Latest from Don Pittis
Analysis
Modern monetary theory is not the future — it's already here: Don Pittis
Still considered by many a fringe view of economics, MMT as it is popularly known suddenly seems to be moving into the mainstream as governments borrow and spend.
Analysis
Lockdown makes us even more vulnerable when the machine stops: Don Pittis
As Zoom shares fell following a widespread glitch in the video conferencing platform on Monday, businesses and schools that were locked into a single chat platform got a fresh lesson in adding Murphy’s Law to plans in the age of technology dependence.
Analysis
Chrystia Freeland may already have plans to repair the Canadian economy: Don Pittis
As finance minister in a minority government Freeland faces the unenviable task of rebuilding the economy while trying to satisfy a fractured constituency.
Analysis
Post-COVID-19 economy will put people back to work, but it won't be in all the same jobs: Don Pittis
The latest data says places in Canada that succeeded in containing the coronavirus outbreak are already seeing economic advantages. But research shows jobs that disappear may never come back.
Analysis
By Canadian standards, Kamala Harris could run for the Conservatives: Don Pittis
The Trump campaign lost no time branding Kamala Harris an ally of "the radical left," but with policies such as more accessible health care and a vote of confidence from Wall Street, Joe Biden's new running mate could easily fit into the political spectrum of moderate conservatives in Canada or Europe.
Analysis
From real estate to businesses, signs the pandemic is boosting wealth concentration: Don Pittis
Even as some businesses crumble, the promise of low interest rates for the foreseeable future makes cash flow king as buyers pick off assets that they expect will keep their value.
Analysis
Unrealistic economic cheerleading is no solution to a lingering COVID-19 crisis: Don Pittis
Despite enthusiasm from people like the U.S. president, hopes for a short, sharp downturn followed by recovery may have been thwarted by growing signs of damage to the underlying economy, especially in the U.S.
Analysis
Even the loonie is rising against the U.S. dollar as the Fed faces currency threat: Don Pittis
Goldman Sachs warns that the U.S. dollar's place as the world reserve currency faces threat as the American economy is weakened. Can Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell maintain his promise not to even think about thinking about hiking rates, Don PIttis asks.
Analysis
Fossil fuel giant faces uphill push to build green mega-project: Don Pittis
Calgary company formerly known as TransCanada Corporation plans a multi-billion dollar green tech scheme, but it faces obstacles familiar from its pipeline projects.
Analysis
From drinking helmets to automation, how we might reopen the economy despite COVID-19: Don Pittis
From wacky to wise, business innovations for relaunching the economy without generating a U.S.-style second tsunami of COVID-19.
Analysis
The inflation threat hasn't gone away as governments borrow and spend: Don Pittis
Canada isn't the only country locking in long bonds at low rates. The prevailing view is that's not an inflationary problem, but opinions differ.
Analysis
Coverage of the energy sector falls short if it ignores climate change: Don Pittis
Long ago, greenhouse gases were relegated to environmentalist checklists and were rarely considered a part of mainstream business coverage. But not anymore, Don Pittis writes.
Analysis
State grip on economy means foreign sanctions won't shift Chinese resolve: Don Pittis
A giant and growing internal economy and state grip on economic levers mean external threats won't change China's mind. Only the Chinese people can do that.
Analysis
Video chats short circuit a brain function essential for trust — and that's bad for business: Don Pittis
Research shows essential cues of real life interaction from pheromones to body language just don’t work on video chats as the lockdown exhausts reserves of office sociability and excludes newbies.
Analysis
As Trump talks tariffs, IMF warns protectionism will worsen a dire economic crisis: Don Pittis
The sharp downgrade this week by the International Monetary Fund brain trust suggests a lack of global co-operation and bad policy could make the world's economic situation even worse — especially for the poorest countries.