biggest takeaways when it comes to credit scores

5 year-end tips from a tax planning expert

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Taxes?! Isn’t that a March or April thing? According to our guest this episode, a little bit of planning now will save you some headaches come spring. Robbie Brown is the Director of Advanced Planning and Services and the Head of Wealth Management Taxation at Scotia Wealth Management, and he’s got helpful tips on everything from key dates, to maximizing government grants, to how to best use the new First Home Savings Account even if you don’t plan on buying a house in the near future.

For more information, and even more tips, check out the full 2023 year-end tax planning tips article.

Key moments this episode:

1:21 — Tip #1: Some key dates. Including a big one that has shifted this year

4:56 — Tip #2: If eligible, take advantage of the First Home Savings Account (or FHSA)

7:24 — Tip #3: RRSP basics

9:07 — Tip #4: How to best use the TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account)

13:33 — Tip #5: How to maximize your RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan)

This publication has been prepared by Scotia Capital Inc. and is intended as a general source of information only and should not be considered as personal and/or specific financial, tax, pension, legal or investment advice. We are not tax or legal advisors and we recommend that individuals consult with their qualified advisors before taking any action based upon the information contained in this publication. Opinions and projections contained in this publication are our own as of the date hereof and are subject to change without notice. While care and attention has been taken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the material in this publication, neither Scotia Capital Inc. nor any of its affiliates make any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such material and disclaim any liability resulting from any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or the information contained herein. This publication and all the information, opinions and conclusions contained herein are protected by copyright. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior express consent of Scotia Capital Inc.

Unpacking the Bank of Canada’s decision (and why a rate cut is unlikely anytime soon)

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 19:06:00 -0000

To no one’s surprise, the Bank of Canada held its key interest rate steady at 5% for a second consecutive time as recent data points to easing inflation, consumers cutting back on retail spending and a slowing economy in general. However, with inflation still at 3.8% — above the central bank’s target of 2% — it’s unclear how long this pause will last.

Scotiabank’s Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault is back this episode to break down what drove the Bank of Canada’s latest decision, why Canadians should not expect rates to go down anytime soon, and how geopolitical tensions may also impact inflation.

Key moments this episode:

00:48 — JF’s main takeaway from the recent Bank of Canada decision

1:34 — Is there an indication in the statement today that the bank might take more action?

2:39 — What were the driving factors behind the latest decision?

4:22 — Breaking down where we stand in terms of inflation, have the bank’s hikes worked?

5:36 — What impact does the Israel-Hamas war on the central bank’s decisions going forward?

6:28 — What impact do current global issues have on a potential recession?

7:42 — If you need to, say, renew your mortgage in the next few months, what should you make of all this?

8:49 — Rate cuts: when will they happen?

9:53 — JF boils down this latest decision to 3 main takeaways

11:05 — It’s been about 18 months since the first Bank of Canada hike, looking back, is it working?

Small businesses cautiously optimistic as COVID-era challenges linger

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

October is Small Business Month, so this episode we're taking the pulse of this important sector in Canada. The challenges faced are numerous, including lockdown-era loans coming due, inflation, persistently high interest rates and labour issues. But there are also reasons for optimism. Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and Jascha Jabes, Vice President of Small Business at Scotiabank, join Perspectives’ Armina Ligaya to break down the hurdles as well as reasons for hope on the horizon.

Read the full Path to Impact report here for more insights from the small business owners surveyed.

Key moments this episode:

1:27 — What is the headline from the latest Scotiabank survey of small business owners?

2:26 — Why the post-pandemic debt load is a key worry for CFIB members

7:25 — Jascha digs into the data of CEBA loans and small businesses

9:20 — A few years removed from lockdowns, are small businesses better able to survive?

10:57 — The stats on how small businesses have embraced technology

14:50 — An interesting finding from the survey: BIPOC-owned businesses are more optimistic about their future

16:04 — Final question for Dan and Jascha – what next?

Has Canada fallen behind in the electric vehicle race?

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Electric vehicle sales around the world have been growing exponentially over the last few years. That’s good news for the environment. It also means potential financial opportunities for countries that produce these cars and parts. But is Canada already behind in the electric vehicle (or EV for short) production race? Rebekah Young, Head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics at Scotiabank, and Economist John Fanjoy just released a new report on the subject. They’re our guests this episode and will explain why the transition to EVs is so important, what might be holding us back and some potential solutions policy makers can implement.

Key moments this episode:

1:29 — Rebekah breaks down the crux of her latest report on EV production

1:48 — What exactly is this EV race? What’s the prize and who are the players?

2:31 — Why the transition to EVs is so important

3:55 — Some context: What commitments Canada has already made on the EV front

5:08 — What is an S-shaped innovation curve and why might that not apply to EVs?

6:46 — Some practical issues that might be slowing down Canadians adoption of EVs

9:27 — Why Canada might be building cars that people want today, but can’t afford tomorrow

10:39 — The surprising difference between EV models available to Canadians vs the rest of the world

11:22 — Is there a risk that only the wealthy can make the switch the EV if we stay on our current path?

12:30 — How can prices of EVs be brought down to a more accessible level?

