In this launch episode of What's at Stake, partner Andrea Christianson sits down with Penta colleagues Dan La Russo, Lauren Wolfson, and Lloyd Miller to debut Penta AI, the firm's new practice built to help organizations understand, anticipate, and act in an era reshaped by artificial intelligence. Together, they unpack why Penta created this Practice, what makes its approach different, and how AI is transforming the way organizations manage reputation, govern emerging technologies, and scale their engagement strategies. They also preview some of the early tools coming out of Penta's Innovation & Build Lab, including work in agentic systems, synthetic message testing, and Penta's GenAI Reputation Audit. The conversation offers an inside look at how Penta is blending stakeholder intelligence, active learning systems, and applied AI to help leaders succeed in a rapidly shifting environment.

In this episode of What’s at Stake, Penta partner Bryan DeAngelis and managing director Stephanie Walstrom dive into one of the fastest-growing threats to U.S. economic and national security: fraud and scams. They’re joined by Kate Griffin and Erin Borġ of the Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program, co-authors of United We Stand: A National Strategy to Prevent Scams and leaders of the National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention. Kate and Erin unpack Aspen’s development of a coordinated, whole-of-ecosystem approach to combating scams, bringing together government agencies, law enforcement, industry, and civil society actors. They walk through the report’s major recommendations, from building stronger interagency mechanisms to modernizing data sharing and strengthening private-sector accountability. Together, they explore why scams must now be understood as a national security issue, how early federal responses (like DOJ’s new Strike Force on Cryptocurrency Scams) signal growing momentum, and what meaningful progress looks like in both the near and long term. They also discuss how a more integrated national strategy could ultimately reshape the everyday experience of consumers navigating an increasingly complex digital and financial landscape. You can read the United We Stand report here: https://fraudtaskforce.aspeninstitute.org/nationalstrategy

In this episode of What’s at Stake, Penta Partners Bryan DeAngelis and Andrea Christianson explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the agricultural and agri-food supply chain. They’re joined by Francisco Martin-Rayo, CEO of Helios AI, a company using advanced machine learning and global data integration to forecast prices, manage supply risk, and anticipate weather-driven disruptions. Francisco shares how his own journey led him to tackle one of the most complex challenges in global commerce: building more predictable, transparent, and resilient food supply chains. Together, they discuss the role of AI in price forecasting, the challenges of adaptation facing farmers worldwide, and how governments, businesses, and innovators can work together to secure the future of food.

In this episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner and Head of the D.C. office Bryan DeAngelis is joined by two of Penta's Senior Partners based on the West Coast—Dan La Russo and TJ Kelly—for a timely discussion on why cyber risk is now stakeholder risk. Drawing from Penta's latest white paper and research study, the trio unpack findings from an analysis of over 4.8 million global mentions across six industries to explore how cyber threats ripple through markets, boardrooms, and public trust. Their conversation covers: Why cybersecurity has evolved from an IT challenge to a reputation-defining issue. How different industries handle breaches—and what distinguishes the organizations that recover quickly from those that struggle to regain trust. The role of transparent leadership and cross-functional coordination in managing crises. The growing intersection between cybersecurity and geopolitics, and what it means for corporate affairs and policy teams. The strategic imperatives every leader should adopt to prepare for the next cyber event. You can access the white paper and request the full research study by visiting pentagroup.com/cyber25

This week’s episode of What’s at Stake examines the challenges and opportunities in rebuilding America’s education-to-employment (E²) pipeline. Penta Managing Directors Ylan Mui and Felicia Wasson welcome Emily M. Dickens, J.D., Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs at SHRM, to discuss SHRM’s new E² Initiative and its mission to connect employers, educators, and policymakers. Their conversation covered: -Why SHRM is repairing the current “leaky, broken, and busted” education-to- employment pipeline. -How the E² initiative delivers national convenings, shared projects, and playbooks that provide real examples for creating job opportunities. -The role of partnerships in expanding access to untapped talent to fill vacant jobs. -SHRM’s vision for scaling real-world solutions to the employment gap nationwide. You can learn more about SHRM and its initiatives by visiting https://www.shrm.org/ and https://www.shrm.org/advocacy/e2-initiative.

In this episode of The Penta Podcast Channel, host Ylan Mui dives deep into the evolving role of the Federal Reserve and its implications for the U.S. economy under President Trump. Joined by Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, they discuss the historically apolitical nature of the Fed and how it has come under unprecedented scrutiny from the White House. Heather shares insights on the Fed's independence, the potential impact of interest rate changes, and the broader economic landscape, including the challenges facing middle-class Americans. Tune in for an engaging exploration of how political dynamics are reshaping monetary policy and economic stability in the United States.

This week’s episode of What’s at Stake dives into the details of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and its impact on the national debt and deficits. Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and senior policy director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui to discuss the tax changes, budget gimmicks and long-term fiscal consequences. Their conversation covered: - Whether this is really the largest tax cut in history - Why spending cuts don’t offset the $4 trillion in added debt - How tariffs, interest rates, and economic growth factor into the administration’s math - Signals of a potential debt crisis - If fiscal discipline will ever return to Washington

On this week’s episode of What’s at Stake, Penta Policy Brand Research leaders Rebecca Cunningham and Victoria Nolte join hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui to unpack findings from the 2025 Washington Insights Review, an annual Penta report based on a survey of hundreds of senior Washington policymakers Their conversation covered: Which issues are shaping U.S. policymaker priorities across parties, from the economy and immigration to AI, fintech, and China. How corporate reputation in Washington has shifted post-COVID, and what’s driving both the rise of emerging sectors and the reputational slip of legacy industries. Why companies must tailor their advocacy to resonate authentically with policymakers, and how social commitments are being evaluated differently across political parties. The rising importance of data-backed, bipartisan engagement strategies that reflect political durability in a shifting landscape.

In this episode of The Penta Podcast Channel, join me, Yelan Moy, as I delve into the world of cryptocurrency with Deborah McCrimmon, Ripple's Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. We explore her journey from private practice to leading Ripple's legal strategy amidst the complex landscape of digital assets. Deborah shares her insights on Ripple's mission to create a seamless financial ecosystem and discusses the pivotal SEC lawsuit that challenged the classification of XRP. Tune in as we unpack the implications of recent legal developments, the importance of mentorship, and her advice for aspiring lawyers in the crypto space. This is a conversation you won't want to miss, filled with valuable perspectives on navigating uncharted waters in the evolving financial landscape.

On this week’s episode of What’s at Stake, former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, now a member of Penta's Global Advisory Board, shared his perspective on the evolution of political leadership and business strategy amid rising global uncertainty. His candid and wide-ranging conversation with hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui covered:  What it was like to negotiate directly with President Trump and what he learned about the President's governing and communications playbook.  How Europe is responding to shifts in the geopolitical order. The opportunities and threats facing companies navigating transatlantic trade during a period of volatility. How political durability and long-term planning can help organizations stay resilient through electoral and ideological shifts. The importance of authenticity in navigating social and cultural controversies. You can learn more about the former Taoiseach’s background and new role within Penta Group here: https://pentagroup.com/insight/leo-varadkar-joins-penta

This week’s episode of What’s at Stake examines the future of farming and ranching through a burgeoning and innovative technology: virtual fencing. Penta Partner Andrea Christianson, Nofence Director of Global Market Development John Smout, and Monument Advocacy Principal John Weber discuss how virtual fencing—sitting at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and public policy—is changing herd and livestock management for American farmers through the use of GPS-powered collars. Their conversation covered: -How virtual fencing works and the benefits it brings - The role of public policy in accelerating the growth and adoption of this technology - What the future of agriculture could look like with a new generation of farmers You can learn more about Nofence by visiting https://www.nofence.no/en-us/

In this week’s episode of What’s at Stake, Business Roundtable president and COO Kristen Silverberg shares her insights on the opportunities and challenges facing American businesses as they navigate a rapidly shifting policy landscape, both at home and abroad. Ambassador Silverberg shared with Bryan and Ylan the importance of corporate executives maintaining a long-term vision for success that can withstand geopolitical turbulence. The conversation with Penta hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui covered: The two-way street: How Business Roundtable helps members understand Washington while educating policymakers about the business impacts of their decisions How businesses have taken proactive steps to prepare for trade uncertainty Tax reform’s role in driving business growth and innovation Workforce initiatives creating opportunities for those without four- or two-year degrees  You can learn more about Business Roundtable at https://www.businessroundtable.org/

In this episode of The Penta Podcast Channel, I sit down with Moesh Wunanoo, the visionary behind MoNews, to explore the transformative role of influencer journalism in today's media landscape. We delve into Moesh's journey from traditional newsrooms to launching a dynamic social-first news platform during the pandemic, driven by a desire to connect with audiences in a more personal and relatable way. He shares insights on how authenticity, transparency, and audience engagement have reshaped journalism, and the challenges of monetizing content in a rapidly evolving environment. Join us as we discuss the future of news and the impact of new media on public discourse.

This week’s episode of What’s at Stake tackles the mounting pressure on corporate America as President Donald Trump’s tariffs rattle the markets and stoke fears of a global economic slowdown. Penta CEO Matt McDonald joins hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui to discuss the response from the business community and frameworks for determining when and how to engage publicly. Their conversation covered: Whether tariffs are a tool for negotiation or an end result The importance of "signposting" to determine next steps The impact of the markets on White House and corporate decision-making

This week's episode of What's at Stake delves into the creation and consumption of media amid the rapid advancement of AI. Sally Shin, venture partner at Comcast Ventures, joins Penta hosts Ylan Mui and Andrea Christianson, to discuss the impact of this convergence on journalism and our daily lives. Their conversation covered: Guardrails to protect intellectual property and the accuracy of AI-generated content Partnerships between publishers and AI companies Opportunities to leverage AI within news organizations The revolution that voice technologies and no-code tools could bring to content creation

This week's episode of What's at Stake explores the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency as the industry gears up for a transformative 2025 amid strong support from both the Trump administration and Capitol Hill. Ron Hammond, senior director of government relations and institutional engagement at the Blockchain Association, joins Penta hosts Ylan Mui and Bryan DeAngelis to discuss the vibeshift in Washington and the industry's policy priorities.  Their conversation covered: Policymakers' evolving perceptions of cryptocurrency Challenges and opportunities for stablecoin legislation Crypto interest from institutional investors  Building consensus across the crypto universe

This week's episode of What's at Stake crosses the Atlantic to discuss the impact of President Trump's tariffs with Penta's experts in Europe. Rory O’Donnell, a partner in the Brussels office, and Stuart Harbinson, a senior adviser who has represented Hong Kong to the World Trade Organization, joined Penta managing director Ylan Mui to examine the motivations behind the tariffs and the implications of global retaliation. Their conversation covered: EU and Chinese perspective on trade tensions Potential economic consequences for consumers and businesses How the private sector can best navigate these turbulent times The potential end game for tariffs

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Axios political reporter Hans Nichols sits down with Penta Washington office lead Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui to discuss President Trump's priorities and potential pitfalls during his first 100 days in office…for the second time. The trio discussed several topics, including: Trump’s unique media strategy and how it differs from President Biden’s The effectiveness of the blitz of executive orders  The political chess game swirling around Trump’s nominees and Congress Insights on tariffs, tax reform, and potential legislative hurdles Public sentiment and tipping points on key issues You can subscribe to Hans’ newsletter, Axios Hill Leaders here: https://www.axios.com/signup/hill-leaders

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui speak to two special guests from the Tax Foundation, one of Washington's most influential think tanks. President and CEO Daniel Bunn and president emeritus Scott Hodge examine the complexities of the anticipated tax reform battle in 2025, and its implications for Americans and businesses, as well as the potential international ramifications. Specific topics include: Examination of proposed tax cuts and their potential effects on individuals and businesses Consideration of the balance between tax cuts and the impact on the national debt Insights on potential revenue sources and the politics surrounding them Overview of international tax discussions and their relevance to U.S. policies Keep listening to What’s at Stake to understand the political and economic shifts of the incoming administration, and check out Scott’s book “Taxocracy” for more on tax policy and how it affects everyday life.

Long waits at the DMV or when buying a car seem like a fact of life—but do they have to be? This week on What's at Stake, Penta senior partner Kevin Madden sits down with Shane Bigelow, CEO of CHAMP Titles, to discuss the company's mission to modernize DMVs and bring digital titling technology to the nation. Shane shares CHAMP's founding story and explains how their technology streamlines title transfers, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and helping DMVs better serve constituents in an age of online car dealers and autonomous vehicles. Kevin and Shane also explore the environmental benefits of going digital along with improvements in privacy and security for the auto industry. Don't miss this in-depth look at how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the future of car ownership.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Senior Partner Andy Whitehouse speaks with Marie Donnelly, Chair of Climate Change Advisory Council Ireland and Senior Advisor to Penta, and Director Liza McIntosh about what to expect from COP29—the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference—which begins today in Baku.  Together, they discuss the critical agenda items facing world leaders and organizations as they gather to tackle climate change. From ambitious climate finance targets to bold resilience initiatives, Andy, Liza, and Marie break down the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for a low-carbon future. They also unpack what a second Trump presidency means for climate policy—both in the U.S. and abroad.  Tune in for this timely discussion to understand what's truly at stake as COP29 shapes the future of climate action amid new geopolitical tensions.

Former President Trump is back, and Republicans are on the cusp of a sweep after winning control of the Senate and possibly the House. Join co-hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui, along with Penta senior partners Stacy Kerr and Kevin Madden, as they explore the reshaping of U.S. politics. They discuss the economic concerns driving voters, Trump’s stance on trade, tariffs, and immigration, and the challenges experienced by Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. This election could be just the beginning of a fundamental realignment of America’s social contract.

This week on What's at Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui talk to Chris Wheat, President of the JPMorganChase Institute, about how the pandemic has transformed America's economy. Chris breaks down recent Institute research on how a wave of new investors—particularly younger and lower-income individuals—are taking bigger risks through behaviors like dip-buying and returns-chasing. At the same time, while many households saw their savings increase during the pandemic, those cash reserves are now starting to dwindle, impacting financial health across the board.  So, what does this all mean for the economy? Chris explains how the Institute's use of real-time, anonymized data from millions of JPMorganChase customers helps policymakers stay informed and make smarter decisions. Plus, he teases an upcoming Institute report on the booming small business sector.  Read the latest retail investing reports here: JPMorganChase Retail Investing Reports and tune in to the full episode here.

In this episode of What's At Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Kevin Madden analyze the magnetism of live music. They unpack how touring has emerged as the dominant revenue stream for musicians, exemplified by the prominence of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and the nostalgia of an upcoming Oasis tour.  Since live shows returned post-COVID, the rush for tickets has been frantic, with social media amplifying both the excitement and frustration of fans. They dive into the huge demand for ticket access and how platforms like Spotify are revolutionizing music consumption and concert access.  Tune in this week as they talk about how these shared experiences continue to unite fans and some of their favorite recent concerts.

In this episode of What’s at Stake, host Ylan Mui is joined by Ryan Panchadsaram and Anjali Grover from Speed & Scale to reflect on Climate Week 2024. Ryan and Anjali discuss the pressing need for stronger corporate net-zero commitments and the crucial role of venture capital in accelerating breakthrough technologies. The two also offer insights into the connection between national security and climate change, highlighting the need for increased investments to drive meaningful progress and bold action.

The Federal Reserve is shifting its focus from inflation to a slowing job market, signaling the start of a new economic era. This week on What's at Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui talk to Neil Irwin, chief economic correspondent at Axios, about the impact that the Fed's first rate cut in four years will have across the economy—and perhaps even on the November elections.

In this episode of What's At Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui analyze the first – and maybe only – presidential debate between former President Trump and Vice President Harris with Alex Sternhell, Principal at Sternhell Group and Democratic strategist. They discuss the heated exchanges on immigration as well as the candidates' stances on tariffs, taxes, and corporate America. The election could hinge on whether the candidates' debate performance sways voters in crucial swing states.  Tune in for a breakdown of what’s at stake in the final weeks before Election Day (with a bonus track on Taylor Swift!). Tune in

What does financial literacy look like in the digital age? This week on What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis hosts author and content creator Kyla Scanlon for a live discussion of her new book, “In This Economy” with the Penta team in our Washington, D.C. office. Kyla is known for making complex economic concepts accessible – she uses her unique platform to bridge the knowledge gap from the academic world to the real world. In this episode, Kyla sheds light on the significant disconnect between positive economic indicators and the often-negative public sentiment. She dives into the structural issues that contribute to this disparity, from housing affordability to the rising costs of elder and childcare. Don't miss Kyla's insightful analysis and practical solutions to some of today's most pressing economic challenges.

How could a Harris administration revolutionize the tech policy landscape in America? This week on What's at Stake, partner and head of Penta's D.C. office, Bryan DeAngelis, and Penta managing director Elliott Owensby are joined by Katie Mitchell, the founder of New World Advisors, to discuss the election and the future of tech.  Together, they discuss Katie's recent piece, "A Vibe Check for Tech" and explore how a Harris-led White House might reshape the conversation between technology firms and U.S. policymakers, particularly within the Democratic Party. They also discuss the growing influence of crypto in the political arena, regulatory challenges, and the U.S.'s competitive edge in global tech markets. Don't miss this insightful conversation that unpacks the complexities of the relationship between technology and politics.

As the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium approaches, Penta Managing Director Ylan Mui sits down with friends of the pod John Fagan and Brendan Walsh from Markets Policy Partners to discuss the Federal Reserve's efforts to manage inflation and maintain labor market stability. They discuss recent labor market data, the state of the U.S. consumer post-COVID, and of course, expectations for a rate cut in September – and missed opportunities this summer.  The episode also delves into the implications of the upcoming presidential election for Fed policy and personnel and the potential impact on inflation from both candidates' economic platforms.

In this week's episode of What's at Stake, host and Managing Director Ylan Mui delves into the critical issue of mental health in the workplace. With poor mental health leading to significant productivity losses and high turnover, it's an issue businesses can't afford to ignore. This episode spotlights Bechtel's $7 million partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, aimed at addressing the high suicide rates in the construction industry. The episode features a panel Ylan moderated with insights from Bechtel Chairman and CEO Brendan Bechtel, along with key leaders from the foundation and North America's Building Trades Union, highlighting the power of public-private partnerships and stakeholder collaboration in improving mental health outcomes across industries.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Penta managing director Ylan Mui discusses the ways that AI is reshaping the landscape for small businesses with Imani Augustus, the director of the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, a partnership between Third Way and the National Urban League. Imani explains how entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of generative AI to improve customer service, marketing, and daily operations. They also tackle the ethical questions and operational hurdles surrounding AI, especially for minority-owned businesses.  Tune in to understand the benefits and risks of AI for small business owners and the steps they can take to navigate AI implementation responsibly.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, managing partner Andy Whitehouse talks to our director of marketing, Owen McNamee, about the complex strategies behind consumer branding and sponsorships at the Olympics.  Together, they look at the opportunities for brands and athletes to create harmonious partnerships  while still working in their best interests. They also discuss how brands seek to reach their objectives while navigating within the tight parameters set by the International Olympic Committee.  Tune in for this compelling discussion as you cheer on your country and your favorite athletes on their quest for gold.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui talk to Penta Senior Partner Stacy Kerr about the entry of Vice President Kamala Harris into the presidential race and the implications of her campaign for families, businesses, and other stakeholders.  Together, they parse through her policy differences with President Biden as well as how she could change the electoral map for Democrats. And of course, they play the popular Washington parlor game of predicting who she might pick as her vice president.   Tune in for a compelling discussion of the 100-day sprint to Election Day – and beyond.

Join hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui, along with Penta Senior Partner Kevin Madden, on this week's episode of What's at Stake as they discuss how corporate executives and political leaders are navigating the turbulent aftermath of the attack on former President Donald Trump. With the Republican National Convention underway, they explore the possibility of unity despite  heightened political tension. The group then took a look at the future of Republican politics, the nomination of Sen. J.D. Vance as the party's vice presidential candidate, and the growing influence of economic populism – aka Trumponomics. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the dynamics of American politics and how they're shaping business and the economy.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, host and head of Penta's D.C. office, Bryan DeAngelis, is joined by U.K. Penta colleagues and political experts Mark MacGregor and Andy Williams to dive into yesterday's U.K. election results. They discuss the priorities of Labour's parliamentary candidates, highlighting differences between grassroots candidates and Labour leadership on issues like industrial action and net-zero targets. The discussion also includes details of Labour's strategies for the housing crisis and northern regions, and the newfound unity among Labour MPs — what Penta calls a "House United" in our recent deep dive on Labour's priorities this year.   Finally, they explore the implications of the election results for the business community, especially US investors. No matter where you live, you'll want to tune in for this expert examination of U.K. politics and what's at stake.

Across the landscape of our society—whether it's business, sports, entertainment, or politics—it's very rare for all the eyes of the world to stop and concentrate their attention on one event, one moment. Presidential debates are one of those very rare moments. Last night’s first—and only?—presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump offered viewers in the U.S. and around the globe the chance to compare the candidates and hear their pitch to voters on why they deserve another four years. That was last night. This morning? The fallout. Is this typical "Inside-the-bubble" hysteria or a bigger moment that will shake up the race? The political universe is in a frenzy, with everyone ranging from the Trump and Biden campaigns to down ballot candidates and armchair pundits assessing the impact the debate will have on the trajectory of the race.  On today’s episode of What’s At Stake, we’ll do that and go a little deeper. We’ll review the debate performances, analyze the strategies of both campaigns going forward, and also assess the immediate and longer-term ramifications last night will have on the business community as we get closer to November and the next Administration.

What happens when voter indecision grips a nation during a high-stakes election featuring two well-known incumbents? Join Bryan DeAngelis, Partner at Penta, as he sits down with Daniel Cox, Director and Founder of the Survey Center on American Life, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect this unprecedented scenario through the lens of new polling. They explore how the dynamics of this election are shaping voter sentiment, contributing to a growing sense of pessimism about America's future among citizens.  Bryan and Daniel also focus their attention on voter behavior. They analyze Biden's focus on abortion and reproductive health in contrast to voter concerns about the economy and inflation. Additionally, they discuss the public's evolving views on immigration policy and changing demographics within the Democratic party, and how these factors could influence the upcoming election.

Today on What's At Stake, we have a special episode hosted by Mark MacGregor, managing director out of Penta's London office, who speaks with four of his strategy colleagues from across the globe: Marykate Maguire, an associate in the Dublin office; Ruairidh Fraser, an associate in the London office; Grace Boyle, an associate in the Washington, D.C. office; and Emily Wilson, an associate in the New York City office.  The conversation, spanning several time zones, covers what it's like to be a young professional at Penta, including day-to-day work, how colleagues communicate across offices, and training and mentorship. Marykate, Ruairidh, Emily, and Grace also share their favorite parts about working at Penta and advice for other young professionals starting their career.  Tune in here to learn more! Additionally, learn more about and apply to the grad programme Marykate and Ruairidh participated in here.

This week on What's At Stake, tune into another episode of our Artificially Intelligent Conversations series. Each month, Penta Partners Andrea Christianson and Chris Mehigan will dissect the AI latest news and developments from each side of the Atlantic, helping you understand how AI will affect stakeholder management, policy, and more. This week, they host Nicole DeCario, Director of AI & Society at the Allen Institute for AI (AI2) to cover AI literacy, policy, and industry norms.Nicole discusses how AI2's commitment to open-source language models aims to shape a more transparent and collaborative future in AI research, distinct from the closed doors of industry norms. Her insights reveal a pressing need for ethical frameworks and a nuanced understanding of AI technology in order for U.S. regulators to craft effective policy. You don't want to miss this episode!

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Elliott Owensby sat down with Ripple's Head of U.S. Public Policy Lauren Belive to discuss all things crypto including Ripple's legal victory against the SEC and the company's recent announcement that it plans to launch a stablecoin later this year. Throughout the discussion, Lauren underscored the importance of crafting clear rules of the road for crypto in the U.S. To help bring that vision to reality, Bryan, Elliott, and Lauren discussed the role of crypto in the 2024 U.S. elections and how they hope their involvement with the crypto PAC Fairshake can make a difference during this pivotal election cycle for the industry. Check out the new episode now!

In 2024, a wave of global elections is shaping the landscape of corporate engagement, increasing partisan contention across virtually every issue. On today's episode of What's At Stake, we drill down on the upcoming European elections.  From our Brussels office, Penta Senior Partner Jill Craig and Partner Rory O'Donnell join Andrea Christianson, partner in the D.C. office, to discuss the key players in the EU elections, what issues voters are paying the most attention to, and what businesses around the world can expect from a new European Parliament and Commission. The group also shares insight on how companies should prepare for this new political landscape. If you're a business currently operating in Europe or are considering expanding your operations across the pond, tune in to this must-listen episode.

This week's episode of What's At Stake examines the phenomenon known as the Taylor Swift economy. Host and Senior Partner Kevin Madden sits down with colleagues Isabel Nieves, Runal Patel, Bianca Schwam Auriemo, and Camryn Banks to analyze how Taylor Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poet's Department," demonstrates her impact beyond music and into economic ecosystems across industries and global markets. The group also broke down the album's reception and the work involved in promoting and protecting Swift's brand. The team then dives into the businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals whose livelihoods depend on the entertainment empire Swift has built, including concert venues, endorsing brands, and ultimately, cultural influence. Music, business, and culture are all examined in this exciting episode—centered on the one-and-only Taylor Swift. You don't want to miss it!

This week on What's At Stake, our host Bryan DeAngelis, partner at Penta and head of the Washington, D.C. office, is joined by Oliver Edelmann, director at Penta, and Ananya Kumar, the associate director for digital currencies at the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center, to discuss Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Just a few years ago, less than 30 countries were exploring a CBDC—as of this week, over 130 countries are doing so. Ananya, Bryan, and Oliver break down this trend and discuss the increasing digitization of payments and services and highlight the CBDC projects we should be paying attention to. More broadly, Ananya, Bryan, and Oliver discuss U.S. power projection through the dollar in geopolitical conflicts, the role that the Fed should play in CBDCs, and the future of the global financial system. Tune in!

This week on What's at Stake, Kevin Madden, Senior Partner at Penta, hosts Wes Turbeville, Senior Vice President at ID.me, to discuss how ID.me is tackling the evolving challenge of digital identity fraud and making it easier for Americans to access services online. Digital technology has redefined how Americans interact with the government, from veterans managing benefits online to citizens filing taxes electronically. Wes and Kevin start the conversation on the urgent need to protect our identities online. Wes stresses the value of public-private partnerships in fighting fraud – it takes a network of companies like ID.me and government partners to combat the risk posed by increasingly coordinated identity thieves.  Wes also delves into how ID.me is closing the digital divide and making it easier for Americans of all backgrounds to access the services they need, showing there need not be a tradeoff between security and accessibility. Listen to the full conversation below!

