Recent reports from early 2026 highlight a complex financial landscape in Canada characterized by corporate growth and geopolitical volatility. Retailer Aritzia achieved record revenues exceeding $1 billion, while MDA Space secured a strategic American defense contract and Shopify prepared to lead a recovery in the technology sector. However, the Canadian dollar and energy stocks faced downward pressure due to U.S. foreign policy shifts aimed at lowering global oil prices. Domestically, Toronto proposed a modest property tax increase and transit fare freezes to mitigate rising living costs for residents.

Heading into 2026, Canada’s economy faces a significant "headwind" with modest 1.2–1.5% GDP growth, weak productivity, and an urgent push for radical tax reform to boost competitiveness. This episode explores the domestic and geopolitical shifts shaping the year, from the upcoming CUSMA review and the impact of U.S. intervention in Venezuela on Canadian crude prices to the widening "K-shaped" consumer divide. We further analyze the stability of the real estate market amid five-day return-to-office mandates, growing government pressure on pension fund investments, and the strategic brand alliance between Tim Hortons and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

This episode explores the shifting Canadian housing market.