Good afternoon,

 

Just a few links, stories and updates today, coming at the end of a busy week!

 

RBC Economics Podcast: In this episode of the 10-Minute Take, RBC Economics’ Claire Fan and Carrie Freestone explore what’s driving inflation and how to cut through the noise. Podcast: The 10-Minute Take - RBC Economics

 

More from RBC Economics:

 

Canada spent 2025 facing what many believed would be a catastrophic trade shock: Fears of the short- and long-term consequences from tariffs pushed consumer and business confidence deeply negative. And yet, Canada’s economy did not collapse. There were no two quarters of negative gross domestic product, the country added jobs, and household balance sheets improved over the course of the year.

 

 

Full Story here: Beyond the forecast: Six themes for Canada’s economy in 2026 - RBC Economics

 

Here’s our latest weekly investment newsletter:

 

Can Europe meet the moment?

 

The euro area defied expectations in 2025, delivering growth amid a challenging environment. Yet beneath this resilience, Europe has started to redraw its economic and strategic maps—reducing reliance on the U.S. while capitalizing on fresh fiscal momentum from Berlin and a focus on defense.

 

Regional developments:

 

Canada’s unemployment rate unexpectedly falls; Energy leads the S&P 500 into 2026; European equities rotate into value while UK political risk abates (for now); Takaichi and LDP win big in Japan’s snap election.

 

More here: Global Insight Weekly.

 

Feel free to contact me with any questions and/or to discuss investment ideas.

 

Enjoy your weekend and Monday’s BC Family Day holiday!

 

Mark