This week on What's At Stake, our host Penta Managing Director Ylan Mui is joined by CNBC's Senior Media & Tech Correspondent Julia Boorstin to discuss her new book, "When Women Lead." In a world where only around 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women and less than 2% of venture capital dollars go to startups with female founders, Julia and Ylan break down what the book can teach us about what women achieve, why they succeed, and what we can learn from them. Beyond recapping some of the stories of successful women in the book, Ylan and Julia discuss what skills, attributes, and attitudes all leaders can implement to progress in their careers and live better. All business leaders can benefit from this episode's conversation on changing the corporate culture, reinventing markets to fit new demographics, and rethinking what success looks like. Listen now!

This week's episode of "What's At Stake" dives deep into the high-stakes dynamics of the 2024 presidential election. Hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui are joined by Leigh Ann Caldwell, co-author of The Washington Post's Early 202 newsletter and political correspondent for The Washington Post. The crew explores the rematch between former President Trump and incumbent President Biden. Beyond the horse-race coverage, the group scrutinizes the complex policy challenges facing both candidates. Leigh Ann sheds light on the obstacles Biden must overcome, including a narrowly divided Congress and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also examines Trump's enduring base of support and the pivotal role of swing voters in key battleground states. Stepping back, the group engages in a candid examination of the media's role in covering this high-stakes political landscape. Leigh Ann shares insights into the challenges of reporting objectively in an era marked by deep partisan divides and a pervasive sense of distrust in institutions. The episode also delves into the broader implications of the election, including the shadow of a lame-duck presidency and the potential impact of presidential appointments on the balance of power in Washington. Throughout, Ylan, Bryan, and Leigh Ann provide a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the critical issues at stake in the 2024 race.

This week on What's At Stake, Penta Partner Andrea Christianson is joined by two executives from Cognizant Technologies: Senior Vice President of Legal and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Tobi Young and Chief Technology Officer for AI Babak Hodjat. The group discusses AI in the context of the workforce and how it could help companies operate more dynamically. Additionally, they highlight how tools like generative AI are bridging knowledge gaps and democratizing tech use. Tobi and Babak also spotlight Cognizant's Synapse Initiative, a global AI upskilling pilot program. Cognizant launched the Synapse Initiative last October with the goal of preparing one million people worldwide over the next three years to become the workforce for the high-tech, AI age. Whether you're an AI skeptic or optimist, this episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on how AI is reshaping industries and empowering the workforce.

In celebration of International Women's Month and support of Penta's global DE&I efforts, join Senior Associate Lizzie Johnson as she speaks with Penta Managing Directors Ylan Mui from D.C., Louise Ford from London, and Deborah Giam from Singapore about their career experiences and advice for young women in the workforce. The group discusses how companies can support women (and all of their employees) to build a stronger workforce with opportunities including mentorship, flexibility, and paid leave for caregiving. Deborah, Ylan, and Louise also share stories about impactful mentors they've worked with over the years, and provide tips for authentic and professional networking. Tune in to hear more from some of Penta's wonderful female leaders.

This week on What's at Stake, hosts Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui are joined by Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications for the American Gaming Association Joe Maloney for a special March Madness episode on the American gaming industry. They discuss the contributions of the industry including its impact on  jobs, wages, and tax revenues, as well as how casinos are becoming institutions for economic revival in communities seeking economic growth. Bryan, Ylan, and Joe also dive into gaming regulation. Beyond legalization, they look at policy advocacy and bipartisan legislation ensuring responsible growth that prioritizes consumer safety. They also address some big questions, including: How has the industry changed over the years? Who are the main stakeholders in the game now? And what does the future look like for this industry?

This week on What's at Stake, hosts Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui are joined by John Fagan and Brendan Walsh from Markets Policy Partners. In the wake of the March Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meeting, the group dissects the potential for upcoming rate cuts and implications for financial markets. Amidst election year tensions, they also explore the nuanced interplay between monetary policy and politics. Will a June or July rate cut signal the start of an easing cycle?  What could this mean for the political landscape? Additionally, Bryan, Ylan, John, and Brendan spotlight the broader implications of governing with a divided Congress. Beyond U.S. borders, they highlight parallels with international economic scenarios, including the Bank of Japan's surprising interest rate hike and discuss how global economic policies might influence domestic financial markets. Listen now!

This week on What's at Stake, hosts Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui are joined by Penta Senior Partner Kevin Madden for a special episode on President Biden's impassioned State of the Union address. They assess Biden's performance delivering a speech that spanned many different policy areas, including healthcare, the economy, and immigration—pivotal issues given this year's election. Bryan, Ylan, and Kevin also discuss how the President's adept handling of disruptors potentially temporality quelled age-related concerns as well as Katie Britt's rebuttal to Biden's speech.  But more than just recapping last night's speech, the group discusses an important consideration: Does the State of the Union actually move the needle on approval ratings? As the memory of last night fades, will voters remember Biden's fiery disposition, or will his age continue to worry voters on both sides of the political spectrum? Listen now!

In this week's episode of What's At Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Tucker Warren, partners from Penta's Washington, D.C. office, welcome special guest Eleanor Hawkins, reporter and author of the Axios Communicators newsletter. The discussion explores the origins and success of Axios Communicators, Eleanor's newsletter that offers insights on the latest communication trends impacting businesses, leaders, and communicators. Eleanor shares her perspectives on emerging topics influencing corporate communications, such as the increasing value placed on soft skills by executives, the impact of AI and emerging technologies on the C-suite, and how culture wars have affected communication strategies. She also provides advice for early-career professionals on developing and leveraging soft skills and offers book recommendations for aspiring communicators. Bryan, Tucker, and Eleanor also dive into the "shrinking sidelines" in national discourse, and discuss how communicators are preparing for the upcoming election season. Eleanor also asks Bryan and Tucker for their perspective on what makes a powerful communicator and to unpack the significance of data-driven communications throughout their careers. The episode offers valuable insights for professionals in the communications field, covering key trends, strategies, and resources to enhance their understanding and approach to effective communication. Tune in!

On this week's episode of What's At Stake, Penta Managing Partner Andy Whitehouse sits down with journalist and author Josie Cox to celebrate the launch of her new book, "Women Money Power." During their discussion, Josie recounts the journey of completing her new book, detailing the book's inspiration, research, and drafting process. Josie also shares some of her most fascinating findings, detailing pivotal moments in history that have shaped women's financial autonomy including women's entry into the workforce during WWII and the advent of the contraceptive pill. Andy and Josie also dissect contemporary gender equity concerns such as the financial intricacies of remote work, biases in promotion and compensation, and the imperative of genuine gender equity in fostering business' success. The two also emphasize the significance of diversity as a driver of innovation and organizational resilience. Josie's book "Women Money Power" is now available wherever you buy books! Join Andy and Josie as they unpack the history of female empowerment and reveal opportunities for progress in current and future workplace gender dynamics.

This week on What's At Stake, tune into another episode of our Artificially Intelligent Conversations series. Each month, Penta Partners Andrea Christianson and Chris Mehigan will dissect the AI latest news and developments from each side of the Atlantic, helping you understand how AI will affect stakeholder management, policy, and more. This week, they discuss the fascinating ways in which AI will influence policy, and, simultaneously, how policy will influence AI.The pair touches on the impact of the EU's AI Act on companies across the Atlantic, specifically the regulations high-risk AI systems will be subject to. They express cautious pessimism about the impact of AI on elections, before turning to a more optimistic subject: the power of AI to transform and craft policies. Specifically, they discuss the City Digital Twin Pilot Project's potential impact on urban planning and Destination Earth, a digital model of our planet that simulates and predicts the interaction between human activities and our environment, ultimately helping to fine-tune policymaking. Tune in!

In this final joint episode of the Macrocast, host Ylan Mui, Managing Director at Penta, alongside co-hosts John Fagan and Brendan Walsh of Markets Policy Partners say their farewells. The Macrocast will no longer continue as a joint production. Instead, John and Brendan will be spearheading its relaunch under the Markets Policy Partners banner. This episode is not a goodbye but rather a reunion, as Tony Fratto, founder of the Macrocast and Hamilton Place Strategies, now leading communications at Goldman Sachs, joins the conversation.Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2019, the panel discusses the economic trials and tribulations over the years, such as the impact of COVID-19, the 2020 election, and conflicts worldwide.The group also shares their favorite memories and expressions of gratitude to contributors, partners, guests, and listeners.As the Macrocast concludes its final chapter at Penta, listeners are encouraged to follow Markets Policy Partners for future episodes and can continue to engage with Penta's podcast, "What's At Stake." Ylan, Brendan, John, and Tony conclude with a heartfelt thank you to the supporters of the Macrocast over the past five years and look forward to reconnecting soon

This week on What's at Stake, Bryan and Ylan are joined by Ben Ritz, director of the Center for Funding America's Future at the Progressive Policy Institute. Ben, Ylan, and Bryan have a great conversation on key fiscal policy priorities including the current state of U.S. government funding and America's national debt. Ben explains the current state of play and implications of the proposed Fiscal Stability Act, which would create a fiscal commission in charge of monitoring U.S. fiscal policy. Ben details how the proposed fiscal commission would differ from the Bowles-Simpson commission of 2010, as well as the public appetite for such an initiative. The group also delves into the implications of the impending expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax cuts and President Biden's $400,000 tax pledge. Tune in!

Join Ylan, John, and Brendan on the Macrocast this week as they discuss the unexpected inflation data and its ripple effects. They discuss January's inflation rates and how they will impact the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy leading up to election season. They also break down retail sales and discuss if the soft landing is likely amidst the tension between layoffs and resilience in various job sectors. The group also discusses the dichotomy between the U.S.'s growing economy and technical recessions in major economies like Japan and the U.K. Next week, we will sadly bid farewell to our current podcast format, so make sure to join us for this episode and stay tuned for next week!

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui explore the implications of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act with expert insights from guests Michael Steel, senior vice president of Communications at Business Roundtable and Kasey Pittman, a director with Baker Tilly’s Washington national tax practice. They offer analysis on critical updates to business tax provisions, highlighting potential impacts on low-income families and business owners nationwide.The group touches on the changing U.S. business environment with a focus on small businesses and startups, assessing how updates to R&D tax credits, business interest deductions, and bonus depreciation could affect cash flows and innovation investments. Looking forward, they examine the dynamics of tax policies amidst global competition and a divided government. Discussing the potential for tax code revisions post-2024 elections, they also analyze the expiration of key provisions and the political strategies shaping the economic landscape. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between political decision-making, financial accountability, and the real-world impact on American businesses and families.

On today's episode of the Macrocast, Ylan, Brendan, and John examine the implications of extensive borrowing, as the U.S. debt approaches 106% of GDP. The group discusses the projections from the Congressional Budget Office, the impact of rising interest rates, and the scrutiny on the Treasury Department's past decisions. Ylan, John, and Brendan also discuss the impact of expiring tax cuts. Ylan, Brendan, and John then shift to a discussion about the challenges confronting the commercial real estate sector amid the ongoing shift towards remote work. They analyze the potential repercussions on pension funds and insurance companies, posing questions about the necessity of government intervention. The group then delves into the evolving labor market landscape, the Federal Reserve's response to inflation concerns, and the strategic maneuvers undertaken by companies like PepsiCo and McDonald's to navigate consumer resistance to price increases.

On this week's episode of What’s at Stake, Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis sits down with Emily Vaughan, Senior Director of Client Services, Natalie Bahmanyar, Associate Director of Policy Insiders, and Sehare Hemani, Director of Research, to dissect the Washington Insights Review, Penta’s annual report based on hundreds of conversations with D.C. policymakers.  The group dives into the complexity of the rapidly evolving digital world, and how technological advancements like artificial intelligence are impacting the business and policy landscape. Bryan, Emily, Sehare, and Natalie explain that policymakers are looking to rely on industry for education and expertise to shape regulation. The conversation also highlights best practices for improving advocacy directed towards policymakers and staff—who are increasingly reliant on technology.

On today's episode of the Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan are joined by Loren Smith, President of Skyline Policy Risk Group. The group delves into the addition of 353,000 jobs to the economy in January, which surpassed the expected 180,000 projected by market forecasters. They analyze the implications of this growth streak across various sectors and its potential impact on the Federal Reserve's approach to rate cuts. The discussion also explores recent nuances of the labor market, including wage increases and workweek fluctuations, while examining how these trends might influence policies and sector-specific outcomes, particularly in areas like mining and oil.Shifting focus, Ylan, Brendan, John, and Loren also take a detailed look at global market risks and economic challenges, examining the delicate balance between corporate performances and the looming shadow of geopolitical strife, with a specific focus on the Middle East and its effects on commodity markets. Listen in for a comprehensive understanding of how these factors may impact U.S. consumer prices and influence the upcoming U.S. elections!

On this week's edition of What's at Stake, Andy Whitehouse, host and senior partner of Penta's NYC office is joined by President of Penta Matt McDonald, D.C.-based Partner Stacy Kerr, and Brussels-based Partner Conall McDevitt to discuss Penta's presence in Davos in January. Andy, Matt, Stacy, and Conall took to the mountains for the 2024 World Economic Forum. During the episode, the group shared their reflections on the week’s events, and unpacked the implications of global gatherings like Davos for companies and their stakeholders.  To answer the question of "Does Davos work?", the group delves into what it takes to participate in international gatherings like Davos, examining the factors that contribute to success. Their conversation includes a discussion on the impact of engagements such as Davos on a company's overall strategy and positioning and how these events influence the global narrative. The group also reflects on Penta's event from the week: How AI will disrupt the roles of the C-suite executives, which was dubbed the most relevant discussion at the conference by POLITICO Playbook.  To conclude, the group reflects on key themes from the week, like AI, examining their potential impact on future trends. This episode reveals the essential considerations for businesses to monitor in 2024 and strategies to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

This week on the Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan are joined by Nick Bunker, Director of North American Economic Research at Indeed to discuss the latest core PCE data. Nick discusses some of Indeed's proprietary labor market data, including its Job Postings Index, that shows that average wages are now outpacing inflation.  Nick brings his expertise to the conversation, discussing the Fed's next moves and the robust demand for workers across the globe. The group also forecasts future labor market indicators, including part-time employment shifts and hours worked. Tune in for an episode packed with insights to help you navigate the latest economic developments.

Tune in for another exciting edition of the Macrocast! This week, Ylan, John, and Brendan dissect how geopolitical chess moves—like Russia's recent maneuvers and the Houthi conflicts—pose a threat to economic stability. The discussion includes commentary on stagflation and the Fed's delicate interest rate tightrope walk, considering how these decisions could affect the approaching 2024 election cycle. Through this lens, Ylan, John, and Brendan analyze the fiscal philosophies of emergent Republican leaders like Haley and DeSantis, compared to frontrunner Trump. They also turn their lens to Europe, analyzing ECB President Lagarde's hints at potential rate cuts and the broader implications for global monetary policy.  They cap things off with a peek into the insights shared at Davos, where AI's encroachment into the C-suite heralds a transformative era for knowledge work. Listen in for all this and more!

In today's installation of our 2024 election series, host and Penta Senior Partner Kevin Madden is joined by Penta Director Brendan Conley and special guest David Kochel, an inside participant in six presidential campaigns and current host of the HighBall Politics podcast. The group breaks down the results of the recent Iowa Republican caucus, examining the political undercurrents that contributed to Donald Trump's significant victory. The discussion delves into the debate on the media's early call of the race and the often-overlooked role of low voter turnout. Learn how these factors, coupled with groundwork laid by veteran campaigns, set the stage for the 2024 presidential race, challenging newer presidential contenders like Nikki Haley. Amid identity shifts in the Republican Party, this episode dissects the influence of Trump's working-class appeal and the impact of the Bragg indictment on his support base. David provides a boots-on-the-ground perspective, offering valuable insights into Trump's nuanced position as both a leader and a near-victim in the eyes of his followers. With the New Hampshire primary on the horizon, the spotlight is on the strategies of candidates like Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of the race poised to redefine the GOP and the nation's political future. Check out the HighBall Politics podcast here.

This week on What's At Stake, tune into the inaugural episode of our Artificially Intelligent Conversations series. Each month, Penta Partners Andrea Christianson and Chris Mehigan will dissect the AI latest news and developments from each side of the Atlantic, helping you understand how AI will affect stakeholder management, policy, and more. This week, they discussed two major reports released leading up to the World Economic Forum in Davos: one from the International Monetary Fund on the impact AI will have on the economy and one from Deloitte on the impact of AI on jobs and companies. With the EU's AI Act on the horizon, Andrea and Chris debate the role of companies and governments as regulatory arms. Further, they explore the alarming potential for AI to produce 90% of online content, and the potentially polarizing effects of deepfakes and rumor bombing on our political landscape. Don't miss the first episode in this series!

In this week's Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan unpack the global instability and domestic politics contributing to macroeconomic uncertainty. The group begins with a discussion of the oil markets, impacted most recently by U.S. strikes against Houthi rebels and geopolitics more broadly. Other factors, such as weak demand and rising U.S. reserves have put downward pressure on crude oil prices and contributed to price swings. Ylan, Brendan, and John continue their conversation about international affairs by unraveling the potential 'geopolitical recession' that could impact both giants like Tesla and your local gas station. The episode then dives into the Federal Reserve's high-stakes maneuvers around inflation and interest rates. Ylan, Brendan, and John then turn to domestic politics, with a focus on House Speaker Mike Johnson in his new role facing the looming government funding countdown that helped sink his predecessor, Speaker McCarthy. The group considers the implications of yet another stopgap spending bill amidst an election year. Finally, the group taps into the Republican frontrunners facing-off in Iowa next week, whose economic visions reveal subtle yet critical policy differences, especially on the trade front with China.

On this week's What's At Stake, Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis speaks with Penta Partners and campaign veterans Kevin Madden and Stacy Kerr about campaign communications in 2024, an unprecedented year of global elections. The guests offer insights into the shift from the intimate, hand-shaking days of retail politics to the fast-paced digital landscape that now dominates voter interaction. They dissect the contrasting communications playbooks of Biden and Trump who, despite their age, are vying to symbolize the nation's future. Kevin and Stacy break down the power of surrogates, targeted messaging, and the emotional tug-of-war that campaigns must master to mobilize their bases. Finally, Kevin and Stacy lay out how companies can establish clear engagement protocols and fortify their communications strategies ahead of the coming uncertainty. Tune in!

In this week's Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan host a conversation with special guest Michael Strain, the Director of Economic Policy Studies and the Arthur F. Burns Scholar in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). Their discussion begins by analyzing the addition of 216,000 jobs and a steadfast unemployment rate, examining how different economic indicators impact the Fed's interest rate decisions. Additionally, they reflect on how inflation impacts consumer confidence, juxtaposing the strength of the American labor market against the reality of stretched budgets. With jobs top of mind, they explore AI's potential to redefine jobs and wages, contrasting it with technological advancements in the 1980s. Specifically, they consider whether AI will be the great disruptor of high-wage roles or an unexpected ally, fostering innovation in some industries. Be sure to listen and, for more, check out Michael's recent book The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It).

Just in time for those looking to read more as part of their New Year's resolution, we're re-releasing one of of our favorite episodes of What's at Stake: the case for reading business books. In the episode, Penta President Matt McDonald joins partner Andrea Christianson to share his reading recommendations for those interested in business, including young professionals, aspiring leaders, and experienced executives.The two not only discuss their favorite books, but also explain why business professionals and leaders should take the time to engage with business literature at various stages of their careers. Plus, Matt shares what he's reading for fun these days. It's the perfect episode for anyone crafting their 2024 reading list!You can find the full list of Matt's reading recommendations here.

On today's Macrocast episode, Ylan, John, Brendan, and John Dick of Civic Science chat about the latest inflation numbers from the core personal consumption expenditures price index, which rose less than expected in November. The group explained that the reaction to the news was broadly a "yawn" as the market remains focused on a soft landing. John Dick also talks through the latest Economic Sentiment Index. He explains that holiday spending will be strong, and notes that credit card debt and use of buy now pay, later services are up as consumers embrace "YOLO spending." Ylan, John, Brendan, and John also cover the biggest economic moments from 2023, including an overview of the Federal Reserve's action this year, the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, and increased consumer spending on experiences, such as Taylor Swift concerts.  And what's ahead for 2024? The group predicts large numbers of workers returning to the office, increased consumer spending on health and wellness, and a decrease in spending on streaming services as COVID-19 pandemic trends wane. The group also talks about the 2024 U.S. elections and how the decision of voters at the ballot box could impact the U.S. and international economy.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis is joined by crisis management educators and experts, New York City Managing Partner Andy Whitehouse and Managing Director Jonathan Graffeo. The group discusses the fine line between a brand hiccup and a full-blown crisis and analyzes what makes or breaks a company during tumultuous times, focusing on how essential stakeholder relationships are during times of crisis. Andy, Jonathan, and Bryan explain strategies that can shield a brand from the irreversible damage of a poorly handled misstep. They ultimately reveal how a proactive approach to crisis preparation and response insists on a brand creating and sticking to strong core values, including empathy. The group's conversation also showcases the demand for a thoughtfully compiled crisis response team, fluent in the language of preparation and reputation management when anticipating or directly facing an organizational crisis. Andy and Jonathan also emphasize that a company's response to a crisis is often scrutinized more than the crisis itself.  This week's episode is a true masterclass in crisis response. Tune in!

On today's Macrocast episode, Ylan, John, and Brendan cover the Federal Reserve's unexpected policy shifts, the implications of inflation on retail sales, and the current state of the oil market. They delve into the everyday effects of inflation on retail sales, questioning whether a decrease in inflation would strengthen or weaken consumer spending. They also note that the Fed appears to be simply keeping up with rapidly falling inflation, a win for those on "team transitory."  In their quest to decode the 2024 economic forecast, the group touches on the Bank of England's rate hike and approach to inflation and scrutinizes the oil market, exploring the implications of record-high U.S. oil production. They also note the uncertainty surrounding the Fed's interest rate cuts, contemplating the potential for a financial crisis or pandemic to push rates back to zero. Tune in to hear more!

NOTE: This episode was recorded on Monday 12/11, with the introduction added on Wednesday 12/13 given late-breaking developments from the conference. On this week's edition of What's at Stake, D.C.-based Penta Partner, Christina Pearson, is joined by London-based Managing Director, Andy Williams, and New York City-based Director, Liza McIntosh. The group unpacks the high-stakes discussions and heated debates that took place at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).  The group brings the latest insights on the final agreement reached in COP28—which leaders only came to late Tuesday night—and delves into the historic solutions and conversations presented at this years' conference in the United Arab Emirates. Christina, Liza, and Andy chat about the latest advancements stakeholders shared at COP28, including new technologies to track methane emissions, develop drought-resistant seeds, and tackle climate-related issues in food and agriculture. The group also discusses the creation of a "loss and damage fund" and the potential of public-private partnerships in the climate conversation. Christina, Liza, and Andy bring their communications expertise to this episode, discussing the importance of collaboration, creativity, and financial commitments as crucial bedrocks for stakeholders attending conferences like COP28. This conversation also delves into the power of language and the necessary communication strategies stakeholders should engage in to reach a climate consensus. COP isn't just a conference; it's an opportunity, and this group hones in on their clients' strategic engagements at this year's event. From a macro discussion of how businesses and organizations can leverage the platform for maximum impact, to the need for company representatives to make meaningful connections at COP, Christina, Liza, and Andy showcase just how important thorough research, preparation, and strategic networking is at global events like COP.

In this week's episode of the Macrocast, hosts Ylan Mui, John Fagan, and Brendan Walsh decode the latest jobs report, a surprising addition of 199,000 jobs with healthcare and government hiring leading the charge. Yet, they also investigate the sectors experiencing a slowdown, like wholesale and retail trade. In the face of a booming job market and the Fed's cautious stance, there seems to be an undercurrent of pessimism.Ylan, John, and Brendan also discuss the Biden administration's economic actions and recent fiscal expenditures, including the bipartisan infrastructure bill—specifically, their impact on the economic landscape and public sentiment. Our hosts are looking forward to the week ahead in finance, which includes a Fed rendezvous, the retail sales announcement, the inflation numbers reveal, and the global Purchasing Managers Index data release.

What’s it like to be an Associate at Penta? On this week’s episode of What's at Stake, Penta Senior Associate Lizzie Johnson chats with fellow Senior Associate Lauren Ott and Associates Aparna Iyer and Ben Korn about their experiences at the firm. Each had a different path leading to Penta, featuring a variety of educational and internship backgrounds that lend themselves to the wide range of teams and tasks that they work on. The group breaks down what day-to-day life is like as an Associate and shares their favorite Penta traditions, including mentorship, knowledge meetings, and maintaining close relationships with Penta alumni. Lauren, Aparna, and Ben also share their advice for recent graduates.  Tune in to hear more!

In this week's episode of the Macrocast, hosts Ylan Mui, John Fagan, and Brendan Walsh are joined by Matt Dell Orfano, Discovery Capital senior analyst and professor at Columbia Business School. The group sheds light on holiday shopping activity and its wider impact on the economy, specifically highlighting changes in pricing and shifts in consumer behavior. The group unpacks credit card usage and debt, and how they're reshaping consumer financing. They cite the steady rise in aggregate credit card debt and discuss how fluctuating wages and inflation could skew future consumer spending habits. The group also discusses the potential repercussions of a Fed policy misstep and the need for small businesses to have adequate access to financing.

How should we think about the future of money?  On this week's episode, join Penta Managing Director Elliott Owensby and Director Oliver Edelmann as they delve into digital currency and its impact on payments. In this discussion, they explore central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins, and insights gleaned from Atlantic Council's "Exploring central bank digital currency" event on November 28-29, 2023. The conversation emphasizes blockchain's transformative potential, the importance of interoperability, and global standards in the evolving financial landscape. The pair discussed some of the enduring developments following the crypto news boom over the last few years, and the challenges in regulating and governing these projects as the world moves toward a more digital future.  Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of tokenization's role in revolutionizing the financial sector.  *Note: This episode was recorded on November 29, 2023 and references an event that took place the day prior.

Explore generational labels and their impact with this week's host Bryan DeAngelis, head of the Washington, D.C. office, and guests Lauren Wolfson, a Penta Partner, and Daniel Cox, Director and Founder of the Survey Center on American Life and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), and Kelsey Eyre Hammond, research associate at the Survey Center on American Life. They delve into recent studies on the key differences between Generation Z and older generations, examining how major events and technology shape each generation's perspective.  The group discusses the effects of the global pandemic on Gen Z's social and educational journey, including personal struggles and weakened social ties. They also address the potential for tech proficiency and social connectivity of generations that have had less exposure to technology than Gen Z. The group also addresses the generational divides and social media's role in responses to the Israel-Hamas conflict and analyzes the decline in institutional trust. Take a listen for a discussion on how these divisions reshape our culture and values.

What if the slowdown in retail sales and inflation was actually a good sign? Join your hosts Ylan, Brendan, and John, as they discuss the latest on the Federal Reserve. They also chat about lowering inflation and retail sales data, examining how these numbers might be an indicator of the market's cooling phase. With holiday shopping on the horizon, they also weigh in on Walmart CFO's slightly dampened expectations for the season and the role a decrease in food prices is playing in consumer behavior. As the conversation progresses, Ylan, Brendan, and John also cover the housing market, including the consumer adaptation to steep mortgage rates, and potential ceilings on home prices. The group also breaks down the Fed's stance on rate hikes and their preference for a hard landing over an inflation surge. The group also delves into China's current economic landscape, the country's stimulus attempts, and its relationship with the U.S., including a readout from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation this week and the news about a potential return for the pandas.

