Will the Market have Separation Anxiety this October?

On October 19, 2026, Alberta will have a referendum about whether it should have a referendum to separate from Canada. The exact wording on the ballot for one of the ten questions will read: Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian […]

High Gas Prices May Drive a Quick Exit from Iran

The average price of gas at the pump for U.S. consumers is up 30% since the year began. Most of that occurred recently, following the strikes against Iran.  If you follow the prediction markets, it doesn’t look very likely that the Republicans will win the House or even the Senate this fall. Current odds suggest […]

This July 4th, the Federal Reserve’s Independence Is at Risk

As markets watch for interest rate cuts, political pressure on the Fed’s independence could shape inflation and U.S. dollar credibility in the years ahead. By Jeff Pollock Though lower interest rates are generally good news for stocks, what will happen if it comes at the expense of U.S. central bank independence? The Federal Reserve was […]

Does Alberta Have the Energy to Leave Canada?

Rumblings of Western Canadian sovereignty are once again being heard. Recent polling from Angus Reid suggests that 36% of Albertans and 34% of Saskatchewanians support the idea of leaving Canada. Thankfully, 60% and 58%, respectively, still prefer to remain within the federation. Even so, this tension could easily escalate depending on Ottawa’s next move. Of […]