15:27 — John and Rebekah’s final thoughts on what we can do to make sure we do what's right for climate goals and the economy

A conversation with the woman behind Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:00:00 -0000

To mark Orange Shirt Day (now also referred to as National Day of Truth and Reconciliation) on September 30, we're handing the mic over for a special episode of our Leadership Series. Our guest is author and creator of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad. Hosting the conversation is Scotiabank’s Sloane Muldoon.

Phyllis talks about her new book: Every Child Matters, ten years of Orange Shirt Day and opens up about her own journey towards healing.

This episode contains accounts of the violence that occurred at residential schools.

Every Child Matters books can be ordered directly from Medicine Wheel Publishing.

Key moments this episode:

1:50 — How Phyllis feels having such a personal story go out into the world

2:51 — What role she hopes the book will play for fellow residential school survivors

5:01 — How Canadian’s views of reconciliation have changed in the decade since Orange Shirt Day began

6:45 — Why a children’s story?

9:09 — Why the book will resonate with more than just children

10:30 — Phyllis shares an excerpt from Every Child Matters and explains why that passage especially resonates with her

13:29 — What does the quote “Truth before reconciliation” mean?

17:51 — Phyllis opens up about the spiritual side of her healing journey

Navigating these ‘unusual times’ as an investor

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

What is an investor to do when the future is so unclear?

When will interest rates and inflation settle? What about talk of a recession? Or a potential soft landing? Maybe a soft-ish landing?

Andy Nasr, the Chief Investment Officer at Scotia Wealth Management is back this episode to shed some light on how investors might best navigate these unusual times, give some insight on what’s creating them in the first place and maybe keep us all grounded in the meantime.

Key moments this episode:

1:22 — What U2 album title Andy thinks reflects the current state of the market and why it’s concerning

2:37 — Policy-makers say the end may be in sight for the rate hiking cycle — why would that be a concern for investors?

3:32 — Andy gives some context about how we got to the interest rate situation we’re in now

5:53 — The Bank of Canada held rates steady recently, was that the right approach?

8:34 — How does wage inflation and labour play into all this?

11:08 — The big question: what should investors do?

14:10 — How should investors approach risk right now and what investors should be asking themselves?

16:07 — What role does fixed income take?

17:40 — What about geography distribution in your portfolio?

20:47 — The state of real estate and why Canadian households are much more sensitive to rate fluctuations than in the U.S.

23:14 — Andy's final thoughts for investors

How ChatGPT is changing the way we work

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

You’ve probably heard of ChatGPT. It’s a chatbot that uses a form of artificial intelligence called generative AI. And it can do everything from suggest wine pairings to write a cover letter.

But how exactly should we be using this new technology in the workplace? Our guest this episode is Yannick Lallement, Vice President, Corporate Functions Analytics and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at Scotiabank. He’ll shed some light on how people are already using generative AI in the workplace, what the risks and blind spots are and where he sees this technology heading in the future.

Looking for a great explainer on how AI works? With cats?! Check out Yannick's last appearance on the show.

Key moments this episode:

1:41 — Stephen attempts to use ChatGPT... and finds one of the app’s shortcomings

2:09 — What is generative AI? How is it different from other forms of AI?

3:22 — A quick ChatGPT primer – what exactly is it?

5:52 — What is ChatGPT most useful for?

8:25 — The benefits of using ChatGPT in the workplace – some examples of where it is currently helping people do their jobs

11:16 — Why ChatGPT is a tool, not a replacement for someone’s job

12:10 — Two main concerns with using ChatGPT in the workplace

13:30 — What is a ‘hallucination’ when it comes to generative AI?

14:11 — Ethical issues in how ChatGPT is trained

16:16 — How Yannick sees the future of how we use generative AI in the workplace

BoC hits pause (again) on interest rates – is relief in sight?

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

As most economists predicted, the Bank of Canada has held its key interest rate steady at 5%. Statistics Canada announced last week that the Canadian economy shrank 0.2% at an annualized rate in the second quarter – very far from the 1.5% growth the Bank of Canada had predicted in its last forecast.

The Perspectives podcast returns for another season with a familiar guest, Scotiabank Chief Economist Jean-François Perrault. He takes host Armina Ligaya through Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem’s decision, what it means for the economy and inflation, and whether this signals the end, finally, for hikes that have taken interest rates to a 22-year high.

Key moments this episode:

00:48 — What is JF’s main take away from the announcement? Why it’s good news/bad news

1:51 — Was it the right move to pause?

2:45 — How long will this rate hike pause last? Will the next move be a cut?

3:29 — When is the earliest we can realistically see an interest rate cut?

3:43 — Was the slowdown or surprise contraction in the Canadian economy a blip? Or proof interest rate hikes have been working?

4:50 — What does all this mean when it comes to a potential recession?

6:20 — Where are we at in terms of inflation and where do we go from here?

7:39 — What effect have interest rate hikes really had on inflation? Was the pain worth it?

8:54 — What’s the final takeaway for borrowers from this announcement?

Welcome to Perspectives

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:58:00 -0000

Welcome new listeners! Here’s a quick sample of what you'll hear on Perspectives, Scotiabank’s weekly podcast.