This week on a crossover episode of What's at Stake and the Macrocast, host Ylan Mui is joined by Betsey Stevenson, economics professor at the University of Michigan, to discuss the real-world impacts of Claudia Goldin's work. This October, Goldin became the first solo woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economics for her work on women's labor market outcomes and the gender pay gap. Goldin was Stevenson's mentor and professor at Harvard, and Stevenson provides incredible insights into Goldin's groundbreaking research. A former member of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama and former Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of Labor, Stevenson herself is a leading expert on women's labor market experiences and the economic forces shaping the modern family. Tune in to hear an illuminating conversation about the importance of flexibility in the workplace, "greedy" jobs, and more.

On this week's special edition of What's at Stake, join us as we journey through Asia's business landscape with Penta Managing Directors Deb Giam and Thomas Kwan, hosted by D.C.-based Partner Bryan DeAngelis. From their offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, the guests share data-informed insights on global trends, environmental concerns, geopolitical tensions, and economic growth in the region, drawing from their extensive corporate and financial experience. In the discussion, the group uncovers how Penta provides objective perspectives through data intelligence and analysis of government action to equip clients to navigate crises. Tune in to hear more!

In this week's episode of the Macrocast, John and Brendan of Markets Policy Partners, alongside guest host Bryan DeAngelis, Partner and Head of the Washington Office at Penta Group, dissect the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain status quo and Chairman Powell's understated approach. They also weigh in on potential economic storm clouds such as China's economic outlook, rising energy costs, and the impending government shutdown. The latest jobs report revealed a major slowdown in job gains, but our hosts contextualize the data by calling out events, like the UAW strike, that may have contributed to lower numbers. Additionally, they discuss how the upcoming electoral season's uncertainty could possibly sway the Fed's behavior.

This week for What's at Stake, we're cross-posting an episode from communications podcast, The Crux. Penta's President Matt McDonald joined the Crux with Gary Sheffer, Professor of Public Relations at Boston University, and Mike Fernandez, Chief Communications Officer at Enbridge to talk about Penta's work and the latest issues at the forefront of public affairs and communications. The conversation focused on explaining Penta's unique approach to counseling our clients on public affairs and communications challenges. It also covered Matt's tips on how business leaders can decide when and how to weigh in on social and political issues and current events, including asking questions about the event's relevance and severity and how to weigh in proactively on relevant issues during "quiet times." The episode also covered the latest on AI and the advice Penta is giving our clients on the technology: embrace it. Tune in! Listen to more episodes of The Crux here.

In this week's episode of the Macrocast episode, Ylan, Brendan, and John guide us through core PCE inflation rates, GDP surprises, and Fed Chair Powell's likely next moves. Looking forward to 2024, they predict what a recession would mean for presidential campaigns and the future president elect. They also examine how major players like the European Central Bank and President Trump have been influencing economic policies and markets around the world. Ylan, John, and Brendan also chat about how the powerful U.S. dollar is affecting exports and emerging markets, and how countries like Japan and China are fighting to stabilize their own currencies. They wrap up with a conversation about the joy of affordable Halloween fun during a year of record-breaking holiday spending.

Today, we're re-running one of our favorite episodes of What's at Stake. Generative AI is as relevant as ever—this week, Senator Schumer held the second of what is expected to be several AI Insights fora and President Biden is widely expected to issue a long-awaited Executive Order next week. In this converastion, Bryan DeAngelis, Andrea Christianson, Oliver Edelmann, and Blake McGill break down Penta's new framework to help companies assess the brand risks of AI. After describing some of the scenarios when a brand may be at risk from AI, Bryan, Andrea, Oliver, and Blake discuss how Penta is helping companies think through minimizing that risk. The group discusses how companies convening the right group of experts, including staff from legal, HR, IT, communications, and other departments, is crucial to ensure that the company's brand is not negatively impacted by its use of, or policy on, AI technology. Companies must also audit their current and future use of AI to triage areas of potential internal, external, and personal risk. Despite the risks, the group explains that generative AI technology is here to stay, and companies must engage to minimize brand risks.  For more on how companies should think about the impact of AI on their brand, read our full AI brand risk framework.

On today's edition of the Macrocast, Penta's Ylan Mui and Markets Policy Partners' John Fagan and Brendan Walsh are joined by Brai Valerio-Esene, Founder of SW4 Insights Inc. The group dissects the mixed signals from recent economic data and the shift in the Fed's focus from inflation to growth. Our co-hosts also discuss how the conflict in the Middle East could have an economic ripple effect globally.

Picture this: you're standing at the intersection of U.S. and European politics, wondering about the complex political landscapes that lie ahead. Enter Kevin Madden, a Senior Partner at Penta in Washington DC, who joins host Ken Waters, a Managing Director at Penta based in Dublin, to discuss these systems. Kevin and Ken discuss some of the biggest factors currently impacting the political landscape, including omnipresent media and social media coverage and the power of big data in shaping political campaigns.Kevin and Ken also cover the upcoming U.S. election and the effects it will have on business strategies. From the 'America-first' sentiment shaping the U.S. foreign policy to the varied regulatory approaches of potential candidates, they highlight how businesses can leverage data and intelligence to navigate through uncertainties.

On this Friday the 13th edition of the Macrocast, Ylan, John Fagan, and Brendan are joined by John Dick from Civic Sciences to talk about all things global finance, including its wide-ranging effects on the economy and consumer sentiment. The group delves into J.P. Morgan's recent earnings and CEO Jamie Dimon's warnings about the state of global affairs, the unexpected stock market rally in the face of stricter sanctions on Russian oil and energy, and the reasons behind declining consumer sentiment, with a focus on political dysfunction and inflation. They also cover retail sales like that of the iPhone 15, which is surprisingly resilient amidst rising prices and housing costs, and analyze the somewhat puzzling reactions in the Treasury market to higher-than-anticipated inflation figures. Lastly, the group addresses the global economic outlook, China's stimulus efforts, the impact of a strong U.S. dollar on global currencies, and where consumers might want to take their next vacation.  Try your luck and tune into this episode. You won't want to miss it!  Take a look at the latest Penta-CivicScience ESI findings here.

On this episode of What's At Stake, Penta Partner Andrea Christianson is joined by fellow partners—and House leadership experts—Stacy Kerr and Kevin Madden to talk about the race for the next U.S. House of Representatives speaker. Stacy was a longtime advisor to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi while Kevin served in communications roles for former majority leaders Tom DeLay and John Boehner. In addition to discussing some inside-baseball House dynamics, the trio break down the broader implications of the ousting now former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, including its potential impact on the 2024 presidential election and America's role abroad.  Things are moving fast, so at the time of this recording the Republican conference had yet to meet to vote on a new Speaker. The two frontrunners are Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Steve Scalise, with McCarthy yet to announce his withdrawal from consideration.

In this week's episode of the Macrocast episode, Ylan and Brendan dove into the latest jobs report, breaking down the unexpected addition of 336,000 jobs to the economy. They explored one of the standout features of this data: a massive 96,000 job boost in the leisure and hospitality sector. They also took a closer look at how this job growth is impacting wage data and the sudden rise in Treasury yields. Plus, Brendan and Ylan discussed potential disruptions tied to recent political events, like the narrowly averted government shutdown and the ongoing Hollywood labor strike. The pair also analyzed the Federal Reserve's new Instagram account and its informal approach to financial education.

On this week's episode, Penta Partner Meghan Pennington explored the impact of early childhood education on the future workforce with our guests from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Senior Vice President and Vice President of Education & Workforce Policy, Cheryl Oldham, and Vice President of Policy and Programs, Caitlin Codella Low. Drawing from their extensive experience in the education sector, Cheryl and Caitlin provided valuable insights into the importance of a robust childcare system in shaping the workforce pipeline and the necessity of investing in our youngest learners.The group examined the challenges employers face in providing quality childcare and the prevalence of child care deserts in many U.S. zip codes. The conversation also delved into the CHIPS Act and its potential to address childcare issues, as well as the complexities of using data to inform K-12 education policy, highlighting the disconnect between parents' perceptions of their child's performance and the data reality.The episode emphasized the need to understand these challenges to create effective, data-informed solutions that help families and build a stronger workforce. Tune in to learn more!

On today's Macrocast, Yale Law School research scholar, Martha Gimbel joined Ylan, John, and Brendan for a discussion on the likelihood and consequences of a potential government shutdown.  The  group breaks down potential economic fallout, the uphill battle for unemployment benefits, and even the possibility of air traffic controllers stepping in to force an end to the shutdown. Martha also offered her take on the Biden administration's economic policy, the influence of rising mortgage rates, and the domino effect of gas prices and supply chain issues on consumer sentiment. Buckle up and let's unpack the chaos together.

On this episode of What's At Stake, Penta Partner Andrea Christianson is joined by Penta Senior Director Scott Haber-Katris and Steven Overly, host of POLITICO Tech. The trio discussed AI's large-scale impact, including for the workforce, education, politics, and the law. Based on years of experience in the tech industry and politics, the group offered their predictions for how Congress will (and will not) regulate the emerging technology, and how industry is preparing to respond to these guardrails.

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Ylan, Brendan, and John discuss the looming government shutdown and much more, including the Fed's competing signals on interest rates, and the international economic outlook. The trio unpacks the looming debt ceiling fight and the effects of far-right influences on Speaker McCarthy's negotiation power. The group also analyzes the Federal Reserve's recent decision against rate hikes, and speculates whether the decision will stick. Finally, our hosts discuss the Bank of England's unexpected pause on rate hikes and what's next for the Japanese Central Bank.

Amidst the excitement of Climate Week in New York, join Penta Partner Andy Whitehouse, along with Penta Managing Directors Cecilia Thorn and Alex Bluestone, as they discuss the latest in climate policy and the corporate race to meet ESG standards in the U.S. and in Europe. They share insights into how businesses are preparing for decarbonization and navigating the European Commission's ESG standards, set to take effect in 2024. The group also examines the evolving public attitudes toward renewable energy and the federal government's role in promoting it. They explain that data indicates a strong push for renewable energy development among American adults, but sentiment toward Climate Week and ESG overall is mixed. You'll also get to hear about the upcoming European sustainability and due diligence directive, and the role venture capital plays in shaping the global conversation on climate change. Tune in for an informative conversation on the challenges and opportunities in communicating climate action!For more on ESG from Penta, tune in to our upcoming webinar, "New ESG developments and standards - risks and opportunities for companies and investors" on Thursday, October 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM ET, moderated by Cecilia Thorn, Managing Director in our Brussels office. Register here and view the event on LinkedIn here!

This week on the Macrocast, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, John Fagan, and Robert Dewey  are joined by John Dick, CEO and founder of Civic Science, to dive into the latest economic sentiment index (ESI). The group offers their insights on the subtle shifts in the labor market, the dilemma of return-to-office mandates, and the decline in job changes since the peak of the "Great Resignation." And after an active summer for labor, our experts grapple with the potential economic ripple effects of the United Auto Workers strike. You won't want to miss it! Read the latest ESI analysis here.

Imagine stepping into the world of crypto investments, grappling with the complexities of a new technology and pioneering the charge towards a revolutionary financial product. Our guest, Jennifer Rosenthal, head of communications at Grayscale Investments, has done just that.  On today's episode of What's at Stake, Jennifer gives us a captivating recount of her journey, including how she built Grayscale's communications team and led the company to an impressive victory in the D.C. Court of Appeals. From the nuances of message crafting to the intricacies of litigation preparedness, Jennifer shares insights on how Grayscale navigated communications challenges while  converting their flagship product into an Exchange-Traded Fund. Bryan and Jennifer also discuss how Grayscale is educating people about the importance of a Bitcoin ETF, and why their recent court win is so notable. Join us for this fascinating conversation, offering an inside look into the world of crypto and communications.

What happens when the government hits pause and the financial markets hold their breath? On the latest episode of the Macrocast, Ed Mills, Washington Policy Analyst at Raymond James, joins Ylan Mui and Brendan Walsh to discuss the potential effects of a government shutdown on markets. The group explores the possible twist of a temporary funding extension and the seismic shift this could cause in consumer sentiment. Later, our experts turn to the 2024 elections and the heavyweights that could influence voters' decisions—including economic and social issues, healthcare woes, and legal battles. The episode also examines the U.S.-China relationship, particularly in light of Secretary Raimondo's recent trip to China. You won't want to miss it!

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis, Head of Penta's D.C. office, is joined by Alberto Lopez Valenzuela and Andrea Christianson, co-leads of Penta's AI Task Force. Ahead of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's AI Insight Forum with tech leaders next week, the group takes a look at key considerations around AI governance, including the impact industry can have on responsible adoption and regulation.  As leaders in the field, Valenzuela and Christianson share insights on the practical applications of AI in providing strategic guidance to businesses. Tune in for a glimpse behind the scenes of how Penta is integrating AI into our products and strategic recommendations.

Join Ylan, John, and Brendan for this #JobsDay #Macrocast! The group discussed the current state of the labor force, including how caretakers, including women, are handling the high cost and short supply of daycare. The group also talked about how the employer and employee dynamic might shift as the labor market cools—will employees still be able to use their leverage to get benefits and flexibility? In the next couple weeks, there will be some potential economic headwinds, including changes to childcare funding, the reinstatement of student loan repayments, and potential government shutdown, and Ylan, John, and Brendan, also discussed the likely resulting actions out of the Federal Reserve. Read more about Penta and Civic Science's ESI reading.

Can AI revive the local news industry? How will legacy media outlets compete with the increasingly crowded entertainment landscape? How should media executives be assessing the impact of their work? In this episode of What's At Stake, Ylan Mui of Penta sits down with two media industry innovators, Sara Goo, Editor-in-Chief of Axios, and Paul Cheung, CEO of the Center for Public Integrity, to answer these questions and many more. With new developments in technology and as political tensions reach a fever pitch, journalists and media executives alike must think about the future of the industry. This episode is full of industry insights and thought-provoking discussions, including the potential role for AI in reviving local news and the importance of diversity in journalism.

Today on the Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan are joined by David Wessel, Director of the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at the Brookings Institution. The group unpacks Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole speech, including Powell's takeaway that the economy’s growth could require additional Fed hikes to fight inflation.  The group also discusses the implications of the U.S.'s federal debt, including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's comments on the subject at this week's debate ,and triages the prospects for Congressional economic deals more broadly in the coming months.  Read more about David Wessel and his work at the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at the Brookings Institution.

As policy professionals and corporate communicators aim to tap into new markets and expand their reach, they're increasingly looking to tap into the influencer landscape. But this brings with it a host of questions: How should brands and issue advocacy campaigns leverage influencers? What are the risks? Can audiences trust the authenticity of influences? And, what's next for influencer culture?  Join us for this week's episode of What's at Stake, as Penta Partner Andrea Christianson chats with fellow Penta Partner Lauren Wolfson and D.C.-based influencer Sarah Phillips of 52 Thursdays, a popular style and fitness channel. Lauren offers insights on how brands can harness the power of influencer culture, and Sarah shares anecdotes from her decade-long experience in the influencer space. From understanding how to vet influencers, to exploring the phenomenon of "de-influencing," you won't want to miss this episode.

On today's Macrocast, Ylan, John Fagan, and Brendan are joined by John Dick of Civic Science. The group chats about the latest consumer data from the ESI, which indicates  that consumers might be "coming back to reality" as some are trading down for purchase categories like going out to eat. Despite the decrease in the overall consumer sentiment in the ESI reading, the group notes that some retailers had very positive second quarter earnings calls. Later in the episode, they also discuss the minutes from the latest FOMC meeting, the biggest challenges currently impacting China's economy, and Secretary Yellen's recent trip to China. You won't want to miss this one! Check out more information about the ESI and this week's update here.

In this week's episode of What’s at Stake, we are re-releasing one of our favorite conversations from earlier this year: The case for reading business books. In the episode, Penta President Matt McDonald joins partner Andrea Christianson to share reading recommendations for those interested in business, including young professionals, aspiring leaders, and experienced executives. The two discuss their favorite books and explain why business professionals and leaders should take the time to engage with business literature at various stages of their careers.  You can find the full list of Matt’s reading recommendations here.

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Ylan Mui of Penta Group and Brendan Walsh of Markets Policy Partners take on a range of topics: from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, the Fed's upcoming Jackson Hole symposium, and the trend toward deflation in China. The duo also discuss the PPI and CPI index numbers, how they compare to pundit predictions, and what they mean for the overall economy.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Senior Partner Kevin Madden and Director Oliver Edelmann join Head of the D.C. office Bryan DeAngelis for a deep dive into the heart of President Biden's re-election strategy. With over a year to go until the general election, Biden's spending plans and policies have emerged as the cornerstone of the Administration's strategy in 2024. But with the fate of the economic landing still up in the air, will tying Biden and other Blue candidates' fortunes to "Bidenomics" be a boon or a bane for Democrats on the ticket? Tune in to hear what our panel of political experts are predicting.

On this week's episode, K. Stratton Kirton, a Penta Strategy Partner, joins the Macrocast as a guest host with John Fagan and Brendan Walsh from Markets Policy Partners. The group discusses the middle of the road jobs day and what they think this means for Fed policy and the long discussed recession.They also explore Fitch's decision to downgrade the United States credit rating and recent central bank decisions around the world, including the Bank of England and Reserve Bank of Australia. Finally, the group talks about Saudi Arabia's decision to extend their oil production cut and China's continuing economic lag.Read Penta's Jobs Day analysis here.

On this week's crossover episode of What's at Stake and the Macrocast, Bryan DeAngelis, partner and Head of Penta's D.C. office, and Ylan Mui, managing director at Penta, speak with Greg Baer, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Bank Policy Institute.  The group breaks down the impacts of Basel III endgame, which is the regulatory approach to analyzing capital requirements for banks based on the riskiness of their activities. Specifically, the group discusses the plan for implementation of Basel III endgame in the U.S. following last week's U.S. federal prudential bank regulators proposed new capital requirements for large banking organizations. The group breaks down the timing of the standards, especially given the resiliency of banks in recent real and hypothetical stress tests, the current state of the economy, and the upcoming 2024 elections.   The Bank Policy Institute, or BPI, is a nonpartisan public policy, research and advocacy group, representing America's leading banks. BPI's work aims to help the nation's leading banks best serve their customers and fulfill their vital economic role.  Before his leadership of BPI, Greg has a variety of experience in the banking and financial services sector more broadly, including past roles as President of The Clearing House Association and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of The Clearing House Payments Company, Managing Director and Head of Regulatory Policy at JPMorgan Chase, and Deputy General Counsel for Corporate Law at Bank of America. He also served as Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions in the U.S. Department of the Treasury, after serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary. Greg was also managing senior counsel at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

On today's Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan are joined by a special guest: Jon Hilsenrath. Jon covered economics and finance at the Wall Street Journal from 1997 until this spring. He was also a Pulitzer finalist in 2009 for coverage of the financial crisis, and most recently, the author of "Yellen: The Trailblazing Economist Who Navigated an Era of Upheaval," which examines the major financial crises of the 21st century through the lens of Janet Yellen's career and life..  The group engages in a wide-ranging discussion on all things rate hikes, the real estate market, and the reputations and legacies of Jay Powell and Janet Yellen. Find Jon's book "Yellen: The Trailblazing Economist Who Navigated an Era of Upheaval" here.

On this week's episode of What's At Stake, Bryan DeAngelis, Partner and Head of Penta's DC office, is joined by sports law expert Mike McCann to discuss the proposed PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger.In 2022, it was announced that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund would be sponsoring a new golf league, LIV Golf, and had signed a number of prominent professional golfers. In response, the PGA Tour announced that current and former PGA golfers who signed with LIV would be indefinitely banned from participating in PGA sponsored events. Then, in a shocking twist, it was announced that LIV would merge with PGA. Additionally, Saudi Arabia would become an investor in the PGA Tour, a nonprofit organization, through the country's Public Investment Fund. Players and fans of golf have expressed displeasure with the announcement, leading to a Senate hearing on the topic on June 11, 2023 and the Department of Justice opening an antitrust investigation into the proposed merger.Bryan and Mike discuss the recent Senate hearing, the legality of this merger, and what they expect from the leagues merging for players and fans. The two also outlined how this proposed merger is unprecedented in professional sports and the serious implications it could have on other leagues around the world.Mike McCann is a professor of law at the University of New Hampshire and the founding director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute. He is one of the nation's leading experts in sports law and Name, Image, Likeness. Mike also co-authored a book with former NBA player Ed O'Bannon, titled "Court Justice: The Inside Story of My Battle Against the NCAA," which tells the story of O’Bannon's life and his historic court case against the NCAA.

On this special Barbie-weekend edition of the Macrocast, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan are joined by John Dick, CEO and founder of Civic Science, to dive into the latest economic sentiment index (ESI). The group explores the monster day for consumer spending that was last week's Amazon Prime Day, along with the UPS-Teamsters negotiations, the economic impact of soon-to-be-resumed student debt payments, and whether we can finally breathe a sigh of relief about a soft economic landing. And be sure to stick around for some Barbie-premiere outfit planning toward the end of the show! Read the latest ESI analysis here.

On the latest episode of What's at Stake, Penta Managing Director Ylan Mui sits down with Stratton Kirton, partner at Penta, and Rebecca Buck, senior director at Penta, to dive into the evolving state of today's news industry. The group explores the latest across the consumption and production of news, including the shift to digital media and changes in revenue models. The group also takes a look at the biggest challenges facing journalists and news outlets today, along with the major trends across content, revenue, and innovations in tech and AI that are changing the way journalists and newsrooms operate.

In this jam-packed episode of the Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan discuss the latest on inflation as the annual rate continues to slow, and zoom in on some CPI and PPI insights. The group delves into today's bank earnings, as investors hope that sour expectations for last quarter's results will give banks a lower bar for beating estimates. They also discuss the rise in mortgage applications, China's trade surplus, shifting oil prices, and a special announcement from the Fed! Tune in for all this and more.

On a new episode of What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis brings together a group of intercontinental experts including Penta Partners Stratton Kirton and David Cook, along with Managing Director Cecilia Thorn, to break down the starkly different universes of ESG regulations across the EU, the U.S., and the U.K.  As the war in Ukraine continues to complicate environmental and social trends in Europe, the EU is poised to enact stringent regulations on human rights, environmental transparency, and due diligence for businesses. At the same time, ESG has become a dirty word in the polarized U.S. political environment, heightening risks for companies that operate across jurisdictions and must cater to stakeholders in both regions.  This week on the podcast, the group explores strategies for companies to effectively navigate these developments while balancing their fiduciary duties and safeguarding their global reputation. Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve on these pressing issues.

Join us for a special edition of the Macrocast! On this week's episode, Ylan and Brendan are joined by Neil Irwin, chief economic correspondent at Axios and author of "The Alchemists: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire" and "How to Win in a Winner-Take-All World: The Definitive Guide to Adapting and Succeeding in High-Performance Careers." The trio discuss the latest jobs report, the recent ADP National Employment Report, Secretary Yellen's recent visit to China, and more. Tune in! Read Penta's latest Jobs report. For more insights check out Neil's books,  "The Alchemists: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire" and "How to Win in a Winner-Take-All World: The Definitive Guide to Adapting and Succeeding in High-Performance Careers."

On the latest episode of What's At Stake, Penta partner Bryan DeAngelis hosts Viv O'Connor-Jemmett, a partner in Penta's Dublin office. The pair discuss how news cycles are moving faster than ever—and how search engines and social media play a large role in disseminating information to stakeholders. Being prepared to control and manage a crisis online before it gets out of hand is essential for any organization.Enter Online Reputation Management (ORM).  Sharing insights learned from over 15 years of experience supporting brands' online reputations, Viv describes how ORM came to be and why it is critical in today's media landscape. With the rapid development of AI, businesses will need to be even more prepared to respond to the next reputational challenge. Tune in to hear about everything ORM.  To learn more, check out Penta's article on ORM, as well as a podcast and article on Penta's framework for analyzing potential brand risks of AI.

Join us for an exciting holiday edition of the Macrocast! This week, Ylan, Brendan, and John are joined by David Cook, a partner at Penta's London office, where he leads the firm's international financial services practice.  Together, the group delves into pressing macroeconomic issues from both sides of the pond, illuminating the challenges faced by the Bank of England as it navigates high inflation and an upcoming election along with what the results of the Fed's annual big bank stress tests mean for consumers. Brendan Walsh even takes us on a live reporting adventure from the Connecticut highway, shedding light on the real-world impact of high gas prices. You won't want to miss it!

The U.K. Labour Party has seen a remarkable turnaround in its political fortunes since the 2019 general election. The current polls show a consistent and sizable lead for Labour under Sir current party leader Keir Starmer. But what are the realistic prospects for a Labour Government? What would the priorities be for a new administration? And what will that mean for business and enterprise?On June 13, 2023, Baron Watson of Wyre Forest (formerly Tom Watson, Member of Parliament), former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and current Chair of U.K. Music, joined Penta Managing Director Mark MacGregor to discuss the future for the Labour Party.Make sure to also tune into Penta's next live discussion on Monday July 3rd, which will feature discussion on the future of the agri-food sector. Mark MacGregor will chair a conversation on the issue with Penta Partner Rory O'Donnell and Rt Hon George Eustice MP. Find further event details and registration here.

This week on the Macrocast, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan sit down with John Dick, CEO and Founder of Civic Science, explore today's trends in consumer behavior, including the latest economic sentiment index from Penta and Civic Science, and private sector growth. The group also discusses what Fed Chair Powell's comments on the Hill mean for a potential "passive tightening cycle" this year, and compares activity from central banks across England, China, and the U.S. What does the Fed's outlook tell us about a potential rate hike? How could the bipartisan RECOUP Act shape the future of the banking industry? Tune in to find out.

Since 2020, there has been a shift in the political dynamics between the U.S., EU, and China. Between increasing tensions over regional security posturing, and upcoming policy in the U.S. and EU dictating outbound investments and ethical sourcing guidelines, the West's relationship with China is becoming increasingly complex. In the U.S., there have been calls for a full decoupling from China, while many in Europe have taken a more measured approach, calling for 'derisking'.On this week's episode of What's at Stake, U.S. Strategy Partners Bryan DeAngelis and K. Stratton Kirton sit down to talk with Penta Advisor Stuart Harbinson on how realistic decoupling is, what Western companies should know about doing business in China, and what he believes is necessary to stabilize the relationship between China and the West.The group also discusses the expected new rule from the Biden administration about outbound investments to China, the diversity of European posturing, and how Taiwan plays a role both economically and in regards to regional security.

Today on What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis, partner at Penta based in Washington, D.C., is joined by fellow D.C.-based partner Andrea Christianson and Brussels-based partner Chris Mehigan.  The trio examine the current state of AI regulation in the U.S. and the EU. The AI regulatory framework is complex and evolving, and the group discusses the implications of recent developments, including the EU AI Act and testimony before Congress by CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman. Bryan, Andrea, and Chris offer their predictions and perspectives on the future of this regulation, and highlight opportunities for collaboration and cooperation between the U.S. and EU.

This week on the Macrocast, Ylan, Brendan, and John dive into the  current global macroeconomic growth, exploring the latest trends in markets and consumer behavior among the world's major economies. The team also breaks down the latest economic sentiment index from Penta and Civic Science. What does the improving outlook mean for banks and homeowners? Should we expect the Fed to respond with another rate hike? Tune in to find out. Read Penta and Civic Science's ESI analysis here.

On today's episode of What's at Stake, Mike Berland, Senior Partner at Penta, sits down with Jonathan Adashek, IBM's Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications and Chief Communications Officer. The duo discusses the role stakeholder engagement has had in Jonathan's career, including how his past work on political campaigns impacted his ability to cater to different groups of stakeholders at IBM. They also talk about Jonathan's current experience leading both the marketing and communications functions at IBM and how the pairing of the functions allows for increased alignment on brand, reputation, and storytelling capabilities across the company.  Mike and Jonathan also break down IBM's use of data and AI, including the company's Watson X product, to give clients and partners, including entertainment and sports sponsors, customized solutions. Jonathan emphasizes how AI will help augment the overall productivity of the workforce and urges companies to adopt the technology.

On today's Macrocast, hosts Ylan, John, and Brendan are joined by Marc Goldwein, senior policy director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, to break down the debt ceiling deal and its implications for fiscal and monetary policy going forward. Plus, the group dives into this month's surprisingly strong jobs report. Does the Fed have one more hike in it, or will it finally let up?  Read Penta's May Jobs Day fact sheet here.

This week on What's at Stake, host Elliott Owensby is joined by Penta experts Andy Whitehouse and Jill Craig to dive into the complicated mergers and acquisitions landscape companies are facing today. With a focus on the crucial role of communications and public affairs, they explore the complexities of completing transactions in today's uncertain macroeconomic environment while effectively managing stakeholder expectations. What are the key developments shaping the M&A landscape in the US and EU? What are the ingredients of a successful M&A public affairs approach? And how can effective communication enhance the success and longevity of deals? Tune in as Elliott, Andy, and Jill share their expertise on these questions and more.

In this week's episode of the Macrocast, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan tackle the looming issue of the approaching debt ceiling X-date, discussing the Treasury's decision to delay note auctions and the ripple effects the situation has had on the market. What can we expect from the Fed in the back half of this year? Does the White House have an ace up its sleeve in negotiations? And what does the "Taylor Swift economy" have to do with any of this? Tune in to this week's Macrocast to find out.

In this installment of What's at Stake, we are going to our archives and re-visiting an episode perfect for recent graduates hoping to land a job in D.C. Penta President Matt McDonald spoke with Tom Manatos, Head of Federal Affairs at Block and the mind behind Tom Manatos Jobs, and Mo Elleithee, Executive Director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service. The trio break down the D.C. job landscape, explain the importance of building your network, and offer their best advice for young professionals trying to make it in our nation's capital.

Today's Macrocast is a special one! First, Ylan interviews Raphael Bostic, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, with whom she spoke earlier this week at the 2023 Federal Reserve Financial Markets Conference. The pair discuss how the Fed makes predictions and decisions to tackle economic crises. Bostic explains that the Fed has amended the way they survey the private sector, including engaging local business leaders early, in order to identify coming economic trends, like inflation and lay-offs. During the latter half of the episode, Ylan is joined by her co-hosts Brendan and John from Markets Policy Partners and Bryan DeAngelis, partner at Penta and host of What's at Stake, to recap this week's Macrocast Live panel discussion. The discussion featured Doug Holtz-Eakin, former Director of of the CBO and Chief Economist of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers and current President of the American Action Forum, and Wendy Edelberg, former Chief Economist at the CBO and current Director of The Hamilton Project and Senior Fellow of Economic Study at the Brookings Institution who shared their predictions and perspectives on the debt ceiling, looming default, and more.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Stratton Kirton hosts Penta Partners Andrea Christianson and Rory O’Donnell, who have both done extensive work on agriculture, food, and trade. With supply chain shocks, Russia's war in Ukraine, and climate change, there is a renewed spotlight on global food production and supply chains. In the U.S., Congress is writing a multi-year farm bill that will help shape what kind of food U.S. farmers grow, how they raise it, and how it gets to consumers. Similarly, in Europe, the agriculture and food sectors have been engaged in long-running initiatives to improve supply chain sustainability practices as pressure on the industry mounts. Penta's experts tackle the questions at the forefront of industry leaders' minds:  Amidst all the competing demands and complex challenges facing the agri-food sector, what should the sector's top priorities be? Which stakeholders have wielded the most influence on food policy topics, and what might be the best strategy to engage them?  Listen now to find out more.

This week on the Macrocast, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan sit down with Jeanna Smialek, Federal Reserve and Economics reporter for the New York Times and author of the book "Limitless: The Federal Reserve Takes on a New Crisis." The group explores the challenges the Fed tackled  during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has been navigating the political and economic aftermath since. As pandemic-era policy winds down, how can the Fed stay above the political fray? And how will upcoming discussions about the debt ceiling impact markets and federal policy? Tune in to find out. Check out Jeanna's book here.

On the latest episode of "What's at Stake," Bryan DeAngelis hosts Penta Partner Lauren Wolfson and Managing Director Melissa Manson. With the Biden administration set to officially terminate the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, the group reflects on the changes to the way we work that have occurred since the pandemic began over three years ago, and explores the challenges and opportunities this new era brings.  Penta's experts begin by discussing which of their remote work predictions at the start of the pandemic have held up over time and which ones have become irrelevant or outdated. Later, they dive into why business leaders are pioneering the future of "phygital" office spaces and how companies can encourage clearer boundaries and maintain work-life balance for their employees in a remote or hybrid work environment. Questions remain about where this new era will take us: Will client meetings be scheduled in the metaverse? How are labor market forces impacting hybrid work plans across industries? And is your company guilty of "flex-washing?" Listen now to find out.

On today's Macrocast, Ylan and Brendan host Wendy Edelberg, director of the Hamilton Project and a senior fellow in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution. They break down this morning's latest jobs day numbers, which signal an optimistic outlook for the labor market, even as the economy shows signs of cooling. On the flip side, the group warns of the impact of inflation expectations on wages as the Fed continues to hike interest rates. Plus, how will political dynamics affect market volatility amidst these shifting tides? Tune in to find out. Take a look at Penta's latest jobs day report here.

On May 6, King Charles will have his formal coronation in London, nearly eight months after he ascended to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The coronation has been highly anticipated by royal watchers around the world, though not without criticism from some. On today's episode, Bryan DeAngelis hosts Louise Stewart, a Penta Strategy partner based in London, to consider the real implications of the new king. They discuss the role of the modern British monarchy socially and economically in the United Kingdom. Bryan and Louise also break down what role the throne plays geopolitically for Great Britain, particularly during the post-Brexit era and with increasing calls for devolution from the regions of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations.Finally, Bryan and Louise dive into how they would advise the royal family in navigating strategic communications and what everyone should be looking out for on Saturday when Charles is formally crowned in Westminster Abbey.

This week on the Macrocast, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan sit down with John Dick, CEO and Founder of Civic Science, to dive into the latest economic sentiment index from Penta and Civic Science. The group also explores what the new GDP and PCE figures mean for consumers and the broader economic outlook. Recession fears are rising, but will the Fed tap the breaks or carry out another rate hike? And how do markets' fears of debt ceiling chaos play into the outlook? Tune in to find out.

This week on What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis hosts Penta Partner Meghan Pennington and Managing Director Ylan Mui to dissect the looming battle over the U.S. debt ceiling. With an uncertain "X date" approaching, and President Biden, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and the "five families" of the Republican caucus at odds, the stakes are getting higher every day. The group navigates the murky waters of debt ceiling negotiations in Congress and discusses whether the divides within the Republican caucus might play into Biden's hands. They also delve into the market's reaction to the looming crisis and explore how companies can engage with policymakers to move things forward in Washington.  As the tension mounts, they ask the key questions: What's the backup plan if McCarthy's strategy fails? Will Democrats budge on their demand for a "clean" debt ceiling hike?" And how can companies position themselves ahead of the inevitable appropriations debate later this year? Tune in now to stay ahead of the game

The topic: the debt ceiling. On this edition of the Macrocast, our host Ylan Mui is joined by John Fagan and Brendan Walsh of Markets Policy Partners, as well as Zach Moller, Director of Third Way's Economic Program. The group delves into the looming debt ceiling, analyzing the political landscape, and predicting how the markets will react. From a hard-to-pin-down X date–the day on which the federal government is no longer able to meet its fiscal obligations–to "break glass strategies," the group draws on its decades of experience observing Congress, the Treasury, and markets to offer their predictions on how McCarthy's majority and the Biden administration will navigate the impending debt ceiling negotiations.

Generative AI is here and here to stay. Opportunities abound for adopters—but businesses need to consider the ways in which they are vulnerable to AI-driven risks, including risks to their brands. On today's episode of What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis, Andrea Christianson, Oliver Edelmann, and Blake McGill break down Penta's new framework to help companies assess the brand risks of AI. After describing some of the scenarios when a brand may be at risk from AI, Bryan, Andrea, Oliver, and Blake discuss how Penta is helping companies think through minimizing that risk. The group discusses how companies convening the right group of experts, including staff from legal, HR, IT, communications, and other departments, is crucial to ensure that the company's brand is not negatively impacted by its use of, or policy on, AI technology. Companies must also audit their current and future use of AI to triage areas of potential internal, external, and personal risk. Despite the risks, the group explains that generative AI technology is here to stay, and companies must engage to minimize brand risks. For more on how companies should think about the impact of AI on their brand, read our full AI brand risk framework.

This week on the Macrocast, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan dive into the latest from the Federal Reserve and this week's IMF-World Bank spring meetings, exploring whether the FOMC's predictions and current macroeconomic indicators point to signs of a recession. The group also discusses Speaker Kevin McCarthy's upcoming speech laying out the U.S.'s debt limit plan, as well as their thoughts on the global trend towards an economic downturn and the expanding debt issue in emerging markets.Read Penta's latest ESI report here.

Today on What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis, partner at Penta based in Washington, D.C., is in London to interview two of the leaders of Penta's international financial services work, partners David Cook and Victoria Walsh. David and Victoria share how their experiences helping government institutions and businesses in Europe communicate around the biggest financial services developments in recent history–including the 2008 Financial Crisis–inform their thinking about stakeholder engagement.  The group discusses the outlook for inflation, the recent turmoil in the banking sector, and the potential for changes in financial regulation around the world. Bryan, Victoria, and David also talk about how Penta's strategy and intelligence services can support financial services companies during these turbulent times.

On today's Macrocast, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan discuss this morning's "Goldilocks" March jobs report and the not-too-hot, not-too-cool labor market. Later, the group explores the impact of OPEC's production cuts on gas prices, which are rising just in time for spring break season, and examines the potential risks associated with de-dollarization. Finally, this week's episode wouldn't be complete without a discussion of former President Trump's indictment and the subsequent market reaction. Read Penta's March Jobs Day Fact Sheet here.

In this edition of What's at Stake, Andrea Christianson hosts Emily Duncan, senior vice president of federal affairs at American Electric Power (AEP), for a conversation on how AEP is taking on the complex challenges and opportunities facing the energy industry today.Emily's career has spanned a range of key areas within the industry. Though she began her career in energy law; over the past 15 years, she has worked on legislative and regulatory issues in sectors like natural gas, nuclear, and electric power. In today's episode, Emily and Andrea discuss AEP's partnerships with communities and local stakeholders in the company's rural operating regions and how a diverse energy supply is key to guaranteeing reliable energy access across the U.S. Emily also outlines the potential of a new technology called bidirectional charging to transform the country's electric vehicle infrastructure.Where does Emily see opportunities for more efficient use of the power grid? How is the CHIPS Act impacting energy supply chains? And for which energy source does Emily have a soft spot? Listen now to find out.

The takeaway: the news is affecting consumer behavior, as indicated by major drops in confidence in the job market and in the overall U.S. economy. On today's Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan host John Dick from Civic Science discuss the latest economic sentiment index, which shows that layoffs and banking crises in the headlines could be driving pessimism and lower spending among consumers. Later on, the group delves into tightening bank regulations as the Fed and FDIC tackle a shaken landscape. Take a look at Penta's latest ESI analysis here.

On March 10, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapsed after what many are calling a bank run, triggering the second largest bank failure in U.S. history. Since then, regulators and policymakers have searched for answers, mid-sized banks across the country have struggled to assuage fears over their stability, and Swiss investment firm Credit Suisse has been taken over by UBS as the SVB fallout has rippled through the economy.On this episode of What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis, a partner at Penta, and Ylan Mui, a managing director at the firm, are joined by Aaron Klein to discuss the impacts of SVB's collapse and–as Aaron sees it–the failure of our banking regulatory system. Aaron Klein is currently a senior fellow in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution, focused on financial technology and regulation, payments, macroeconomics, and infrastructure finance and policy. Between 2009 and 2012, Klein served as the deputy assistant secretary for economic policy at the Department of Treasury, where he helped develop and secure the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.The group discusses how the Fed failed to implement proper oversight of SVB, Michael Barr's pre-written testimony, and if we should be allowing more banks to fail. They also answer the question: Was this the first bank run of the social media ageRead more from Aaron Klein here.

On today's Macrocast, our new host Ylan Mui, managing director at Penta, sits down with John Fagan and Brendan Walsh of Markets Policy Partners to break down the Fed's latest 25 basis point rate hike. The trio points out that it was unique that Chairman Powell spoke so candidly about the Fed's uncertainty on how to adjust rates moving forward. Ylan, John, and Brendan discuss the state of the U.S. economy more broadly, including with respect to how the current commotion in the banking sector might spill over to other countries and sectors. The group finishes the episode by chatting about the odds of regulators taking action in the  banking sector, Yellen's testimony on Capitol Hill, and the state of the U.S. bond market.

This week, Penta acquired Copperfield Advisory, a communications, brand, and strategy consulting firm based in New York, further cementing Penta's position as the world's first and foremost comprehensive stakeholder solutions firm. Andy Whitehouse, senior partner at Penta and former managing partner and founder at Copperfield, joins Penta President Matt McDonald on this week's episode of What's at Stake to break down what this acquisition means for Penta and its clients. Andy joins Penta with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications. Before joining Copperfield, he was chief communications officer at IBM, Willis Towers Watson, and McKinsey & Company, and worked to tackle poverty and social exclusion as a UK government policymaker.The Copperfield team brings extensive C-suite experience and issue fluency to Penta, deepening the firm's expertise and offerings in disciplines including brand positioning, transaction communications, talent strategy, and crisis preparedness. Matt and Andy start out the conversation by discussing Copperfield and Penta's complimentary outlooks on the importance of data-driven decision-making and insights. Later, they dive into Andy's extensive experience advising major companies and developing public policy in a range of key sectors including financial services, private equity, tech, healthcare, and philanthropy.Read more about Penta’s acquisition of Copperfield here.

On today's Macrocast, hosts Bryan DeAngelis, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan are joined by Penta's Oliver Edelmann to unpack another big week of macroeconomic news. The group unpacks the latest turmoil in the banking sector, saga of Silicon Valley Bank, First Republic Bank, and the banking sector more broadly, and discusses the potential reactions from the Federal Reserve. They also explain why consumer sentiment might impact the Fed's response, delving into insights from Penta and Civic Science's latest ESI analysis.

On February 27, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a new trade agreement between the UK and European Union (EU) called the Windsor Framework. This comes after years of confusion and empty shelves resulting from the post-Brexit Northern Ireland protocol, which has been criticized for making it difficult to import goods to Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom. Penta Partners Kevin Madden and Rory O'Donnell sit down to decipher some of the nuances surrounding the Windsor Framework, the Northern Ireland protocol, and why these trade agreements have such a charged history. The two outline how the Windsor Framework will change the current Northern Ireland Protocol, particularly with respect to the Irish sea border. They also explain what the new "red lane, green lane" system will look like for the movement of goods on the Irish isle.Kevin and Rory then outline some of the political responses to the new framework in the region. How will Stormont–the Northern Ireland Assembly–respond? And if the Windsor Framework is implemented, how might it positively impact the future of investment and opportunity in Northern Ireland and beyond?

There's been no shortage of gripping macroeconomic developments this week. On today's Macrocast, hosts Bryan DeAngelis, Ylan Mui, Brendan Walsh, and John Fagan dive into the February jobs report and what it can tell us about women in the workforce, before breaking down some key takeaways from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's semi-annual testimony before Congress. In the second half of the show, the group takes on this morning's astonishing meltdown at Silicon Valley Bank.  Read Penta's February Jobs Day Fact Sheet here.

In this edition of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Stratton Kirton interviews the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Principal Energy Specialist David Elzinga about the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM).Countries around the world have committed to lowering their emissions over the coming decades. While the U.S. and Europe are approaching the transition to clean energy as developed nations, countries across southeast Asia and Africa are attempting to meet their climate commitments while their populations boom. The Asian Development Bank's ETM is an innovative program specifically designed to help developing nations transition more quickly to clean energy in a just and tailored way.ETM aims to harness private and concessional capital to accelerate the retirement or repurposing of Southeast Asian fossil fuel plants and crowd in investment for clean energy alternatives. Throughout the episode, David and Stratton discuss the details of ETM, the ADB's commitment to fighting climate change, and why the energy transition in different parts of the world requires varied solutions. David also shares his advice for people looking to enter the clean energy space.  To learn more about ETM, visit the ADB's homepage on the project.

On today's Macrocast, Bryan, John, and Brendan host John Dick from Civic Science and Ylan Mui, a managing director at Penta. Ylan just joined Penta by way of CNBC, where she covered economic and regulatory policy for six years. The group discusses the latest economic sentiment index, which shows consumer optimism ticking down from the record high two weeks ago and more evidence of a "hangover" in spending following the post-COVID surge. Plus, the group  looks ahead to Federal Reserve Chair Powell's upcoming testimony before the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday, where Democrats like Sherrod Brown are likely to press Powell on the threat to employment posed by rate hikes.  Take a look at Penta's latest ESI analysis here.

The Federal Reserve's next moves are on the minds of business leaders everywhere. Some experts warn of a recession, others hold out hope for a "soft landing," and there's plenty of data to support both sides of the argument. For many Fed watchers, that can make it difficult to understand the Fed's thinking. To cut through the noise, Bryan DeAngelis hosts three experts on the Federal Reserve for this episode of What's at Stake. John Fagan and Brendan Walsh, co-founders of Markets Policy Partners and Macrocast co-hosts, and Brai Odion-Esene, founder of SW4 Insights, join the show.  The group explains why we're living through a uniquely challenging time for the Federal Reserve, as it tries to balance its competing mandates of reducing inflation and maintaining employment. They discuss which indicators influence the Fed's agenda the most and whether the Fed's preferred inflation metrics truly reflect Americans' experience.Listen to the most recent episode of the Macrocast with Markets Policy Partners here. Learn more about Markets Policy Partners here and SW4 Insights here.

On today's Macrocast, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and John Fagan are joined by Jill Craig, a partner in Penta's Brussels office, to take a look at new data on the Fed's (former?) favorite inflation rating and whether the market might finally be listening to its signaling. In the second half of the show, Jill shares a European perspective on the war in Ukraine as the group looks back on the year since Russia's invasion. Read Penta's new Q4 2022 GDP Fact Sheet here.

How should businesses engage with policymakers in 2023? On today's episode of What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis talks to Meghan Pennington, a partner at Penta, and Michael Griffin, chief research officer of intelligence at Penta, about Penta's new Washington Insights Review.  The Washington Insights Review is based on hundreds of conversations with DC policymakers and highlights their perspectives on policy issues and best practices for government affairs.  The group discusses the necessity of a two-way relationship between businesses and policymakers and the importance of organizations finding moments to proactively engage with policymakers. Authenticity when engaging with policymakers is also key, the group explains, especially for issues related to ESG and DEI.  For more on the top takeaways from the report, listen to the episode, and download the full Washington Insights Review. Learn more about Penta Policy Insiders.

On today's Macrocast, hosts Bryan DeAngelis, John Fagan, and Brendan Walsh are joined by Penta Director Oliver Edelmann to discuss whether the economic outlook for the U.S. is truly improving on the heels of a uniquely upbeat reading of consumer economic sentiment. Penta's latest Economic Sentiment Index (ESI) found that consumers are more optimistic about the economy, but are we really due for a soft landing? The group also discusses potential changes to President Biden's economic council and the new Chinese sanctions against American companies. Read Penta's latest ESI report here.

This week on What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Alberto Lopez Valenzuela and Innes McFee, managing director of macro and investor services at Oxford Economics, to dive into new updates from a joint study on labor trends released by Penta and Oxford Economics–the beginning of an exciting partnership between the two firms.  The group breaks down key insights from the report, which analyzed daily sentiment data to pinpoint economic turning points in real time and identified a trend of slowing growth in labor markets across many advanced economies. New data analyzed by Oxford Economics in the weeks since the report's release seem to confirm this trend, presenting a thought-provoking case for stakeholder sentiment as a leading economic indicator.  What do these data mean, and how certain can we be of their value? How can business leaders use our data to better understand where the economy is headed? Tune in for insights that will change the way you think about stakeholder intelligence. Read the full report from Penta and Oxford Economics here.

On today's Macrocast, hosts Meghan Pennington and John Fagan are joined by Loren Smith of Skyline Policy Risk Group to discuss the latest on the IRA and infrastructure spending, permitting reform and its impact on energy production, the debt ceiling, and more. Tune in!

This special edition of What's at Stake features some of Penta's most seasoned experts in political communications for a breakdown of President Biden's 2023 State of the Union address. Every State of the Union address is a big deal in the Beltway, but what does it really mean for the second half of President Biden's term? And what should business leaders take away from the speech?Kevin Madden, a senior partner at Penta, hosts the conversation with Meghan Pennington, also a partner at Penta, and Michael LaRosa, a managing director. All three bring deep experience from the highest levels of political communications, having served on presidential campaigns, Capitol Hill, and the White House. They also bring perspectives from both sides of the political aisle. Tune in for more.

On today's Macrocast, Stratton, John, and Brendan host  John Dick from Civic Science and Brai Odion-Esene, founder of SW4 Insights. They delve into the latest jobs report, recent central bank meetings, and takeaways from a fascinating earnings season.John and Brendan explain how the Fed, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England were less aggressive in early 2023 than markets feared last year. Jobs are on the rise, but with the tech sector's lower-than-expected earnings, mass layoffs are grabbing headlines.Read Penta's latest Jobs Day report here.Tune in next week for more on US consumer sentiment, President Biden's State of the Union speech, and new earnings coverage.

In this edition of What's at Stake, Stacy Kerr and Stratton Kirton host Tara Carraro, senior vice president and chief communications officer at U. S. Steel, for a conversation on Tara's impressive career in corporate communications strategy and her work at U. S. Steel. Tara explains how she must navigate a unique challenge: How can her team change perceptions of a company that is more than 120 years old? As chief communications officer, Tara is the voice of an iconic company, responsible for repositioning the brand of U. S. Steel for the future. Tara defines corporate communications as the marketing arm for the corporate brand and explains the important role that data plays in maximizing her team's impact. What are the biggest changes Tara has seen throughout her career? What's next for U. S. Steel? And what is the next disruption in corporate communications? Tune in to glean invaluable insights from a leader in the field.

On this edition of What's At Stake, Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Fabian Astic, Global Head of DeFi and Digital Assets at Moody's Investors Service, to explore how traditional finance experts are thinking about crypto and blockchain technology today. As the industry continues to innovate, Moody's is tracking global regulatory developments that can bridge the gap between the digital and traditional finance worlds. Bryan and Fabian discuss the exciting transformations in digital finance expected in the next few years – including the EU's DLT Pilot Regime for digital securities and Hong Kong's new licensing regime for crypto exchanges – and grapple with key questions facing policymakers and business leaders in the space. Will Congress push through long-awaited stablecoin legislation, or will the U.S. fall behind the global pace of progress? And what can investors seeking new ways to diversify their portfolios expect from the coming years?  Tune in to hear about the crypto and blockchain developments shaking up the world of finance, whether companies are ready, and what work still needs to be done.

On today's Macrocast, Stratton Kirton, partner at Penta, joins John and Brendan of Markets Policy Partners to discuss the latest GDP report, this week's earning's numbers, and some of the factors currently impacting the labor market, including immigration and the recent uptick in layoffs. How will these layoffs impact next week's Jobs Day numbers? The group talks about some of the reasons the impact might not be as drastic as some expect.  Changes to some key positions in the Biden Administration are coming, and Stratton, Brendan, and John talk about their implications, especially given the current climate on Capitol Hill. This week was also a notable one for the war in Ukraine. The group talked about the potential economic and geopolitical ramifications of the Biden administration sending Abrams tanks, Russian food shortages, and potential Russian escalation of the war. Read Penta's GDP analysis here. Check back next week for Penta's Jobs Day report.

On today's special episode of What's at Stake, John Fagan and Brendan Walshfrom Markets Policy Partners offer their take  on what investors should expect from financial markets over the coming year.. Looking beyond today's relatively calm market environment, the group sees  risks of a recession  and policy uncertainty that could intensify by the summer.  In addition, the group offers predictions surrounding the future of Fed policy, China's impact on global markets, oil prices , and cryptocurrency. All of these factors are set against an increasingly uncertain fiscal and political situation here in the US. Tune in as MPP explains all this and more and shares key insights for the year to come.  Watch the video version of MPP's conversation here.

On today's jam-packed Macrocast, guest host Meghan Pennington is joined by John and Brendan from Markets Policy Partners, former senior Treasury official Bob Dohner, John Dick of Civic Science, and Penta Senior Associate Matthew Robbins. The group discusses the latest Economic Sentiment Index, the Chinese economy, and the potential for a debt limit crisis. Read Penta's latest ESI here.

On today's episode of What's at Stake, Greg Bertelsen, CEO of the Climate Leadership Council (CLC), and Catrina Rorke, CLC's senior vice president of policy and Research, join Stratton Kirton, partner at Penta. The group discusses today's climate policy landscape, specifically the intersection between climate and trade and the increasing appetite for climate solutions that leverage America's carbon advantage for better trade and climate outcomes. Greg and Catrina explain why the current political environment presents a unique opportunity for these policies. The group breaks down a recent report CLC released on the carbon loophole, which refers to emissions associated with producing goods in one country that are consumed in another. The report finds that nearly a quarter of global emissions occur in the carbon loophole. Catrina and Greg explain how policymakers can close this loophole in order to incentivize more efficient production of globally traded goods. Read more about the Climate Leadership Council here. Read CLC's carbon loophole report here.

On this week's Macrocast, Brendan and Bryan are joined by Matt Dell Orfano from Telamonius Ventures to talk about the latest CPI trends, China's sudden reopening, and implications for the world economy. The group begins by diving into the latest CPI numbers and what they mean for ongoing housing market disruption and supply chain issues in other sectors. Matt also discusses the shortcomings of traditional econometric models and the need for real-world examples to back up economic outlooks.  The group also touches on what China's recent and rapid reopening means for global manufacturing, deglobalization, and foreign investment. They discuss how manufacturing pushes like the CHIPS Act are reflective of a broader effort towards more domestic production, and share their optimism on America's private sector coordination to achieve that goal.  Additional information: January 2023 Consumer Price Index Markets Policy Partners: Five Minute Macro

This week, Penta acquired Hume Brophy, a global public affairs, communications, and strategy firm, expanding Penta's global footprint as the world's first comprehensive stakeholder solutions firm. Conall McDevitt, Managing Partner of Penta Europe and Asia and former Hume Brophy CEO, and Jill Craig, Managing Director in Penta's Brussels office, join Parter Kevin Madden to discuss this news, as well as discuss how the strategy solutions field is shifting, geo-political influences, and what can be expected from Penta in the coming months. The group first explores how the acquisition will enhance Penta's global reach and strategic expertise, adding offices in Brussels, Dublin, Paris, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Conall and Jill then discuss some of the biggest issues facing our clients in Europe and Asia in the next few months and years. Finally, Kevin weighs in on what business leaders should expect from  the new Congress and the remaining years of President Biden's first term.   Read more about Penta's acquisition of Hume Brophy here.

Today on the Macrocast, season five begins with Penta President Matt McDonald joining John, Brendan, and Bryan to talk about the latest Jobs Day numbers. The group notes that markets have reacted favorably to this month's numbers and discusses why the labor force participation rate has remained low since the COVID-19 pandemic. They also offer predictions as to how the Federal Reserve might handle interest rates in 2023. Finally, the group covers the latest news in the vote for speaker of the House of Representatives, breaking down its implications for important issues including the debt ceiling debate and government funding.  Read December's Jobs Day fact sheet here.

In this episode of What's at Stake, Penta President Matt McDonald joins partner Andrea Christianson to share his reading recommendations for those interested in business, including young professionals, aspiring leaders, and experienced executives.The two not only discuss their favorite books, but also explain why business professionals and leaders should take the time to engage with business literature at various stages of their careers. Plus, Matt shares what he's reading for fun these days. It's the perfect episode for anyone crafting their 2023 reading list! You can find the full list of Matt's reading recommendations here or at the link below:bit.ly/Twitter-3CqefXQ

In the final Macrocast of 2022, Penta Partner Stratton Kirton joins Brendan and John of Markets Policy Partners to look back on a jam-packed year of macroeconomic events. The group reviews the historic passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and discusses the continuing economic toll of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, before turning to their predictions for the coming year, including the likelihood of a soft landing for the U.S. economy.

On today's episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Stacy Kerr and Senior Partner Mike Berland recap Penta's collaboration with Axios to put on the first ever Axios Communicators event last week in New York City. One of the major themes coming out of the event was the evolving role of the chief communications officer (CCO). Stacy and Mike discussed how chief executives are increasingly leaning on their CCOs to provide input into how their companies' stakeholders will react to business decisions. Mike and Stacy also dive into how companies are increasingly leveraging data to understand their stakeholders and help them make more informed decisions, as well as how Penta's intelligence tools can help.

On today's Macrocast, Penta Managing Director Jonathan Graffeo is joined by John and Brendan from Markets Policy Partners, and Brai Odion-Esene, founder of SW4 Insights. It's been a big week in macroeconomic news! The group responds to the Federal Reserve’s Wednesday rate hike—the seventh this year—and discusses the outlook for retailers. Read the latest CPI report here, and learn more about SW4 Insights here.

On this edition of What's At Stake, Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Julia Decerega and Rustin Finkler, two directors at Penta Strategy, and Meredith McCleary, an associate and podcast producer at Penta, to discuss the economics, geopolitics, and business challenges of the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup. Controversy has dogged this World Cup from the moment former FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced in 2010 that Qatar would host it in 2022.  The group not only breaks down the money behind the biggest event in soccer, but also tackles the stakeholder risks and opportunities for businesses looking to sponsor  similar events. How are advertisers and other businesses navigating these challenges? And what should business leaders take away from their experiences? The group discusses the main criticisms of the tournament, the economic payoff of hosting the World Cup, and the cost of hosting similar events. Plus, the group shares hopes and predictions for the future of American soccer fandom when the World Cup comes to North America in 2026.

On today's Macrocast, Penta President Matt McDonald is joined by John and Brendan from Markets Policy Partners and John Dick, CEO of CivicScience. The group first explores the Economic Sentiment Index, before diving into last week's banking conference, treasury yields, oil prices, and likelihood of a recession in 2023.

On this edition of What's At Stake, Penta Strategy Managing Director Stratton Kirton is joined by Vincent Smith, a Professor of Agricultural Economics at Montana State University and Director of Agricultural Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), and Jerry Hagstrom, a columnist at National Journal and Executive Editor of the agricultural news service The Hagstrom Report, to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill.The Farm Bill sets the national priorities for agriculture, conservation, nutrition, and forestry policy. A new bill is debated every five years, with the next deadline in 2023. Hagstrom and Smith both discussed how the next Congress will put its stamp on the Farm Bill, along with some of the large economic and political dynamics affecting the agricultural sector today.The trio also discusses some of the various policy areas not tied to agriculture that could be impacted by the Farm Bill, including CFTC oversight, potential crypto regulation, and foreign aid. Tune in to a jam-packed episode on a significant topic that is too often ignored.Read more of Jerry Hagstrom's work at The Hagstrom Report here.Check out Vincent Smith's recent writings for AEI here.

On today's Macrocast, Penta President Matt McDonald is joined by John and Brendan from Markets Policy Partners and Matt Dell Orfano, Founder of Telamonius Ventures. The group first dives into November's job numbers, offering differing interpretations of what the data means for the state of the economy. The group then discusses the holiday shopping season and the outlook for the retail sector. Read Penta's GDP fact sheet for Q3 2022 here.

In this episode of What's at Stake, Bryan hosts Penta managing directors Stratton Kirton and Jonathan Graffeo, as well as senior associate Matthew Robbins, for a conversation on an eventful November for businesses and policymakers.ESG is top of mind for many business leaders, with sustainability issues featuring prominently at the G20 summit and the election of a new Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, an underwhelming COP27 conference raises important questions for businesses trying to tell their ESG stories: How are stakeholder attitudes about sustainability changing? And how should businesses tell their ESG stories in an evolving landscape?As Stratton, Jonathan, and Matthew explain, media and public attention to environmental issues is growing, even as advocates express disappointment at the lack of new actions announced at COP27. Jonathan breaks down how businesses can communicate their ESG priorities in a way that resonates across the ideological spectrum. Plus, the group discusses "the three Ms" of stakeholder engagement: measure, message, and monitor.Read Penta's new analysis on media coverage and partisan sentiments on ESG issues here.

What's at stake: a Penta podcast is taking a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday and will return with new content next week. In the meantime, tune in to one of our favorite episodes so far, released shortly after Penta's launch earlier this fall. The episode features a conversation between Penta leaders on the informational landscape for business leaders as they navigate complex stakeholder challenges. How do businesses understand what their stakeholders–be they employees, policymakers, shareholders, or others–want? What do stakeholder pressures look like today, in an era of growing concern for ESG issues and macroeconomic headwinds?

On this special edition of the Macrocast–published on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving–Penta Managing Director Jonathan Graffeo joins John and Brendan to discuss how prepared retailers are for Black Friday, whether shoppers will show up amid high prices, and what the Fed is doing to cool inflation. Plus, the group explores the potential macro implications of a brewing freight rail strike and a looming debt ceiling fight.

On Today's Macrocast, Stratton Kirton, managing director at Penta, joins Brendan and John of Markets Policy Partners to discuss the latest developments in the domestic and global economy. The group starts  by examining the current state of the U.S. retail market, noting that the pandemic trend of a preference for services and experiences over goods persists. The group also previews some of the retail sales trends likely to occur during the holiday shopping season.  Stratton, John, and Brendan also discuss the latest in the crypto industry, including the current perception of the sector in D.C. and how regulators may handle crypto in the coming months. The conversation ends with a section about the state of the global economy following the COP27 and G20 meetings.

In this edition of What's at Stake, Penta Senior Director Rebeca Buck and Managing Director Michael LaRosa sit down with Cody Keenan, former Director of Speechwriting for President Obama and author of "Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America." Cody speaks about his experiences in the Obama White House during some of the administration's most pivotal days. Ten days in particular saw several historic moments unfold, including the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, and landmark Supreme Court decisions on marriage equality and the Affordable Care Act. Cody draws connections from President Obama's style to those of President Biden and others. Cody also shares advice for aspiring speechwriters and political operatives. How do you keep it together when the leader of the free world is your boss? And what was it like to write some of President Obama's most memorable speeches? Tune in to find out.Check out Cody Keenan's new book here.Read more about Cody here.

In this edition of the Macrocast, Tony bids farewell to the show and tackles a busy week of macroeconomic and political news with John and Brendan from Markets Policy Partners. The group discusses the implications of the midterm elections for financial markets and breaks down the October CPI data, which comes as a relief to inflation-battered investors. Plus, Tony, John, and Brendan predict what's next in the world of crypto following the stunning collapse of FTX.Find the October CPI data here.Read more about Markets Policy Partners here.

In this special midterm edition of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Andrea Christianson discusses Tuesday's election results with Senior Partner and former Senior Advisor to national Republicans, Kevin Madden and Managing Director and former Press Secretary to First Lady Jill Biden, Michael LaRosa.  The group kicks off their discussion by analyzing the results of the election, including the absence of a "red wave," split ticket voting in several states, and the way voters thought about their choices between candidates. With Republicans likely to gain a slimmer majority than they had hoped for in the House of Representatives, Andrea, Kevin, and Michael discuss the implications of the results for Rep. Kevin McCarthy's agenda. Finally, the group looks ahead to the future. While the midterm votes are still being tallied, the 2024 election is essentially underway.

This week on What's at Stake, Penta's Bryan DeAngelis sits down with president Matt McDonald and partners Alberto Lopez Valenzuela and Christina Pearson to unpack the group's experience at last week's Fortune CEO Initiative conference in Palm Beach, FL.  The group starts by discussing their favorite moments from the conference. They note how businesses have grown comfortable operating in uncertainty, and how ESG remains top-of-mind across sectors. The group also touches on the need to integrate ESG measurement into core corporate strategy as companies look for a more holistic way to measure their impact.  Matt also recaps the roundtable discussion at the conference, which explored how businesses should understand their stakeholder landscape on a deeper level  to more effectively respond to demands, both during crises and on an ongoing basis. Bryan, Christina, and Alberto expand on how understanding the needs of investors, policymakers, employees, and consumers allows businesses to maintain a values-based, nuanced approach to communications across their company. Learn more about the Fortune CEO Initiative here.

On this week's edition of the Macrocast, Tony and Brendan are joined by Brai Odion-Esene, founder of SW4 Insights. The trio first discusses today's jobs report and this week's 0.75% rate hike from the Federal Reserve, pondering what the path ahead is for Chairman Powell and the rest of the FOMC. They then have a lively conversation about the dangers of the debt ceiling. Tune in! SW4 Insights About Page Markets Policy Partners Five Minute Macro Penta Groups October Jobs Day Fact Sheet

This week on What's At Stake, Michael Sonnenshein, CEO of Grayscale, joins Penta’s Bryan DeAngelis to discuss the latest happenings at Grayscale, the world's largest digital currency asset manager, in addition to the cryptocurrency industry more broadly.  Bryan and Michael open on Grayscale's inception and the firm's active presence in D.C., including the significant time Grayscale has spent educating Washington about crypto.  Michael recounts Grayscale's history with the SEC: the years of successful collaboration with the Commission followed by the Commission's decision this summer to reject Grayscale's application to convert its signature fund, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, into an exchange-traded fund (ETF). In order to protect its investors, Michael explains, Grayscale was left with no choice but to file suit against the SEC. Michael and Bryan also discuss the state of U.S. crypto regulation more broadly. How the lack of regulatory guidance is pushing innovation outside the U.S., reducing benefits to the U.S. economy such as new jobs and tax revenue. Despite these frustrations, Michael explains that Grayscale has seen a substantial increase in awareness and engagement from  policymakers since they became active in D.C. five years ago.   Bryan and Michael also share top insights from new research Grayscale released with Harris Poll, including survey results that found that a majority of voters in both parties agree that cryptocurrencies are the future of finance. The poll also found that there is strong consensus among surveyed voters on the desire for greater regulatory clarity, as well as the importance of lawmakers staying informed about crypto. Read a Q&A about the Grayscale lawsuit here. Read the Harris Poll survey results here. Read about the launch of the Grayscale Digital Infrastructure Opportunities LLC here.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick from Civic Science. The group discusses the stronger-than-expected GDP report and price indices and unpacks this week's Economic Sentiment Index, which showed resilient consumer spending and rising economic sentiment. They also dive into poor earnings performance across the tech sector and share what to watch with Europe and Canada's central banks in the coming weeks. Check out this week's Economic Sentiment Index here. Learn more about Markets Policy Partners here.

In this special edition of the Macrocast, Bob Dewey and Brendan Walsh from Markets Policy Partners interview Lyn Alden, an investment research analyst and one of the most interesting up-and-coming voices in finance. During the conversation, Alden discusses why "financial repression" from the Federal Reserve is likely in coming years, the direction of Bitcoin relative to other cryptocurrencies, and the state of energy markets. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the complexities of today's financial markets. Read Alden's research here.

On today's Macrocast, Tony, Brendan, and John focus on the latest in the U.K. following Liz Truss's resignation. The U.K. economy has experienced "six weeks of woe," including  dismal retail sales numbers today. Despite the U.K. economy's relatively small size, its performance continues to have an outsized impact on global economic forecasts. Inflation, in the U.K., the U.S., and globally, is also top of mind this week, as well as what the Fed's next move might be to counter it.

In this edition of "What's At Stake: A Penta Podcast," John Hume and Chris Mehigan of Dublin-based global communications firm Hume Brophy join Andrea Christianson to break down the political and economic crises facing Europe. Amid a new government in the United Kingdom, a raging conflict in Ukraine, and a looming energy crisis, the political and business environment on the continent is growing increasingly complex.The group starts with the UK, where Prime Minister Liz Truss is off to a rocky start. Contrary to the government's rhetoric, Brexit still is not "done," with many trade and regulatory knots yet to be untangled. John and Chris discuss what Brexit's complicated legacy for Britain and the EU will be.Plus, John and Chris explore the implications of the most acute challenge facing Europe: the rising cost of energy. How will Europe keep the lights on this winter? What will it cost? And how will governments balance their sustainability goals with the need to keep homes warm and factories online? As leaders of a global firm with offices throughout Europe and Asia, John and Chris offer their expert perspectives on these questions and more.Read more about Hume Brophy here.Learn more about John Hume and Chris Mehigan here.

On this week's Macrocast, host Tony Fratto is joined by Brendan Walsh from Markets Policy Partners and Brai Odion-Esene from SW4 Insights to discuss the unexpected turn of events in the UK and the hotter-than-expected CPI data released this week. The group also dives into the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings and shares their key takeaways from the week's gatherings, including the strong dollar, the outlook on oil prices, and debt in emerging markets. Read more about SW4 Insights founder Brai Odion-Esene here.Check out the September CPI report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics here.Learn more about Markets Policy Partners here.

On today's episode of What's At Stake: A Penta Podcast, host Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Penta Strategy Partner Andrea Christianson, Senior Director Stephanie Walstrom, and Director Rustin Finkler to discuss their experiences with paid parental leave at different stages in their careers.  The group talks about the importance of parental leave in both their personal and professional lives and shares advice for parents taking leave. As they highlight, paid parental leave is important to both establish a routine for growing families and allow professionals to stay in the workforce while managing family commitments. Parental leave for both moms and dads can encourage an equitable split of responsibility, both in the workforce and at home.  Andrea, Stephanie, and Rustin consider how parental leave is critical to a healthy workforce both in the US and around the world, stressing the importance for companies to think critically about their leave policies for both parents in a modern, flexible workforce. As companies think about attracting and retaining talent, parental leave is a key consideration and signal for how employers value their employees. In the age of hybrid work, open conversations around family responsibilities and childcare are important to allow working parents to prioritize their home responsibilities while remaining engaged at work. Additional resources: Center on Budget Policy Priorities: A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families Brookings: Paid leave as fuel for economic growth McKinsey and Company: A fresh look at paternity leave: Why the benefits extend beyond the personal

On this week's Macrocast, guest host Matt McDonald is joined by John Fagan from Markets Policy Partners to discuss the latest jobs report and how it informs economic predictions for 2023. The pair also discusses the Fed outlook for 2023 and the implications of OPEC+ production cuts. Read more from Markets Policy Partners here and the full jobs day data from the BLS here.

On today's episode of What's At Stake: A Penta Podcast, host Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Senior Partners Alberto Lopez-Valenzuela and Mike Berland, and Strategy Partner Andrea Christianson, for a discussion on the intelligence and advisory insights that Penta offers companies, including in-depth data analysis, news monitoring, and public affairs strategy development and execution. As the group highlights, Penta offers companies the intelligence they need to engage the stakeholders they care about most. Penta combines cutting edge data with strategic input on how to best use it, including making intentional choices on what specifically should be measured and why. Penta can also support companies through the execution phase, ensuring target audiences receive the messages they need to hear. One area the firm is particularly focused on is environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, helping clients anticipate their stakeholders' needs and concerns in this space and prepare for and proactively adjust to potential challenges. Tune in to hear the full conversation.  Read Penta's launch press release here.Follow Penta on Twitter here. Follow Penta on LinkedIn here.Listen to the first episode of What's At Stake with Matt, Alexander, and Beth here.Read more about Alberto, Mike, Andrea, and Bryan here.

On this week's episode of Macrocast, Penta's President Matt McDonald joins John and Brendan to discuss the Bank of England purchasing long-dated government bonds and the extreme volatility of the pound and bond markets. The group also discusses the Fed's continued hawkish stance and the market crises around the world in Germany and China. Read more from Markets Policy Partners here and learn more about Penta here.

Today, Alexander Jutkowitz, the Penta Board Chair, and Beth Comstock, Board Member at Penta, and the former Vice Chair of General Electric, join Penta President Matt McDonald on the inaugural episode of What's At Stake: A Penta Podcast. On the show, the group talks about the rising difficulty businesses, especially at the leadership level, are facing in solving the challenges presented by, and managing the risk of, an increasingly engaged group of stakeholders. Additionally, they discuss how  businesses that are thinking about engaging their stakeholders on a regular basis are the ones best prepared to navigate unexpected crises. Matt, Beth, and Alexander explain how this opportunity in the marketplace spurred the idea for Penta. As the world's first comprehensive stakeholder solutions firm, Penta provides data-driven solutions for stakeholder strategy and engagement. Penta will combine analytics and research with deep expertise to deliver actionable insights, "best practice" solutions, and drive measurable impact for our clients.  Talking about the importance of both data and advising based on it, the group discusses how Penta will provide unparalleled impact with its intelligence and strategy offerings. Through sophisticated data collection and analysis, Penta Intelligence will deliver clear insights that help make sense of a complicated world. Penta strategy will help clients make sense of the events motivating stakeholders and driving public discourse. Together, these services will help our clients to define, inform, and strengthen decision-making and understanding between businesses and their stakeholders. Read Penta launch press release here.  Read Penta's introductory blog post here.  Follow Penta on Twitter here. Read more about Matt, Alexander, and Beth here.

In this episode, Bryan DeAngelis introduces our new show: "What's At Stake: A Penta Podcast." The show will tackle the biggest issues shaping business and public policy, covering some of the same topics as HPS Insights. The first episode of "What's At Stake: A Penta Podcast" is out now!

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick of Civic Science and Mark Sobel of the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum. The group starts by discussing the increasing divergence between market economic fears and positive U.S. consumer sentiment. The quintet then talks about recent bond market volatility and central banks worldwide hiking rates before ending the episode by touching on historic dollar strength, and how global policymakers should respond.

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Jonathan Graffeo, managing director at HPS, joins Brendan and John of Markets Policy Partners. The group starts by debriefing the latest CPI reading and the impact it might have on the Fed's next interest rate decision. They also address the latest issues and developments impacting the global energy market, including the potential impact winter weather might have on the European energy market. John, Brendan, and Jonathan finish the show by talking about how current economic conditions in the U.S. might impact the midterm elections.

Yesterday, Queen Elizabeth II passed and became the second longest-serving monarch in modern history. In this edition of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan talk about the political and economic changes that occurred during her 70-year reign.  To wrap up the show, the trio dives into Chairman Powell's speech at the CATO institute, the Fed's whatever it takes approach to conquer inflation, and their prediction for next week's CPI data.

In this edition of the Macrocast, HPS Partner Matt McDonald joins Tony, John, and Brendan to analyze the August jobs report. According to the most recent numbers, unemployment is up, but that's not bad news: As Matt explains, the increase in labor force participation and the addition of over 300,000 jobs bodes well for the economy. Plus the group goes beyond the "quiet quitting" headlines to discuss what the phenomenon really means for workers and their managers. Will workers stagnate without going the extra mile? Or are they simply taking more time for what matters most to them?  One thing is for sure: Many workers are still spending more time at home, even as remote work recedes from its pandemic high. To close, the group discusses what workers might be doing with the extra time at home.Read this week's Five Minute Macro report from Markets Policy Partners here. Learn more about career opportunities at HPS, including associate and analyst roles, here.

In this edition of HPS Insights, HPS senior director Rebecca Buck interviews NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent and former MSNBC "Road Warrior" Ali Vitali about her new book, "Electable: Why America Hasn't Put a Woman in the White House . . . Yet."  Drawing on her experiences covering the 2020 presidential campaign, Ali discusses the unique hurdles women face in running for the highest office in the land. Ali and Rebecca reflect on how more women running for the presidency has changed the national conversation on historically overlooked issues like child care and paid parental leave.  What will it take to finally elect a woman to the presidency? And why hasn't it happened already? Listen to the show to find out.   Order find Ali Vitali's book here. Follow Ali on Twitter here. Read more about Ali here.

On today's Macrocast, HPS' Matt McDonald, John Fagan of Markets Policy Partners, and John Dick of Civic Science recap Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole speech. The group examines Chair Powell's speech from different angles, arguing that a 9 minute speech shows not only that the Fed didn't want to share any new information, but also signals a "grim determination to carry on" with recent policy decisions. Consumer economic sentiment was also a focus of the conversation, as John Dick provided highlights from Civic Science's latest data, discussing the changes to consumer sentiment over the past several weeks. John, John, and Matt also cover the Administration's recent student loan relief plan and the potential economic impacts of this historic move.   Watch Fed Powell's Jackson Hole speech. Read HPS' most recent GDP analysis and HPS and Civic Science's latest economic sentiment analysis.

On today's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the divergent central bank strategies around the world and what that means for inflation and consumers. They also briefly preview the Jackson Hole Symposium next week. Later in the program, Hamilton Place Strategies' Maura McDonough and Meredith McCleary join the show to discuss quirky economic indicators, such as the Lipstick and Champagne Indexes.

In this week's episode of HPS Insights, Alberto Lopez Valenzuela, Founder and CEO of the reputation intelligence, analysis, and media monitoring company alva, joins HPS Partners Bryan DeAngelis and Matt McDonald for a conversation on alva's technology, the importance of business leaders having access to quality data, and reputation management more broadly. The group chats about how the markets and the current political landscape increasingly require companies to consider the factors that impact their reputations, including social media and the growing lack of trust in institutions.    Drawing from his background in intelligence, Alberto notes that there is a significant demand for quantification of intelligence for businesses. alva's stakeholder intelligence tools, currently five offerings that allow alva to understand, predict, and mediate reputational challenges, emerged from that thesis. alva's tools serve clients by monitoring and analyzing data from all media types to help them better understand and respond to reputational issues. Specifically, alva's approach can help the leadership of a business understand how their company is being portrayed by key stakeholders in order to determine if changes need to be made. The group also talks about how ESG issues have become key for business leaders as businesses and investors have increasingly embraced stakeholder capitalism. alva has developed new models to analyze ESG and is, among other things, looking into how much policymakers and other key stakeholders care about ESG issues. Alberto argues that whether or not ESG is a company's top priority, it should be transparent about its aims, its goals, and what it wants its impact to be. Learn more about Alberto and alva's work, and get a copy of Alberto's book here.

On the latest episode of HPS Insights, HPS Partner Christina Pearson, Senior Director Jesse Coster, and Director Julia Decerega join HPS Partner Bryan DeAngelis, to discuss all things environmental, social and governance (ESG).  Bryan, Christina, Jesse and Julia break down the meaning of ESG and explore its evolution from corporate social responsibility (CSR). The group chats about how global events, including the impacts of the climate crisis, the pandemic, and social unrest in 2020, have increased calls for company action on ESG issues. They also discuss the growing importance of ESG to companies amid the backdrop of stakeholder capitalism, underscoring how companies are increasingly leaning into ESG work as they strive to create value for all stakeholders–across investors, customers, employees, and regulators.  Drawing from their experience working with clients across industries, the group explores the current ESG landscape and how companies are embracing this concept. Specifically, Bryan, Christina, Jesse, and Julia discuss how companies are at different points in their ESG journeys– and businesses face different challenges and opportunities to set ESG commitments and report on progress across industries. The group also talks about changing regulatory frameworks, including the potential implications of the Security and Exchange Commission's (SEC) current rulemaking to standardize climate disclosures. Additionally, the group discusses how businesses are integrating ESG into their business models, as well as best practices for companies entering the space.

On today's Macrocast, John and Brendan are joined by Matt Dell Orfano, founder of Telamonius Ventures, to discuss the latest CPI and PPI numbers and what they mean for the macroeconomic outlook for the rest of the year. The group closes with a discussion of corporate earnings in the face of an increasing number of economic headwinds.

In this episode of HPS Insights, Meghan Pennington interviews HPS' JinAh Kim, Lizzie Johnson, and Jack Martin about the latest iteration of their Capital Chatter: A Quarterly Analysis of Congressional Tweets project. In the second quarter of 2022, Congressional Twitter accounts posted 131,311 tweets—a 3% decrease from the first quarter. With the November elections fast approaching, the economy is top of mind for everyone, including members of Congress. In today's episode, supply chain shortages, inflation, crypto, and the distinct messaging around all these topics from Democrats and Republicans take the center stage. Tune in to learn all about their insights.

Starting your first job out of college is a stressful and often daunting experience, one made even more so by COVID-related remote work. On this episode of HPS Insights, guest host and HPS associate Jack Eichner sits down with fellow associates Matisse Rogers and Will Newell to talk about how the workforce's newest generation is handling office life, adjusting to new roles, and building relationships in the workplace.  The group discusses  how they navigated the steep learning curve of your first six months in a new job, emphasizing the need to absorb as much as possible and take ownership of your progress. They talk about the importance of asking for help, learning how to work with different types of people, and more.  Matisse, Will, and Jack also touch on to their differing experiences with remote work through joining HPS at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group focuses on the importance of in-person collaboration and friendships to their professional and personal lives and shares advice for making the most out of your first few years in the workforce.  Show notes:  HPS Insights: Succeeding in Your First Job Fortune: Gen Z actually doesn't want to work from home The New York Times: The Magic of Your First Work Friends

On this episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by HPS Partner Matt McDonald to discuss the fallout of a bombshell jobs report, which found the U.S. added 528,000 jobs in July. The quartet also shared their thoughts on the myriad of tax provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act before concluding the episode by talking about Speaker Pelosi's historic trip to Taiwan.Show Notes: HPS Jobs Day Fact Sheet July 2022

On today's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan welcome Howard Schneider, Federal Reserve reporter at Thomson Reuters, to the show. As an expert on all things Fed and monetary policy, Howard breaks down the Fed's latest rate hike and inflation's impact on food consumption. Plus, the group analyzes the concerning PCE and GDP data released this week.Read Howard Schneider's recent piece on food prices and rising hunger here.Find more of Howard's work here.Read HPS' Q2 GDP Fact Sheet here.

On the latest episode of Crypto Convos, Nicole Valentine, FinTech Director of the Center for Financial Markets at the Milken Institute, joins HPS' Bryan DeAngelis and Jonathan Graffeo to discuss the recent crypto meltdown, its impact on legislative and regulatory efforts, and how despite this hit to the industry, "DeFi may be down, but its not out." The group concludes with their projections on what the midterm elections could mean for the fate of crypto legislation. Give it a listen and check out the show notes below! Show Notes: Nicole Valentine on Twitter The Milken Institute's FinTech In Focus Newsletter: July 26 Edition  Subscribe here The Milken Institute's Fintech Policy Tracker Nicole Valentine in Protocol's Braintrust: "What should Michael Barr — the Fed's newest regulator — do first?"

In this special edition of the Macrocast, Tony and John welcome Megan Greene, Harvard Kennedy School Senior Fellow and Kroll Institute Global Chief Economist, to the show. Megan expands on her recent column in the Financial Times, where she makes an important point few pundits have acknowledged: There's not much policymakers outside the Federal Reserve can do about inflation. The group walks through various policy responses to inflation and the supply- and demand-driven forces behind rising prices. Plus, the group discusses energy prices, the methodology for measuring inflation, and more.Read Megan's Financial Times column here.Read the rest of Megan's FT columns here.Read Megan's bio and check out her site here.

Consumers' sentiment about the economy increased for a fourth week in a row, with all five ESI indicators increasing in one session for the first time this year. In this edition of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick of CivicScience to discuss the latest ESI report, which signaled consumers are feeling that rock bottom is behind them despite Fed-policy-driven future uncertainty and pessimistic headlines.  The group also dives into credit card debt and how stable it has remained this year, unlike most summers when it generally rises, and discusses the potential impact labor mobility might have on the housing market.  Read this week's HPS-CivicScience Economic Sentiment Index here.

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discussed a slew of big economic data releases including the 40-year high inflation number, big bank earnings, and China's sluggish growth. The group ends the conversation with a discussion on the EU and the "operatic drama" coming out of Italian politics this week. Tune in!

Nonprofit organizations are facing mounting calls for greater action in response to societal issues, all while juggling international crises, increasing political partisanship, and other difficult trends to navigate. On today's episode of HPS Insights, HPS Partner Bryan DeAngelis sits down with fellow HPS Partner Stacy Kerr and Stephanie Walstrom, a senior director at HPS, to dig into the evolving dynamics of the nonprofit sector and how executives are striking a balance between responsiveness and avoiding 'crisis fatigue.' Stephanie draws from her experience in various nonprofit roles to discuss what defines successful advocacy for nonprofits and foundations and how that has changed in comparison to corporations.  Stacy and Stephanie outline the growing list of marketing and communications challenges facing nonprofits and foundations, from building diverse coalitions to stakeholder management. Stephanie gives examples of how nonprofits can improve responsiveness while still remaining relevant and true to their core values when addressing expectations of responsibility in social services. The group also dives into the evolving role of nonprofits and how these companies exercise their influence without the same external presence as larger companies.  You can find all of HPS' original podcast content on Apple Music or Spotify, and follow us on Twitter at @HPSInsight for more updates.

Microchips are used in everything from computers and phones to cars and smart home appliances. While COVID-related chip shortages have recently shown signs of easing, the supply squeeze has left lasting questions about the resilience of global supply chains, the yearslong shift of leading-edge manufacturing capabilities from the U.S. to East Asia, and what role industrial policy should play in beefing up U.S. production capacity.  On today's episode of HPS Insights, Host Bryan DeAngelis sits down with Oliver Edelmann, a director at HPS, and Kushal Modi, an associate at HPS, to get their thoughts on semiconductor supply chains and congressional efforts to boost domestic chip production.  Oliver and Kushal begin by outlining the current state of the industry, from increasing demand for chips to rising production costs and the complexity of global chip supply chains.  The group then discusses the United States Innovation and Competition Act, which includes significant funding for domestic semiconductor production under the CHIPS Act, and the effects of U.S. sanctions on China's efforts to become a global leader in semiconductors.

In this week's Macrocast, guest Ed de Minckwitz, partner at Flint Global, joins the group for a discussion on the shakeup at Downing Street, today's jobs report, and more. Ed, Tony, Bryan, and Brendan break down former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's resignation this week and predict what lies ahead for UK politics. Plus, Bryan walks through the jobs data and finds good signs for a soft landing. Read more about Ed de Minckwitz and Flint Global here. Read HPS' Jobs Day fact sheet here.

On today's Macrocast, Tony and Brendan are joined by guest Matt Dell Orfano, Founder of Telamonius Ventures, as they take a look at inflation measures like CPI and PPI to tell the story behind the numbers. The group looks at trends in housing, supply chain, and trade to parse where we're headed and what these indices show for both consumers and policymakers.  Produced by Hamilton Place Strategies and Markets Policy Partners, the HPS Macrocast features insight and analysis on the latest macroeconomic trends. Subscribe on Apple Music or Spotify.

On this week's HPS Insights, we are bringing back a great episode of HPS' "How To Get A Job In DC" podcast series. In this episode, HPS Partner Matt McDonald speaks with Tom Manatos, Vice President of Government Relations at Spotify and the mind behind Tom Manatos Jobs, and Mo Elleithee, Executive Director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service. Tom and Mo break down the all-important topic of networking and explain how young professionals can find their path forward in the murky world of DC careers.

On today's Macrocast, Bryan, John, and Brendan break down the latest economic sentiment index reading and macro data. Are investors planning for a hard landing, or do they expect the Fed to rein in inflation without triggering a recession? There's evidence for both in the data. Plus, the group discusses global growth, gas prices, and more. Read the latest economic sentiment index here. Read Markets Policy Partners' latest Five Minute Macro post here. Produced by Hamilton Place Strategies and Markets Policy Partners, the Macrocast features insight and analysis on the latest macroeconomic trends. Subscribe on Apple Music or Spotify.

On today's episode of HPS Insights, Host Bryan DeAngelis sits down with Stephanie Dodge and Nicole Beckman, members of the HPS crew, to get their thoughts on Coindesk's Consensus 2022 conference. Stephanie and Nicole traveled to Austin, Texas, for the event and shared the headlines in crypto and fintech.  Consensus 2022 is one of largest crypto conferences in the United States, with just over 20,000 participants, and covers conversations on crypto regulation, investment, entertainment, and more. The group discusses their expectations for an in-person conference, as well as their key takeaways from the weekend - from forum topics to surprise guest speakers. They examine the role that Consensus 2022 plays in navigating the larger global conversation on fintech, as well as the role that the media has in shaping this discussion. The group also analyzes the current state of the crypto industry, relative reception of new market trends, and speculations on the next phase of the crypto world.  "The way I've been describing [Consensus] is like a bank conference, a hacker convention, and an EDM festival all in one thing." - Stephanie Dodge.   Read more about Consensus 2022.

Will the Fed’s rate hike help keep a recession at bay? On this episode, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by HPS Partner Matt McDonald and SW4’s Brai Odion-Esene to talk about the Fed's "archaic" blackout period rule, the May CPI index and what impact the Fed’s rate hike might have on preventing a recession.  Additionally, the group discusses the recent actions of other central banks including the European Central Bank, the Swiss National Bank, and the Bank of Japan. Follow Brai Odion-Esene on Twitter.

How are young consumers challenging old media business models? Should journalists still use Twitter? In this episode of  HPS Insights, Bryan sits down with new HPS Senior Director Rebecca Buck to discuss her journey from journalism to public affairs and the changing media landscape. New platforms, technologies, and consumers are transforming media—for better or for worse.Follow Rebecca on Twitter here.

Description: On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Tony, Brendan, and John break down the newest consumer price index (CPI) numbers, noting that the numbers were high across the board. They also cover how several retail companies have reduced their earnings forecasts due to changes in consumer demand for certain products. Tony, Brendan, and John finish the episode walking through the CPI numbers in Japan, explaining how Japan has been known for secular stagnation.    Read more about the CPI.

On today's episode of HPS Insights, HPS Managing Director Jonathan Graffeo sits down with Mark Calabria, senior advisor at the Cato Institute and former director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to talk about the current state of the housing market. Mark also previously served as the chief economist for Vice President Mike Pence and as a senior aide to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.  The two talk about the current state of the housing market, including how it compares to the housing market in 2008. They examine how factors related to COVID-19, such as increased disposable income and movement out of cities, impacted the housing market, leading to a gap between supply and demand. The impact of international affairs on housing also sparked discussion, as did the Federal reserve and upcoming midterm elections. Lastly, Jonathan and Mark chat about Mark's upcoming book, which will feature insights on the housing market from Mark's time at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Read Mark's full biography. Read more about the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

The May jobs report is out, and labor force participation is up–but is the news all positive? HPS Partner Matt McDonald joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss the ongoing labor market recovery from the pandemic and its implications for the Fed's efforts to control inflation. Plus, the group breaks down Lael Brainard's latest comments on the likelihood of a September rate hike pause, recession fears, and more. Read MPP's latest Five Minute Macro report here. Read HPS' jobs day fact sheet here.

On the latest episode of HPS Insights, HPS Partner Tony Fratto and Senior Director Elliott Owensby are joined by Alex Parker, writer, researcher, and Principal at Capitol Counsel. The group discusses the latest in international tax, including delays in progress on a global tax framework, the politics of international tax, and more.See the HPS International Tax Tracker.

Consumers' feelings toward the economy may be sour, but their spending tells a different story. In this edition of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick of CivicScience to discuss the latest ESI report and the strength of the consumer, despite inflation and rising prices. The group also dives into what summer travel demand means for airlines and shares their takes on the stock market—including an optimistic outlook for the second half of the year. Read this week's HPS-CivicScience Economic Sentiment Index here.

In this edition of HPS Insights, HPS Partner Tony Fratto and Senior Director Stephanie Dodge host Fanta Traore, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Sadie Collective, and Young-Chan Lim and Doug Ortiz, members of the working group for the Cross-Policy School White Paper on Anti-Racism, for a conversation on racial equity in graduate public policy programs. Fanta, Young-Chan, and Doug discuss the Sadie Collective's upcoming white paper, which draws on input from students across the country to offer recommendations for making graduate public policy programs more inclusive. The group also discusses how using a racial equity & inclusion (REI) lens over a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens can lead to better outcomes, both for students of color at public policy programs and policymaking itself. Read more about the Sadie Collective here.  Read more about Fanta Traore, Executive Director of the Sadie Collective, here.

Recession fears abound, and market volatility is up–but will inflation come down enough? In this edition of the Macrocast, Dennis DeBusschere, President and founder of 22V Research, joins guest host and HPS Managing Director Meghan Pennington and John and Brendan from Markets Policy Partners. The group discusses the latest turmoil in equity and crypto markets, where investors are pricing in recession concerns, even as doubt lingers about the Fed's capacity to rein in inflation.Read about 22V Research here.Read Markets Policy Partners' latest Five Minute Macro post here.

On the latest episode of Crypto Convos, host Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Grayscale's Chief Legal Officer, Craig Salm. The pair discussed Craig's background in law and his interest in crypto, how Grayscale combines crypto with traditional investing, the company's campaign for a Bitcoin spot ETF, and what's next in crypto. Show Notes Grayscale's SEC Comment Letter Submission Page CNBC: Grayscale Tells SEC That Turning Biggest Bitcoin Fund Into ETF Will Unlock $8 Billion For Investors Updated SEC Comment Letter From Davis Polk, Grayscale's Law Firm 'A New Argument for a Bitcoin ETF' By Craig Salm @CraigSalm on Twitter

MPP's John and Brendan are joined by HPS Partner Bryan DeAngelis on today's episode of the Macrocast. The group chats about the many news-worthy market updates from this busy week, including what is happening with tech and crypto stocks. Despite the volatility, the group explains why they feel that comparisons between the current financial moment and the 2008 financial crisis are unfounded.

On today's episode of HPS Insights, Bryan DeAngelis and Elliott Owensby interview Niki Christoff, CEO of Christoff & Co. and host of the Tech'ed Up podcast. The group dives into Niki's unique tech-sector and communications background, which she has leveraged to educate key audiences on important topics like decentralized finance (DeFi) and crypto. Niki also speaks to the ongoing digital currency debates in Washington, D.C. Show Notes: Niki Christoff Website Tech'ed Up with Niki Christoff Podcast @NikiChristoff on Twitter

In this edition of the Macrocast, HPS Partner Matt McDonald and SW4 Insights Founder Brai Odion-Esene join Tony, John, and Brendan to tackle the April jobs report and May FOMC meeting. Job creation is on "cruise control," with another month of steady growth, but wage growth has fallen behind rising prices. Check out the episode for why this trend might be good news for controlling inflation.

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In today's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by HPS' Meghan Pennington and CivicScience's John Dick to cover all things GDP. The group discusses the politics of the GDP,  the messaging challenges and political consequences the Democrats face, and how Q1's GDP number is a bigger reflection of how we calculate GDP, and not the broader economic environment. The group also discusses the gauntlet of technology earnings and this week's ESI report. Show Notes: Find the 2022 Q1 GDP calculation here. Read this week's ESI fact sheet here.

On today's episode of HPS Insights, host Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Stacy Kerr, Partner at HPS and former advisor to Speaker Pelosi, and Jonathan Graffeo, Managing Director at HPS and former Senate staffer, to discuss the political landscape leading into the 2022 midterm elections. The group discussed what might influence the outcome of the election, including inflation, immigration issues, and more. They then dive into predictions about whether or not Democrats will retain control of the House and Senate in November and messages we can expect to see from both parties.

On today's Macrocast, Tony and Brendan cover the latest market trends, focusing on the global energy market and challenges that arise when a country attempts to switch its energy source. The two also discuss international economic outlooks more broadly, centered on this week's International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings and the release of the World Economic Outlook.  Plus, they share the highest priority issues emerging from the spring meetings.   Shownotes: Read more about the World Economic Outlook

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In today's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan tackle the latest inflation data, China's disastrous COVID policies, and Elon Musk's bid to buy Twitter. Most of all, the group discusses whether the U.S. is finally over the worst of core inflation. Supply chain challenges will persist, but could demand for goods cool down soon? Show Notes: -Read the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data here. -Read HPS' latest jobs day fact sheet here.

On this week's HPS Insights, we are bringing back a great conversation with Linda Goler Blount, the President & CEO of the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI), on BWHI's work to help protect and advance the health of Black women and women of color. Hosted by HPS Partner Stacy Kerr and Managing Director Kriston McIntosh, the group dives into the impact of COVID-19 on the Black community and the potential for future action to remove discriminatory barriers to accessing quality healthcare.

On today's Macrocast, Tony Fratto and Brendan Walsh are joined by Ben Koltun, Director of Research at Beacon Policy Advisors, LLC, to discuss the state of reconciliation efforts in Congress and how—once again—Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) are at the center of it all. The crew also dives into recent news coming out of the Federal Reserve, which is looking to stick the landing between curbing inflation and averting a recession.Show Notes: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) "throws cold water on BBB revival" Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) supported a $1.5 trillion topline Build Back Better figure with offsets Governor Lael Brainard's Federal Reserve speech on inflation Walmart to Pay First-Year Truck Drivers as Much as $110,000 Upcoming Bank of Canada Interest Rate Announcement and Monetary Policy Report on 4/13

In this edition of the Macrocast, HPS Partner Matt McDonald and CivicScience's John Dick join Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss a series of new data releases this week. Friday's strong jobs report clashes with another poor Economic Sentiment Index reading, as inflation looms large in consumers' minds. Will the Fed hike interest rates by 50 basis points? And do investors trust them to do so without triggering a recession?Show NotesRead the latest Economic Sentiment Index from HPS and CivicScience here. Read HPS' jobs fact sheet for March 2022 here.

In this episode of HPS Insights, Mark Slaga, Global Practice Lead for Digital Workplace Services at Kyndryl, joins host Bryan DeAngelis to reflect on how the way we work has changed since the onset of the pandemic two years ago. Mark, who has led Kyndryl's work guiding Fortune 500 companies through the transition to remote and hybrid work, shares his insights into which COVID-induced changes are here to stay and which will fade.  Above all, businesses will need to give all employees, regardless of where they work, equal opportunity to excel at work and participate in company culture.Read more about Mark Slaga here.Learn about Kyndryl's Digital Workplace Services practice here.

In today's episode, veteran U.S. Treasury official Mark Sobel joins Tony, John, and Brendan to unpack the growing concerns around dollar dominance. The group discussed why dollar dominance is here to stay, sanctions' impact on its power, why other currencies like China's RMB don't pose a threat to the dollar's global role, as well as behind the scenes insights on why the Fed won't be making any statements on the dollar anytime soon. Show Notes: Mark Sobel is U.S. Chairman at the Official Monetary And Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF). A veteran U.S. Treasury official, Mark has been at the forefront of international financial diplomacy for two decades, serving as the Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for international monetary and financial policy and representing the US. on the International Monetary Fund executive board. Check out his bio and Twitter. OMFIF is an independent think tank for central banking, economic policy and public investment, providing a neutral platform for public and private sector engagement worldwide.   OMFIF: Website and Twitter Mark Sobel's Article: Russia sanctions, the renminbi and the dollar’s future: The Red Herring Returns

On this episode of HPS Insights, Managing Director and in-house Russia expert Stratton Kirton is joined by fellow Managing Director and former Senate Appropriations Committee staffer Jonathan Graffeo to discuss the various impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They touch on energy market volatility, congressional Ukraine aid in the recent Omnibus bill, the impact of sanctions, and more. Tune in!Show Notes: Historic Context And Economic Background Of Russia's War On Ukraine, Stratton Kirton and Jessica Soforenko, Hamilton Place Strategies Senate Passes $1.5 Trillion Spending Bill That Includes Aid for Ukraine, Siobhan Hughes and Teresa Mettela, The Wall Street Journal What’s the historic connection between high oil prices and recession?, Samantha Fields, Marketplace Guest Biographies: Stratton Kirton, Managing Director, Hamilton Place Strategies Jonathan Graffeo, Managing Director, Hamilton Place Strategies

In today's episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by special guest Brai Odion-Esene, HPS alum and founder of SW4 Insights, a D.C.-based advisory firm providing intelligence and strategic counsel. The group chats about recent Federal Open Market Committee developments and some of the relevant stakeholders and factors that impact Fed decision making. In the second half of the episode, the conversation shifts towards recent market impacts resulting from sanctions on Russia; particularly in the nickel and wheat markets.    Show notes: Brai Odion-Esene's biography Analyses from SW4 Insights  London Metal Exchange

On the first edition of Macrocast Live, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by three economic policy experts with decades of experience watching markets: Victoria Guida of Politico, Jim Pethokoukis of AEI, and Nathan Sheets of Citi. They discuss inflation dynamics, future Fed actions, and the impact of geopolitical turmoil on the global economy. This is an episode you do not want to miss! Show Notes: Jim's Substack: Faster, Please!  Jim's Twitter: @JimPethokoukis Victoria's Twitter: @vtg2 Victoria's Latest Work From Politico Guest Biographies Victoria Guida: Economics reporter covering the Federal Reserve, Treasury, and broader economy for Politico. Victoria has spent her Washington career writing about bank regulations, monetary policy, and trade negotiations. Jim Pethokoukis: The Dewitt Wallace Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he writes and edits the AEIdeas blog, hosts a weekly podcast, "Political Economy with James Pethokoukis," and writes the substack Faster, Please!  Nathan Sheets: Citi's Global Chief Economist, where he oversees the global economics team and leads research across all areas of economics. During the Obama administration, Sheets served as Undersecretary of the U.S. Treasury for International Affairs.

On the newest episode of HPS' Crypto Convos, HPS Partner and series host Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Aaron Klein, senior fellow in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution, focused on financial technology, financial regulation, and more. Bryan and Aaron unpack President Biden's new executive order on digital assets and discuss the importance of crypto and digital financial assets to cross-border remittances. The pair also look ahead to the future of commercial and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and how crypto is changing the nature of war, as evidenced by its role in the Ukraine conflict. Show Notes: FACT SHEET: President Biden to Sign Executive Order on Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets President's Working Group Report on Stablecoins Federal Reserve of Boston's Project Hamilton

On today's Macrocast, John Dick from CivicScience joins Tony and John Fagan to discuss the latest economic sentiment reading. The conflict in Ukraine is threatening to drag the consumer outlook to a new low, eclipsing the pandemic as consumers' primary concern. Plus, the group contrasts how the U.S. and Europe are weathering the dual crises of inflation and Ukraine. Read the latest economic sentiment index update here. Read more insights from CivicScience here.

In today's episode of HPS Insights, Bryan DeAngelis interviews his good friend and Director of Engagement & Special Projects for Delaware Governor John Carney, Emily David Hershman. Bryan and Emily dive deep into how states like Delaware have managed the pandemic over the past two years, coordinated with other states and the federal government, and worked to develop lasting trust in statewide institutions. Follow Emily on Twitter (@emdave3)and check out more details in the show notes below! Show Notes: VisitDelaware.com Delaware COVID-19 Dashboard First COVID-19 case in Delaware on March 11, 2020 Only 50% of Delawareans ages 18-35 were vaccinated by June 2021 Delaware engaged in door-knocking to spread COVID vaccine information California SMARTER coronavirus plan John Gallagher Jr. COVID-19 Video Elena Delle Donne COVID-19 Video

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Tony and Brendan are joined by HPS Partner Matt McDonald to discuss the strong February jobs report. They also debate the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on inflation dynamics, supply chains, U.S.-China relations, and Europe. Tune in for a recap of a busy week around the world.Show Notes:February Jobs Report Fact Sheet (From Hamilton Place Strategies)February's Jobs Report (From the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

In this edition of HPS Insights, Tony Fratto hosts HPS Managing Directors and Hill alums Jonathan Graffeo and Kriston McIntosh for a discussion on President Biden's  State of the Union address. The group evaluates the President's efforts to build unity around Ukraine, the pandemic, the remnants of BBB, and more. Read the full transcript of the State of the Union address here. Find Jonathan Graffeo's bio here. Find Kriston McIntosh's bio here.

In today's episode, HPS Managing Director and Russia expert Stratton Kirton joins Bryan, John, and Brendan to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its economic implications. Stratton breaks down the latest sanctions on Russia and how they'll impact Putin's strategic calculus and global markets. The group also looks ahead to how central banks may respond to the crisis, with the next Fed meeting set for early March.

In this episode of HPS Insights, Meghan interviews HPS's Andrea Christianson, JinAh Kim, Maggie Wang, and Parker St. Jean about their recent project, Capitol Chatter: A Quarterly Analysis of Congressional Tweets. The team chats about how Twitter mentions of certain issues can differ from mainstream media coverage. They also discuss emerging trends in elected officials' approach to Tweeting, contrasting recent posts about inflation from Democratic and Republican Members of Congress as an example. This week's guests also explain how the analysis has changed over time and give a preview on changes we'll likely see in future quarters.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick to discuss the Economic Sentiment Index's (ESI) record drop and people's "sour" outlook that extends past just the economy. The group also dives into the uncertainties present in the Ukraine-Russia situation, the Fed's tough job ahead, and what to expect next week—from PMIs to the Iran Nuclear Deal talks and more.

In this installment of Crypto Convos, Will McDonough, CEO of Corestone Capital and Vice Chairman of Valkyrie Investments, joins HPS Partners Matt McDonald and Bryan DeAngelis and Markets Policy Partners' Brendan Walsh to discuss the maturing regulatory landscape around crypto assets. McDonough shares his experience navigating the SEC approval process for Valkyrie's groundbreaking, crypto-based ETFs and offers insights into some of the fundamental questions about the nature of crypto and its regulatory future. You can read more about Valkyrie here.

Hosted by Elliott Owensby and Bryan DeAngelis, Crypto Convos is a miniseries from HPS, featuring interviews with crypto experts from across the industry to explore their perspectives on new developments in the crypto space. In this episode, Bryan and Elliott host Alex Sternhell, Principal at the Sternhell Group and top Washington strategist in the financial services public policy space. Bryan, Elliott, and Alex discuss the current status of cryptocurrency on the Hill, including potential legislation and regulation on the horizon, as well as the current level of familiarity Hill folks have with crypto issues.

On the inaugural episode of HPS Insight's Crypto Convos miniseries, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Elliott Owensby are joined by special guest Amit Sharma, CEO and Founder of FinClusive, to discuss FinClusive's role in expanding digital financial access across the globe, the tension between counter-terrorist financing and financial inclusion, as well as the importance of financial inclusion to U.S. national security.

On today's Macrocast, Tony and Brendan are joined by the Founder of SW4 Insights, Brai Odion-Esene, to discuss this week's inflation and earnings figures. The group dives into why the conventional wisdom of what is driving higher prices—and expectations of what the Federal Reserve can do to address them—is often misguided.

On today's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by HPS' Matt McDonald to discuss January's job numbers and economic growth despite inflation and COVID-19 concerns. Plus, the group dives into the latest corporate earnings reports, with some surprising standout performances!

In this live episode of HPS Insights, HPS Partners Bryan DeAngelis and Matt McDonald are joined by Ballast Research's Mike Gottlieb and Michael Griffin to discuss their new report, Washington Insights Review, Redefining Corporate Citizenship: Policymaker Perceptions of Corporate Engagement in DC. They discuss emerging new standards for corporate citizenship, the impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives in D.C., and more.

The Fed seems set on significant quantitative tightening in 2022, but the latest Core PCE data suggests inflation could begin to stabilize in the coming months. John Dick joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss how much markets are pricing in an expected tightening, and how much work will be left for the Fed to do. Plus, the group breaks down the market impacts of the tensions in Ukraine and considers the trajectory of the Great Resignation.

In today's book recommendation episode of HPS Insights, Tony interviews his good friend Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman about her new book, "The Black Agenda," out today! The two chat about the book, a collection of essays by Black experts on a variety of public policy topics, and discuss why it is so important to include Black voices in public policy debates. In addition to her latest credential as editor of "The Black Agenda," Anna is an award-winning researcher and writer and the co-founder of the Sadie Collective. Follow Anna on Twitter @itsafronomics and purchase your copy of "The Black Agenda" today.

What's next for the tech antitrust legislation moving through the Senate? Adam Kovacevich, Founder and CEO of tech advocacy group Chamber of Progress, and HPS Senior Director Elliott Owensby join HPS Partner Bryan DeAngelis for a recap of last Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee markup of the bill. The group discusses how Senator Klobuchar's proposal to block tech companies from giving preferential treatment to their products might take shape. Follow @AdamKovac and learn more about Chamber of Progress here.

On this week's edition of the Macrocast, Fanta Traore—CEO and Co-Founder of the Sadie Collective—joins Brendan and John to discuss inflation, Federal Reserve nominations, and the prospect of a new digital dollar. In particular, the group focuses on how these topics intersect with equity in society.

In this week's edition of the Macrocast, Loren Smith from Skyline Policy Risk Group joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss all things supply chain, diving into the "subplots" behind this ongoing crisis, including China geopolitics, omicron, infrastructure, workforce, and more. Plus, the group breaks down the newest CPI & PPI numbers and inflation's outlook.

In the first HPS Macrocast of Season Four and of the new year, Tony, John, Brendan, and HPS' Matt McDonald discuss the last jobs report data of 2021, potential actions the Fed will take in 2022, and the likely economic impacts of the omicron variant.

To wrap up Season Three of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, Brendan, and John look back on another tumultuous year in markets, politics, and society. The group assesses the Biden administration's performance in its first year and discusses what 2022 might hold for Build Back Better, U.S.-China relations, the Fed, and the pandemic. Plus, Tony, Brendan, and John share the best books they read in 2021.

On today's Macrocast, guest host @mdpen and @MarketsPolicy discuss central bank developments in response to worsening inflation, the state of Build Back Better, and Democratic politics in the Senate.

Today's leaders must adapt to growing risks when it comes to public health, security, the environment, and more. But even when these risks are known, leaders are often unprepared to face them. In this edition of HPS Insights, General Stanley McChrystal and Anna Butrico, co-authors of Risk: A User's Guide, join HPS Partners Tony Fratto and Stacy Kerr to discuss how leaders should think about risk in a complex world.

On this edition of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the latest CPI number and monetary policy responses to inflation in the U.S. and abroad. They also talk about the debt ceiling, the latest Build Back Better bill developments, and the status of the EU post-Merkel.

On this Jobs Day edition of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by HPS' Stratton Kirton to discuss Jobs Day numbers, Chairman Powell's recent testimony on the potential inflation impacts of the Omicron variant, as well as OPEC's recent moves in the oil market.

On this Black Friday edition of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick to discuss the holiday shopping season and the expected impact of inflation and supply chain disruptions on consumer sentiment. The group also discusses Biden's renomination of Fed Chairman Powell, strategic oil reserve news, and the economic data to look for as we head into December.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by The Center for Strategic & International Studies' Stephanie Segal to discuss inflation concerns, the recent U.S.-China Summit, energy prices, and the reemergence of industrial policy.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan take an in-depth look at the latest inflation data and discuss which inflationary trends will persist and which will subside. Plus, the group breaks down an often overlooked element of investing: geostrategic risk.

In this edition of HPS Insights, HPS Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis sits down with former Senator Ben Nelson, the author of the new book “Death of the Senate.” Senator Nelson discusses potential solutions for overcoming gridlock in "the world's greatest deliberative body," stories from his tenure, and his unique perspective on Senate norms and the filibuster.

On today's Macrocast, ​Matt joins Tony, John, and Brendan ​to ​discuss October's job numbers, ​the effects of ​COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions on the economy, ​Chairman Powell's Fed announcements, and the potential votes on the infrastructure and reconciliation bills ​in Congress.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the prospects of the infrastructure bill in the House, reconciliation, key factors influencing the Virginia gubernatorial election, and what the Fed can do to ease supply chain woes.

On today's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss inflation and global supply chain concerns, the potential impact of the infrastructure and reconciliation bills on economic growth, and more.

On today's Macrocast, John Dick from CivicScience joins Bryan and Brendan to discuss the public's perspective on inflation. Plus, the gang breaks down the latest HPS Economic Sentiment Index reading, bank earnings, and the outlook for President Biden's nomination for Chair of the Federal Reserve.

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by Matt McDonald to break down the latest jobs numbers, including what they mean for the U.S. economy going forward and how they will influence Fed decision making. They also talk about gas price volatility around the world, the increase in the debt ceiling, infrastructure bill developments, and the upcoming Virginia Governor's race. Tune in!

On today's episode of HPS Insights, Michael Steel, Partner at HPS, and Kelly Wanser, Executive Director at SilverLining, discuss the organization's work to drive research and policy on understanding and responding to near-term climate risk.

On today's Macrocast, Bryan, John, and Brendan discuss a hectic week on the Hill, from the averted government shutdown to the urgency surrounding the debt ceiling, infrastructure vote, and reconciliation package. The trio also dug into whether Federal Reserve Chair Powell will be renominated by Biden and how several other Fed governor and regional president seats are likely to be filled in the coming months.

On today's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by former Treasury official Bob Dohner to discuss the consequences of the Evergrande debt crisis, its effects on Chinese domestic politics, the global economy, and U.S.-China relations. The group also looks ahead to next week's CPI numbers and the upcoming election in Germany.

HPS Partner Stacy Kerr and John and Brendan from Markets Policy Partners talk through the debt ceiling, budget negotiations, and the latest news from China. Plus, the gang discusses takeaways from California's recall election.

Bryan, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick of Civic Science to discuss the implications of Biden's new vaccination plan and what that means for job seekers and return to office plans. They also talk about inflation and its impact on consumer spending—including how long spending habits during the pandemic can go on, and the potential of warming relations between the US & China.

On today's Macrocast, ​Matt McDonald and Market Policy Partners' John Fagan and Brendan Walsh discuss​ ​the broader economic implications of the disappointing August jobs data ​and ​China's recent heavy-handed anti-private sector activity.

On Today's Macrocast, Tony Fratto and Market Policy Partners' John Fagan and Brendan Walsh discuss regional FOMC Presidents' pushes to rollback quantitative easing measures as the economy recovers from the pandemic and as inflation increases. The group also discusses oil price fluctuations amidst perceived economic uncertainty.

In this edition of HPS Insights, HPS Partner Michael Steel sits down with Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association and author of "James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House." Stewart and Michael discuss the work of the White House Historical Association and shed light on the story of James Hoban, an overlooked figure in American history whose legacy is known around the world.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan share their thoughts on the state of consumer spending, potential Federal Reserve tapering, and recent corporate earnings. They also discuss economic developments in China and oil prices.

In this week's Macrocast, Tony, Brendan, and John discuss how the Chinese Communist Party is reacting to the global reach of their private sector companies. They also share their expectations for what's next on the infrastructure bill and upcoming changes in inflation.

On today's Macrocast, HPS's Matt McDonald and Market Policy Partners' Brendan Walsh are joined by John Dick of CivicScience to discuss July's job report and economic prospects amidst uncertainty over the Delta variant.

In this edition of HPS Insights, Managing Directors Bryan DeAngelis and Andrea Christianson and Associates Maggie Wang and Koby Gordon discuss HPS' latest quarterly analysis of members of Congress' tweets. They touch on declining mentions of COVID-19, rising mentions of infrastructure, and who holds the title of most prolific congressional tweeter.

In this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss new Federal Reserve developments and the tentative bipartisan infrastructure deal. Plus, the group breaks down Beijing's offensive against Chinese private sector businesses and the frosty state of U.S.-China relations.

In this week's Macrocast, Bryan, John, and Brendan are joined by CG/LA Infrastructure's Norman Anderson to discuss his new book "VISION: Our Strategic Infrastructure Roadmap Forward", which has been lauded by many as a roadmap for President Biden's infrastructure plan. You can purchase a copy of Norman's book here: https://amzn.to/2UGImYw.  Plus, the group forecasts the Federal Reserve's next steps as the Delta variant continues to rage and policymakers look ahead to return to work and school in the fall.

In this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan break down the latest retail sales data and look ahead to the uncertain future of the infrastructure negotiations. Plus, the group discusses the political and economic implications of the new child tax credit payments.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by CivicScience CEO John Dick to break down the new Economic Sentiment Index (ESI). They also discuss concerns about economic growth, COVID-19's implications on the future of work, and why more people than ever before are paying others to mow their lawns.

In this edition of HPS Insights, HPS Partner Michael Steel and Managing Directors Bryan DeAngelis and Meghan Pennington tackle the latest on the infrastructure negotiations set to resume as Congress returns from recess. With progressives, moderate Democrats, and Republicans at odds over the two major infrastructure bills, the group discusses which legislation—if any—will pass.

HPS Managing Director Meghan Pennington joins John and Brendan to discuss the jobs day news, the Fed, and the ongoing infrastructure negotiations. Plus, the gang discusses the international support for a global minimum tax and what it might take to get holdouts like Ireland on board.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the infrastructure deal and the two-step approach to an infrastructure package with the bipartisan agreement and reconciliation. The crew also talks through Federal Reserve Chair Powell's comments on inflation and the conversation on tapering between the doves and hawks of the FOMC. Plus, they break down the latest on fiscal policy across the pond in Europe and take a look ahead to next week's jobs report.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by Diamondnia Mack of the Sadie Collective for a special Juneteenth edition of the Macrocast to discuss the pipeline problem in economics and how to get more Black women involved in the field. They also take a broader look at the economy to discuss transitory inflation concerns and the latest FOMC meeting.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss Thursday's inflation report and break down the latest developments in Washington. The group analyzes President Biden's first trip to Europe for the G7 Summit and the ongoing infrastructure negotiations in Congress, where the window for a bipartisan deal may be closing.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by Stratton Kirton, Managing Director at HPS, to break down the solid May jobs numbers. The group discusses the historically low labor participation rate and what markets will be watching for at the Fed's Jackson Hole summit. They also cover what's going on with "meme stocks," including regulatory concerns and an explainer on shareholder rights and how companies go about raising capital.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by special guest Ana Murgai of SpaceKnow to discuss the shifting information landscape for economic data. In particular, they dive into how the democratization and commoditization of satellite data is impacting investors. They also unpack the factors driving inflation and look forward to jobs numbers next week.

In this installment of HPS' series on landing jobs in DC, HPS Partner Matt McDonald speaks with Tom Manatos, Vice President of Government Relations at Spotify and the mind behind Tom Manatos Jobs, and Mo Elleithee, Executive Director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service. Tom and Mo break down the all-important topic of networking and explain how young professionals can find their path forward in the murky world of DC careers.

In the final episode of a new HPS Insights special series on recent college graduates getting a job in DC, HPS Partner Matt McDonald sits down with three HPS associates Cole Kline, Matisse Rogers, and Koby Gordon to chat about how to approach the beginning of your career and make the most out of your first job out of college.

In the second installment of the new HPS Insight series, "How To Get A Job In DC," which demystifies the process of getting a first job in D.C., HPS Partner Matt McDonald speaks with Chandlee Bryan, Assistant Director for the Center for Professional Development at Dartmouth College, and Bob Coates, Assistant Director for Co-Curricular Programs for Dartmouth's Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy, about translating your story into a compelling application. The three discuss pitfalls into which students often fall - conceptualizing their resume as a summary, submitting cover letters that don't demonstrate familiarity with the company, and more - and the steps students should take to ensure their applications stand out.

In the first episode of a special HPS Insights series on how recent college graduates can land jobs in DC, HPS Partner Matt McDonald sits down with Sadie Polen, Program Lead at the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School; Lynn Halton, Supervisor of the University of Michigan's Public Service Intern Program; and Ian Solomon, Dean of the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia. Each guest shares advice on what campus resources current college students can tap into to prepare them for a post-grad world.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss FOMC minutes, the Federal Reserve's messaging on economic recovery and inflation, and how other central banks are approaching easing. The crew also talks through cryptocurrency volatility and the challenges of regulation.

In this installment of the new HPS Insights special series on health disparities and minority health, in partnership with the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC), HPS Partner Stacy Kerr and Tammy Boyd of the Black Women's Health Imperative are joined by Dr. Sana Syed, Health Policy and Advocacy Director of the American Muslim Health Professionals. Dr. Syed discusses the work being done to improve healthcare access in Muslim communities and beyond—both before and during COVID-19—and to address the bias embedded in healthcare delivery, including medical training and diagnostic tools. Dr. Syed shares insights from her research on representation in clinical trials, as well as what groups across the medical profession can do to better serve the diverse Muslim population.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick this week to discuss recent data showing a spike in consumer inflation concerns: 90% of consumers are now very or somewhat concerned about inflation. The gang discusses what consumers are mistaking for inflation (volatile food and energy prices, supply chain issues, increased demand), and why those misconceptions are powerful. Plus, they take a look at how inflation hysteria has affected the markets and the Fed.

Stacy Kerr and Bryan DeAngelis speak with Mike Hayes, the former Commanding Officer of SEAL Team TWO, a White House Fellow, and former Director of Defense Policy Strategy at the National Security Council. Now Chief Digital Transformation Officer at VMWare, Mike discusses the lessons shared in his new book, "Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning." He discusses the importance of trying and failing, leading and following, and how to foster compromise in the country.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by Stratton Kirton, Managing Director at HPS, to break down the surprising April jobs numbers. The gang discusses why predictions may have missed the mark and what the numbers mean for the state of economic recovery. They also discuss Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stepping on the Fed's toes and the implications of the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine patent decision.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by Bryan DeAngelis to discuss President Biden's first 100 days in office, his infrastructure plan, and his speech to Congress. They also dive into the latest FOMC meeting and prospects for a taper.

Matt and Brendan are joined by Matt Dell Orfano for a special edition of the Macrocast to dive into what's happening on the inflation front, what the implications are for consumers and companies, and what this all means for monetary policy over the coming years. They talk through various factors causing a squeeze during the pandemic, from supply chain issues to raw material costs, and forecast how reopening will impact the cost of goods.

HPS Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis is joined by Brett Garson, Managing Director and Chief Counsel for Smith, Dawson & Andrews, a government affairs company in Washington, DC. With over a decade of experience in transportation and infrastructure issues, Brett breaks down the infrastructure debate and where there could be bipartisan agreement. Brett and Bryan also discuss how state and local governments are putting the pressure on for infrastructure spending and make predictions on when a package will be passed.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by Megan Greene, Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and accomplished economist. The team breaks down the debate between "old school" economists, like Larry Summers, who think there is a single equilibrium and heterodox economists and the Biden administration, who argue there are multiple equilibria. The crew discusses how this debate is touching the markets, taxes, and debt.

In the first episode of a new HPS Insights special series on health disparities and minority health, in partnership with the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC), HPS Partner, Stacy Kerr, is joined by Tammy Boyd of the Black Women's Health Imperative and special guest Dr. Elena Rios, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association. During the conversation Dr. Rios shares more about the work being done to help improve Hispanic health outcomes, the evolution of healthcare access and social determinants of health, and the impact of COVID-19 on Hispanic communities. Dr. Rios also discusses her work with RDDC and the policies that need to be put in place to help improve health outcomes, diagnose and treat those with rare diseases, and improve economic mobility across the country.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick to discuss the state of the economy and how consumers are navigating the slow return to "normal." While optimism and pessimism seem to be butting heads, John Dick breaks down the state of consumer economic sentiment, vaccine uptake, and more. The crew also discusses the current state of return to work, earnings results, and the new Treasury foreign exchange policy report.

In this edition of DistilledDC, HPS Managing Director Andrea Christianson sits down with Marneé Banks, Chief Communications Officer at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and former Communications Director for U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). Marneé traces her path from journalism to the Hill to conservation, breaking down the greatest challenges along the way. She also knows a thing or two about getting bears out of trees.

Tony, John and Brendan talk through the highly-anticipated producer price index (PPI) report, the vaccine rollout in the U.S. and internationally, and the signs of inflation. They discuss the central banks' wait-and-see approach and reminisce on the old days of inflation. The crew also breaks down the debate on the Biden infrastructure package and the proposed pay-fors.

In the latest edition of Distilled DC, a miniseries focusing on how communicators distill complexity, HPS Managing Director Andrea Christianson speaks with Rayna Farrell, Chief of Staff, Public Affairs at Business Roundtable. Rayna shares her insight on working with CEOs and business leaders, engaging with various legislative issues, and being a new mom in the workplace (or at home) during the pandemic. She also offers her advice on adaptability, mentorship, and learning to find your voice.

Matt, John, and Brendan unpack the strong jobs report, discuss the Biden infrastructure package, and talk through how increasing vaccination numbers will help the economy rebound. They also chat about demand for oil and the recent OPEC meeting.

On this week's Macrocast, HPS Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis sits down with the gang from Markets Policy Partners to tackle the latest news on inflation, energy, and  emerging markets. Plus, find out what the blockage of the Suez Canal means for global supply chains.

In this special episode of Distilled DC, a new miniseries focusing on how communicators distill complexity HPS Managing Director, Andrea Christianson sits down with other women leading HPS. The group discusses the women they admire, from the ones they’ve only encountered in books to the ones they know well, what work from home has meant for professional women, and advice for women just starting out: cultivate mentors, embrace non-linear career paths, and always, always raise your hand.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick this week to discuss recent data showing economic sentiment hit its highest level since before the pandemic declaration. The gang discusses what this positive consumer outlook means for the real economy, the most recent statements and positions from the Fed, supply chain disruptions, and the continued focus on inflation.

This week, Tony, John, and Brendan reflect on the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 in the US. The gang breaks down the diverging monetary and fiscal approaches to economic recovery in the US and EU, finding reasons for optimism in the former and reasons for concern in the latter. Plus, find out how the latest $1.9T stimulus could aid Europe's recovery.

In the latest edition of Distilled DC, a new miniseries focusing on how communicators distill complexity, HPS Managing Director Stratton Kirton sits down with Natasha Dabrowski, Communications Director and Senior Advisor at The New Democrat Coalition. Natasha shares what she's learned from juggling communications for a coalition made up of dozens of Representatives, how to succeed in the current media environment, and her tips crafting messaging on issues that don't easily fit into a hashtag or bumper sticker.

In the latest edition of Distilled DC, a new miniseries focusing on how communicators distill complexity, HPS Managing Director, Andrea Christianson sits down with Meaghan Leister, Chief of National Communications & Outreach at Longwell Partners. Meaghan shares her insight on what it was like managing the communications for Republican Voters Against Trump, what goes into an effective media pitch, and how to best build relationships in DC.

On this week’s Macrocast, Tony, Matt, John, and Brendan discuss a source of optimism: February’s robust job numbers. The team unpacks how good news for recovery and the economy has spelled some bad news for financial markets. Plus, they talk through OPEC’s decision to extend current output cuts.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss Powell's Humphrey-Hawkins testimony, how inflation will play out post-pandemic, and the status of the $1.9T stimulus package. They also dive into the minimum wage fight and talk about the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on communities of color.

Distilled DC, a new miniseries hosted by HPS Managing Director, Andrea Christianson, focuses on how communicators distill complexity. In this inaugural episode, Andrea sits down with Sarah Pompei, founder at The Authentic Irpinia, a wine club focused on elevating small production, family-run wineries. Previously a Communications Director for Lyft, HP, and the House Majority Whip's Office, Sarah gives advice to new and seasoned communicators about building trust and turning doubters into allies. Her thoughts for communicators looking to make a change: wine not?

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick from CivicScience to discuss how the markets and consumers are handling this odd holding pattern of economic activity. While markets seem to have an eye towards recovery and the retail economy seems stable, a quarter of Americans are still struggling, with a disproportionate impact on women. The gang discusses what this means for the long-term health of the economy and how the shifting nature of remote work will ultimately impact the post-Covid world.

HPS Partner Stacy Kerr and Managing Director Kriston McIntosh are joined by Linda Goler Blount, the President & CEO of the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI). Linda discusses the work of BWHI to help protect and advance the health of Black women and women of color. She also explores the impact of COVID-19 on the Black community and the potential for future action to remove discriminatory barriers to accessing quality healthcare. Linda also highlights her work developing the first-of-its-kind Rare Disease Diversity Coalition that brings together leading health experts to combat the challenges facing minorities with rare diseases.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the economic debate on the stimulus package prompted by Larry Summers' op-ed. The group discusses the Fed's approach to inflation and how optimism on vaccinations are impacting markets. Plus, they talk through the latest on bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

Tony, Matt, John, and Brendan unpack the complicated jobs report, discuss the Biden stimulus package and its critics, and take a moment to review the Trump economy — including discussing how the jobs numbers would have played out in an alternate universe with no pandemic. They also chat about the potential for a pandemic-related baby bust and its economic impact.

Tony, John, and Brendan talk about short squeezes - from Piggly Wiggly to Reddit campaigns, the Federal Reserve’s attempts to talk markets down, and next week’s jobs numbers. The crew reluctantly discusses GameStop and goes long on its implications for how we understand SIFIs and the Fed’s blunt recovery instruments.

Tony, Brendan, & John are joined by John Dick from CivicScience to discuss the outlook for consumers and investors after President Biden's inauguration and first executive actions. The gang discusses the impact of the latest stimulus and the lingering concerns of an unequal, K-shaped recovery. As Tony puts it, "We don't have an output problem, we have acute problems in really important parts of the economy."

HPS Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis speaks with former Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) about Joe Biden’s inauguration and how he will accomplish the enormous tasks he faces upon assuming office. Senator Dodd, one of President-elect Biden’s closest friends, spent nearly three decades serving alongside the President-elect in the United States Senate and worked closely with then Vice President Biden during the passage of Dodd-Frank. Bryan and Senator Dodd discuss life in an evenly divided Senate, bipartisanship, and what this will mean for the Democrat’s legislative agenda.

Tony, John, and Brendan assess President-Elect Biden's stimulus plan, how markets are reacting, and the implications of going big with the initial package. The crew talks through Federal Reserve Chair Powell's recent remarks from his kitchen and Trump's impeachment. As inauguration approaches, they also talk through the Biden administration's road ahead.

In the first Marcoast episode of Season 3, guest host Matt McDonald, John and Brendan from Markets Policy Partners, and Bryan DeAngelis, discuss the fast-moving start to 2021 — from the Georgia Senate elections to the insurrection at the Capitol to the December jobs report. The crew talks market reactions to both and makes predictions on how the Trump presidency will come to a close. They also discuss the December jobs report.

In the final Macrocast episode of 2020, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the wild and unpredictable year — from the COVID-19 pandemic to its economic impacts and the government's fiscal and monetary policy reactions to both. The squad also talks about the socioeconomic and racial divisions highlighted in the past year and makes some predictions looking ahead to 2021.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the last-minute stimulus drama, what to expect in the bill, and the impact this will have on the economy. The gang also discusses the news coming out of the Fed's recent FOMC meeting and what this means for its changing monetary mandate heading into 2021, the (continuing) Brexit drama, and the important consumer metrics to look for next week.

John Dick, Founder and CEO of Civic Science, joins Tony, John, and Brendan to talk through the emerging bipartisan and White House stimulus plans and how the market is reacting to the soon-to-run-out enhanced unemployment benefits. The gang also discusses the recent bifurcation in American consumers' behavior as holiday retail sales pick up before diving into the data expected next week and what it means for 2021.

Bryan DeAngelis and Tony Fratto are joined by Steve Adamske, the Vice President and Head of Communications and Public Affairs for FIA, and former Director of Public Affairs to four CFTC chairmen and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Treasury Department. Steve joins Bryan and Tony to discuss the current state of the economy and how the newly announced Biden economic team can best help jumpstart the economic recovery. Based on their long history of government experience working on economic policy, the group covers best practices and advice on how Congress and the new Administration apply lessons learned from the 2009-2010 recovery to the current crisis.

Matt, John, and Brendan talk through the disappointing jobs report, the market reaction, and a vaccine and potential stimulus on the horizon. The crew also breaks down the Biden administration's economic picks. Plus, the team takes a look ahead across the pond at Brexit negotiations and the ECB meeting.

HPS partners Stacy Kerr and Michael Steel host Jon Selib, Senior Vice President for Global Policy at Pfizer, to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine development and approval process, from the early stages of the pandemic to clinical trials and the vaccine's official approval in the UK. The trio talks about the impact of the important project on the internal culture at Pfizer, the value of working alongside other pharmaceutical companies, and the various considerations involved in vaccine distribution worldwide.

On this Black Friday edition of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by John Dick to discuss the holiday shopping season and how consumers are responding to the latest surge of COVID cases. The gang also discusses the first round of Biden Cabinet picks, the impact of the continued positive vaccine news on the economy, and the economic data to look for as we head into December.

HPS Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis hosts Dan Cox, a research fellow in polling and public opinion at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and director of the Survey Center on American Life, to discuss some of his recent research on the role and impact of conspiracy theories following the 2020 Presidential election. Bryan and Dan also discuss how the media, polarization, and the current political landscape are altering American life and posing challenges for the polling industry moving forwards.

Senior Director Meghan Pennington joins John and Brendan to discuss the unprecedented argument between the Fed and the Treasury Department over unused CARES Act funds and what it means for the possibility of new stimulus. The crew also discusses markets' reactions to the Georgia Senate runoffs, how a divided government could work in 2021, and the latest news about presidential race recounts.

On this week's show, Bryan DeAngelis fills in for Tony and is joined by John and Brendan to discuss the rollercoaster week for markets and how the surge in COVID cases, news of a potential vaccine, and results of the Presidential election are swaying investors. The gang also looks at news coming from the Biden transition and what to expect from the Trump administration during the lame duck on geopolitics and the Fed.

HPS Partner Tucker Warren hosts Eric Schulze, VP of Product and Regulation at Memphis Meats, for a conversation about cell-based meat products, the rise in companies developing these innovative products, and the regulatory procedures behind bringing cell-based meat products to market. Tucker and Eric discuss Memphis Meats' origins and how the company is working to provide consumers with sustainable choices that are healthy and environmentally friendly. The pair also talks about innovations in agriculture and the meat industry globally, how new products are regulated, and new trends in the cell-based meat industry that consumers can expect to see in the coming years.To learn more about Memphis Meats, visit memphismeats.com.

On this Jobs Day Friday and Election Day +3, Matt joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss strong jobs numbers, the shape of the recovery, and the state of the election as well as the future of economic policymaking. The squad also talks about the fiscal and monetary policy outlook coming out of the latest FOMC meeting.

On this week's Macrocast, HPS partners Stacy Kerr and Michael Steel join Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss the state of the Presidential and Congressional races and what different election results could mean for markets. Tony, John, and Brendan also dive into this week's economic data, taking a look at the noteworthy earnings calls, what newly released economic data shows about the state of the economy, and the impact the new COVID surge may have on businesses and markets.

John Dick, CEO of CivicScience, joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss how a delayed stimulus package, pre-Election Day polling, and the prolonged pandemic are affecting consumer sentiment. The crew also talks about what's on consumers' minds heading into the holiday spending season before diving into next week's announcements about the U.S. and Eurozone's Q3 GDP, housing data, and new product announcements in tech.

On the last episode in our series on the Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates, Senior Director Meghan Pennington is joined by Partners Michael Steel and Stacy Kerr to talk through the unusually calm final debate. They discuss how the moderator and muting changed the tone of the debate, the conversation on COVID, and what to expect in the final days before the election.

A new cast of characters joins this episode of the Macrocast. HPS Partner Matt McDonald is joined by HPS Partner Michael Steel and Senior Director Meghan Pennington, as well as Brendan Walsh from Markets Policy Partners, to discuss the speculation on a stimulus deal and what it means for markets. They talk through the dynamics in Congress and the election that are impacting the likelihood and scale of a stimulus package. Plus, the crew takes a look ahead at earnings next week.

HPS Partner Tucker Warren is joined by Ian Jefferies, President & CEO of the Association of American Railroads to discuss the 40-year anniversary of the Staggers Act and the dynamic and competitive industry fostered by this regulatory structure. The two discuss the important role freight rail plays in American society, the economic impact of the industry, and how freight rail has adapted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of e-commerce.

HPS Partner Stacy Kerr joins Tony, John, and Brendan for a recap of the Fed's asset purchases announcement, Brexit's October 15th deadline, and the need for a stimulus bill before or after Election Day in a possible lame duck session. The crew also discusses Wednesday's VP debate and the likelihood of more debates before November 3rd, markets' reactions to the Senate races heating up across the country, campaign spending, and early voting enthusiasm.

HPS Managing Director speaks with HPS Partners Michael Steel and Tucker Warren about the vice presidential debate, discussing the candidates' performance, the significance of vice president in this election, and how this debate may or may not shape the presidential election. They also provide a behind-the-scenes look at the debate preparation process and the difficult job each moderator faces.

On this Jobs Day Friday, Matt joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss disappointing September jobs numbers, news of the House's passage of a $2.2 trillion stimulus bill, and how the remainder of the 2020 campaign cycle plays out with news of the President and First Lady's COVID-19 diagnosis. The crew also discusses the status of the Supreme Court nomination process, the likelihood of the Senate's passage of the stimulus bill before the weekend, and what's ahead next week.

HPS Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis speaks with HPS Partners Michael Steel and Stacy Kerr about the first presidential debate, if it mattered for voters, and if there will be another debate. With the election representing a referendum on President Trump, they discussed if his "style" was effective and if former Vice President Biden exceeded expectations. Plus, they preview the vice presidential debate and the likelihood of a stimulus package ahead of the election.

Tony Fratto and Markets Policy Partners reflect on Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legacy and what the Supreme Court vacancy means for the markets and the likelihood of another stimulus package. The crew also breaks down the Fed's latest monetary policy decisions and the shift to an average inflation target.

Matt McDonald and Stacy Kerr join John and Brendan to discuss the latest from the Federal Reserve, including inflation targets, calls for fiscal stimulus, and muted market reactions to recent announcements. The crew also explores the possibility of another stimulus bill and the realities of election outcomes for 2020 before looking ahead to what's to come as the clock keeps ticking toward November 3rd.

As part of our continuing look at the 2020 elections, HPS partner Michael Steel speaks with Danielle Burr, Uber's head of federal affairs, about Uber's get out the vote efforts this year. With more private sector companies taking an active role in improving voter accessibility in 2020, Burr discusses how and why Uber is using its unique platform to help people get to the polls.

Tony, John, and Brendan take some time this week to reflect on the impact and legacy of 9/11 and how both it, and COVID-19, have redefined national security. The gang also makes sense of current market dynamics, what is happening to stay-at-home stocks, and where the market is headed. Looking ahead, the gang breaks down expected global central bank activity and the likelihood of a new round of federal stimulus relief.

Matt joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss new Jobs Day figures, what jobs are coming back, and what jobs are not. The team also discusses the market selloff, whether the pandemic-driven technology revolution has been oversold, and how markets react to vaccine news. Finally, the squad discusses ECB complaints on a strong Euro and upcoming inflation data.

Michael Steel and Bryan DeAngelis sit down with Jim Tankersley, New York Times tax and economics reporter, to discuss changes in the middle class economy from the 1950s through today and talk about Jim's new book on the topic, "The Riches Of This Land." They also discuss how the fallout of COVID-19 is impacting middle class families and which corporate and federal policies can help build a more inclusive future economy.

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Tony and John are joined by guests Michael Steel and Bryan DeAngelis to break down the RNC convention and discuss the current state of politics. The gang also discusses the Fed's new approach to inflation and what this means both in practice and for markets.

Tony, John, and Brendan are joined by Stacy Kerr and Michael Steel to discuss Fed minutes, unemployment claims, and phase four pandemic package negotiations. The crew also talks about the presidential race, discusses the DNC, and looks ahead to the RNC.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the steepening yield curve, Treasury and muni markets, and how the Fed can tweak lending facilities to meet the moment. The crew also talks through the likelihood of another federal stimulus package. Plus, they discuss housing data, increased fees on mortgages, and what this all means for the housing market.

Matt joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss new Jobs Day figures, the impacts of the pandemic on individual sectors' jobs numbers, and market reactions to the latest interactions between the U.S. and China. The team also discusses ongoing negotiations over the next stimulus package and a possible executive order, the performative aspects of congressional dealmaking, and what's behind the smoke and mirrors of Microsoft's potential deal with TikTok.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss Big Tech's antitrust hearing & Q2 earnings, national security issues in the pharmaceutical supply chain, and this week's FOMC meeting. They also talk about where negotiations stand on a phase four coronavirus relief bill.

John Dick, Founder and CEO of Civic Science, joins Tony, John, and Brendan to discuss the latest economic sentiment index readings—from price sensitivity and savings, to the end of unemployment insurance payments. The guys also discuss the market's response to increasing COVID cases across the country, the pitfalls of the Main Street Lending Program, and the latest on European stimulus. Finally, the crew previews Fed interest rate news, Q2 GDP numbers, and earnings for the tech giants coming up next week.

To cap off a relatively "normal" week, Tony, John, and Brendan talk through what we've learned so far from Q2 earnings and how they represent the divergence in how companies have fared during the pandemic. The gang also takes a global look at the European economy, ECB fiscal stimulus, and how U.S.-China tensions have evolved from trade disputes to cultural confrontation. Plus, they take a look ahead to upcoming earnings.

Sonal Shah, the Founding Executive Director of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown and former Deputy Assistant to President Obama, joins Stacy Kerr and Tony Fratto to discuss inclusive finance and the economic landscape. Sonal shares insights on her experience working on the Biden-Sanders Unity Taskforce, what COVID is exposing in our economy, how to bring new economic voices and perspectives to the forefront, and what government and philanthropic organizations can do to become more nimble.

In a new episode of HPS Insights' special series on higher education we talk to Matt Perault, Director of the Center on Science & Technology Policy and former Head of Global Policy Development at Facebook. Matt joins Stacy and Elliott to discuss synergies between the technology and education worlds and innovation in higher education in the time of COVID-19. They dive into the contributions that universities are making to public policy and discuss tech regulation on the horizon.

Matt, John, and Brendan discuss the state of play with initial government-run pandemic relief programs wrapping up and take a look at how the "real" economy in America is doing at this moment in time. The guys also talk about the 2020 presidential race and preview upcoming Q2 earnings.

Tony, John, and Brendan break down another interesting jobs report and try to make sense of what it means for the state of the economy. The gang also plays a game of "known knowns and known unknowns" to try to figure out what we can expect in the weeks and months ahead for schools, fiscal support, the economic recovery, and even politics.

On the third episode of HPS Insights' special series on higher education, Stacy, Matt, and Elliott host Dr. Debbie Cottrell, President of Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. Dr. Cottrell joins the podcast to discuss her role as the head administrator at a small, private university and the behind-the-scenes planning of students' eventual return to campus after the COVID-19 pandemic. The team discusses the economic effects of the pandemic on the higher education sector, how policymakers can take an active role in supporting students, and the true costs of higher education with endowments, financial aid, and complex pricing models.

The second episode of HPS Insights' special series on higher education features Brent Colburn, Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs at Princeton University. Brent joins Stacy, Matt, and Elliott to discuss COVID-19's effect on the university environment and how colleges are coping with unpredictable changes for attendance, athletic events, conferences, and more. They also discuss how universities handle costs and financial resources, student aid, federal loans, student debt, and endowment management.

On the first episode of HPS Insights' special series on higher education, Stacy Kerr hosts Matt McDonald and Elliott Owensby to discuss their new analysis on the higher education landscape. They preview their conversations with investment officers, university presidents, and public affairs officers in the higher education sector and break down the results of their research findings on endowments, tuition costs, the net price of higher education, and the future of universities.

CivicScience CEO John Dick joins Tony, Brendan, and John to discuss the tricky side effects of reopening during the pandemic and how consumer sentiment impacts the economy. The guys break down the three themes that have the largest impact on economic recovery and discuss some possible and surprising permanent shifts in consumer behavior that could last long past the pandemic's end.

Tony, John, and Brendan talk through the return of the selloff after the rally and the growing gap between Main Street and Wall Street. They discuss how reopening and a resurgence in cases plays a role, and how the Federal Reserve can use its fiscal programs to respond. Plus, the crew takes a second look at the jobs report and how it stacks up to weekly claims data.

Matt joins Tony, John, and Brendan to address the importance of this current moment. The gang also analyzes May's surprising jobs report and what this illuminates about PPP, markets, and November's election.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the constantly-evolving U.S-Chinese relationship and how it may impact American politics in the future. The gang also breaks down what has changed in the stock market, the impact of reopening, the new European Commission recovery plan, and what's happening on Twitter.

HPS Partners Stacy Kerr and Michael Steel are joined by New York Times bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower to discuss her newest book, "Team of Five: The Presidents Club in the Age of Trump." They discuss the collegial relationships and norms for presidents and how the former presidents view their roles during the Trump administration. Plus, Kate offers a behind-the-scenes look into the private bonds between the former American leaders.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss Chair Powell and Secretary Mnuchin's joint hearing this week and give an inside look on how the Treasury might have decided to revive the 20-year bond. The crew also talks through what economic recovery could look like,  the latest buzz on U.S.-China tensions, and the EU's plan for economic relief.

Matt joins John and Brendan to discuss this week's comments from Fed Chair Jay Powell, Fed fund futures, US-China relations, and how policymakers use the stock market as a barometer for economic health. The crew also plays a game of "Hail Mary," predicting the most likely and least likely scenarios in the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 election, and the eventual return of sports leagues, all before looking ahead to state jobs numbers and PMIs to be released next week.

On this Jobs Day episode of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, Matt, John, and Brendan unpack the historic jobs numbers, discuss near-term stabilization in oil markets, and dive into what to expect in upcoming relief package negotiations in Washington. They also discuss potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on remote work policies and the future of the leisure and hospitality industry.

HPS Managing Director Stratton Kirton and Associate Bryce Campanelli join Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis to discuss their recent analysis on global and domestic oil markets. As oil producers are pumping millions more barrels of oil each day than the market needs, and storage is running out, Stratton and Bryce explain the short- and long-term economic and policy impacts.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the first virtual press conference from the Federal Reserve and stimulus measures from the Fed and the ECB. The crew also breaks down how state reopenings might impact markets, the latest developments with the PPP program, and big tech earnings. Plus, they take a look ahead at next week's jobs numbers.

Matt McDonald steps in for Tony this week bringing with him a fun game of "bottom or not" for different markets. The gang also discusses the most recent stimulus package, the implementation of PPP, and the important data and earnings calls coming up next week.

HPS Partner Tony Fratto hosts President & Editor-in-Chief of Devex Raj Kumar to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on the developing world. The two cover the unique challenges that developing nations face confronting the coronavirus, the global nature of the pandemic, and the effect of oil prices on all of this. They also discuss Raj's new book "The Business of Changing the World."

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the Paycheck Protection Program, bank earnings, and jobs numbers. The crew also talks about lessons from remote work and what reopening the economy might look like.

On this week's bonus episode, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss corporate earnings for banks and the healthcare industry, along with expectations for recovery and market sentiment heading into more weeks of virus-fueled volatility. The crew also discusses the latest updates in oil markets and pricing as talks between Texas producers and regulators continue.

Tony, John, and Brendan break down the Federal Reserve's broad efforts to help the economy, including new lending programs and supporting riskier debt. They also discuss the latest OPEC deal, the impacts of growing public and private debt, and additional stimulus on the horizon.

On this week's bonus episode, Tony and the Markets Policy gang discuss the COVID-19 outbreak's impact on markets, small business relief, and the Eurozone's response to the crisis. They also look at how crude oil is impacting markets and how to approach data during these uncertain times.

On this Jobs Day episode of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, Matt, John, and Brendan are joined by special guest Adrian Stewart to discuss the latest jobs numbers, small business lending, and the Paycheck Protection Program. The crew also discusses recent swings in oil prices and considers how the economy will fare over the coming quarters.

HPS Partner Michael Steel hosts HPS Director Molly Mitchell for a discussion on how COVID-19 has changed the media landscape and how to master remote television appearances. They discuss everything from at-home camera set-up to how to look your best without professional hair and makeup assistance.

On this bonus episode of the HPS Macrocast, John and Brendan join Tony to discuss the Fed's expanded currency swap lines, the global increased demand for the dollar, and the importance of repo facilities. The crew also discusses the new small business lending and paycheck protection programs to boost the economy before this week's unemployment claims and jobs numbers are published.

On this episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss how the federal government will execute the stimulus package and compare it to the economic relief following the 2008 financial crisis. The crew also talks through unemployment claims, upcoming jobs numbers, and how leaders can help explain these complex situations to everyday Americans.

On this week's bonus episode of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the Federal Reserve's latest interventions, from small business lending programs and liquidity provisions, to how the Fed will administer and keep up with new fiscal response programs. The crew also discusses the latest details of the newly reached Phase 3 stimulus plan and how American families and companies of all sizes will rebound following the crisis.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan break down the fast-changing economic news of the week. The gang tackles the proposed $1T stimulus, the actions of global central banks, and is joined by a special guest to dig into the data behind the headlines on what COVID-19 actually means for businesses.

HPS' Bryan DeAngelis hosts Partner Matt McDonald and Managing Director Christina Pearson to discuss HPS' decision making process for remote work, keeping employees safe and healthy, and how to best manage working from home while still maintaining office and company culture. The crew also discusses the short- and long-term business impacts of remote work and advice for clients on how to best prepare and plan to navigate virtual connection during the coronavirus pandemic.

On a Friday the 13th episode of the HPS Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan recap the market's reaction to coronavirus, the latest fiscal response, and how the government plays an important role. John explains how OPEC negotiations and oil prices have accelerated these issues and the crew discusses how upcoming data might start to show more of the effects of the virus.

On this episode of HPS Insights, HPS Partner Stacy Kerr and Senior Director Meghan Pennington join Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis to discuss the state of the Democratic primary with Super Tuesday and Big Tuesday now in the rearview mirror. They take a look into the (near) future with insights on the general election, how the coronavirus is affecting American politics and who might be on the VP shortlist.

Special guest Mark Sobel, US Chairman of the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), joins Tony, John, and HPS Partner Matt McDonald to talk the latest Jobs Day numbers, changes in the dollar's valuation, the Fed's emergency rate cut, and the economic impacts of the coronavirus on domestic travel and the labor force. The crew also discusses Mark's latest paper on currency manipulation in China.

On a special episode of the HPS Macrocast, John sits down with Dr. Chris Mores, a virologist and Program Director for the Global Health Epidemiology and Disease Control MPH program at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, to discuss the latest virus updates. The pair discuss the virus' spread, containment strategies in South Korea and Japan, how to keep economies running smoothly during the outbreak, and the best methods to stay safe and healthy in the United States.

On this episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the market correction, the economic impact of the coronavirus, and what steps the Fed may take in the coming months. They also dive into the happenings on the campaign trail leading up to the South Carolina primary and Super Tuesday.

On this episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss how coronavirus is impacting markets, the dollar, and the yen. On the heels of the latest Democratic debate, HPS Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis joins to talk about the upcoming Nevada Caucus and how the primary race is shaping up. Plus, they take a look ahead at how upcoming economic data could shed light on the Fed's policy decisions.

On this episode of HPS Insights, Alec Stapp, Director of Technology Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), joins HPS Senior Director Lloyd Miller to discuss privacy in the age of big tech and big data. The pair discuss the history of privacy legislation with CCPA and GDPR, the future of a federal privacy law, the FTC's role in prosecuting data privacy violations, and the unintended consequences of too much regulation.For more information on the Progressive Policy Institute, visit progressivepolicy.com or @ppi on Twitter. Alec Stapp on Twitter: @alecstapp

On today's Valentine's Day episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss all things markets. Why are markets rising despite the spread of the novel coronavirus and how is it impacting certain sectors of the economy? Is the Fed heading into a newly politicized season, and what can recent testimonies tell us? What does the UnitedHealth stock have to do with the Democratic primary? Tune in to this week's episode of the Macrocast to find out!

On this Jobs Day episode of the HPS Macrocast, HPS Partner Matt McDonald joins John and Brendan to discuss the latest Jobs Day numbers, a look back at the State of the Union and Iowa Caucuses, and how the Democratic field is shaping up going into the New Hampshire primary.

In this episode of Insights, HPS partner Michael Steel is joined by Declan Garvey, a reporter for The Dispatch and HPS alum, to recap the State of the Union address and how it plays into the 2020 election. Declan shares insight from his reporting, more information about The Dispatch, and how his work at HPS has helped him as a reporter for the new digital media company.The Dispatch: thedispatch.com & @thedispatch on TwitterFollow Michael Steel on Twitter: @michael_steel

Tony, John, and Brendan analyze the "known unknowns" of the coronavirus and its economic impacts, then turn to recent liquidity measures by the Fed. Plus, HPS Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis joins for a look at the upcoming Iowa Caucuses and beyond.

On this episode of HPS Insights, HPS Partner Matt McDonald and HPS alum Jess Pavel join Managing Director Andrea Christianson to discuss their political campaign experience, from how to get a job, to campaign organization, and how campaigns work. The group also discusses post-campaign life, networking, and the valuable career opportunities that stem from campaign experience.

On this episode of the Macrocast, Tony joins live from Davos, where he updates John and Brendan in the HPS studio on what international leaders have been discussing at the World Economic Forum, including stakeholder capitalism and President Trump's appearance. They also touch on how investors and market participants are addressing climate change, the impact of the coronavirus on markets and China's economy, and take a look ahead to a big week of Q4 earnings coming up.

Ahead of Tony's trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, he joins John and Brendan to discuss the new lockup protocols at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, analyze corporate earnings trends, and pick apart the "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China.

On the first episode of season two, HPS partner Matt McDonald joins Tony and John in D.C. to discuss new Jobs Day numbers and comments from former Federal Reserve chairs Ben Bernanke and Janet Yellen at the American Economic Association's annual meetings in San Diego. The guys also discuss the global market effects of tensions between the United States and Iran, and look forward to all that's to come in 2020.

On a bonus episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss their career paths, how they ended up together, and why they set out to do the Macrocast. The gang also gives tips on where to get news and who to watch in macroeconomics, as well as a few good reads for the holiday break.

On the last Macrocast episode of 2019, Tony joins John and Brendan from New York City to discuss the year's biggest stories, including the crazy inverted yield curve and the Fed's series of rate hikes and cuts. The guys also preview what's to come in 2020 for USMCA, the U.S.-China trade agreement, and impeachment's effects on markets.

On this week's episode of the HPS Macrocast, Tony joins John and Brendan in D.C. to discuss the new U.S.-China trade deal and USMCA trade agreement. The gang also discusses the latest on Brexit after the UK general election, Christine Lagarde's first press conference as president of the European Central Bank, and what to expect before 2019 wraps up.

On this week's episode of the HPS Macrocast, Matt McDonald joins John Fagan and Brendan Walsh to make sense of new jobs numbers and what they mean for the broader U.S. economy. After talking through the importance of USMCA, the team discusses the intersection of markets and geopolitics with the latest on OPEC, Saudi Arabia, and Aramco's IPO.

On a Black Friday edition of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan talk with special guest Matt Dell Orfano about Black Friday and Cyber Monday's impact on the economy, what retailers are doing to navigate tariffs and a changing shopping landscape, and what the shortened shopping season might mean for sales. Plus, the team gives thanks for the Macrocast, and John gives thanks for Skechers.

On this week's episode, Tony joins John and Brendan in D.C. to discuss expectations for ongoing trade negotiations. The gang also tries to make sense of Fed Chairman Powell's meeting with President Trump, upcoming Fed activity, as well as market and economic expectations for 2020.

This week our favorite special guest, Matt McDonald, fills in for Tony and joins Brendan and John to talk about the growing optimism in markets and the expected impacts of the forthcoming "Phase One" trade deal. The gang also discusses global turmoil and its ramifications for markets, as well as how to make sense of domestic political activity on both impeachment and the 2020 presidential race.

This week, Tony, John, and Brendan were joined by special guest Ross DeVol, President & CEO of Heartland Forward, a new "think and do" tank focused on economic renewal in the American Heartland. They discussed the nuances of recent U.S.-China trade talks and how the pressures of globalization and trade are impacting markets and American communities. Ross shared his insights on how entrepreneurship, innovation, and young firms are impacting the Heartland in the changing economy, and the team took a look ahead at next week's economic data. Learn more about Heartland Forward: https://heartlandforward.org/

In the wake of a windy Halloween, Matt McDonald joins Tony, Brendan, and John for a deep dive into supernaturally good jobs figures, the hauntingly low prospects of US-China tariff rollbacks, and premonitions of upcoming trade data.

This week John, Brendan, and Tony are joined by special guest, Wall Street Journal White House Reporter Catherine Lucey, to discuss recent policy movement, impeachment, the 2020 election, and the Administration's impact on markets. Besides politics, the gang tackles Brexit, Q3 earnings, and important upcoming economic indicators.

With the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings ongoing, Ahmed Saeed, Vice President of Operations at the Asian Development Bank, joined the Macrocast this week to discuss how the US-China trade war is affecting emerging markets in Asia, along with a look into the unique ways multilateral development banks can address economic issues facing middle-income countries. Then, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the latest on Brexit and the start of an unexpectedly positive earnings season.

On this week's episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan dive into some of the most pressing geopolitical issues. From trade negotiations, to the NBA, to how companies are coping with increased Chinese censorship, they break down what U.S.-China tensions mean for markets.

As impeachment dominates news coverage and conversations in Washington, DC and across the country, HPS Partners Stacy Kerr and Michael Steel joined Managing Director Bryan DeAngelis for a special edition of the HPS Macrocast to answer how impeachment will impact the Congressional legislative agenda and the 2020 campaign cycle.

On this week's Macrocast, John and Brendan are joined by special guest Matt McDonald to make sense of this week's jumbled economic data, including the new jobs report, the IPO market impact, upcoming Fed activity, and the current political chaos' effect on the markets.

On the heels of a busy week, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss new economic data and fiscal policy discussions, the ins and outs of impeachment, and how it might impact markets. Plus, a look ahead at next week's full slate of economic data, including U.S. jobs day. Listen to Clover's Healthy Aging podcast here on Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/2kMyOcv, and here on Google: https://bit.ly/2lYo1Mp Check out HPS' job opening for a Mid-Level Public Affairs Professional: https://jobs.lever.co/hamiltonps/a2fb2201-75a1-4a48-8c31-6caa024bd04d

This week, John and Brendan are joined by HPS Partner Michael Steel for a lively discussion of monetary and fiscal policy, oil prices in the wake of attacks on Saudi infrastructure, and how companies are navigating global trade uncertainty.

On the first-ever Friday the 13th episode of the Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss Mario Draghi's recent quantitative easing move and his legacy at the ECB, equity rotation, oil markets, and a look ahead at next week's FOMC meeting. Plus, Tony talks Hamilton Place Strategies' upcoming 10 year anniversary celebration and how the company came to be.

On this week's Macrocast, Tony, John, and Brendan react to Friday's jobs numbers and how the markets are consuming them. They then dive into a "series of fortunate events" -- the Hong Kong extradition bill withdrawal, Brexit repudiations, and more -- that have alleviated some market fears, before taking a look ahead to upcoming ECB policy decisions and consumer sentiment data.

Tony, John, and Brendan lead with a discussion of sovereign debt pricing that spans four continents; they discuss how markets priced in UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of Parliament ahead of the Brexit deadline; and they analyze some recent interpretations of the Federal Reserve's mandate and independence. Plus, a look ahead to manufacturing, monetary, and jobs updates in the week ahead.

With John out of town, HPS partner Matt McDonald joins Tony and Brendan as they discuss Chairman Powell's speech from Jackson Hole and what it means for markets; the U.S.-China trade standoff and how politics play a role; and a look ahead at European data.

"Slow August" has not been the case so far this month. Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the inverted yield curve and the difficult job of the Treasury debt management team; U.S. consumers staying strong; U.S.-China trade issues; and a look ahead at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium next week.

Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States; domestic and international growth and monetary policy; and the impact of recent earnings reports on markets.

With Brendan away, HPS' Matt McDonald joins Tony and John on this week's HPS Macrocast. In the first segment, the guys deep-dive on Jobs Day numbers, take a look at wage growth, and discuss global and domestic manufacturing performance. In the second segment, Tony, John, and Matt give their reaction to the Fed's decision to cut rates and President Trump's threat of new tariffs on China.

In a jam-packed show, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss the global economy, the Fed’s focus on the yield curve, equity markets, and competition in the tech sector.

In this week's episode, Tony, John, and Brendan discuss dovish interest rate outlooks across the globe, how the U.S.' strong dollar days might be over, and the big winners of earnings season thus far.

This week Tony, John, and Brendan discuss Fed Chair Jerome Powell's day on Capitol Hill, 2nd quarter earnings, and if the Treasury will intervene in the foreign exchange market.

The Macrocast celebrates the Independence Day weekend with an analysis of the BLS jobs report for June. Tony, Matt, and Brendan discuss how demographics are driving economic performance. Plus, we look ahead to the latest news on leadership of the ECB, and next week’s testimony from Jerome Powell.

In this episode, guest host and HPS partner Matt McDonald joins John and Brendan to preview this weekend's G20 Summit and discuss what market analysts (and the Fed) will be watching for in trade talks between President Trump and China's Xi Jinping. They then turn to politics, recapping the Democratic debate doubleheader and examining whether and how markets are baking in political risk.

In this special episode of Macrocast, Tony joins from Brussels with John and Brendan in Washington, DC. This episode covers several international topics, including the possibility of a currency war, the Italian lira, and Facebook's new Libra.

This week, Tony, John and Brendan discuss how inflation and oil prices are affecting market activity -- with a special preview to next week's episode live from Europe.

This week, Tony, John and Brendan discuss the newest jobs day report and how markets are reacting to the impending tariffs on Mexico. Plus, how will trade negotiations play a role at the upcoming G20 summit?