Current Account with Clay Lowery
Hot topics in the financial industry from a U.S. politics and policy point of view.
2 years ago

Episode 64 – Trump - the Sequel? Analyzing Economic Policy in a Second Trump Term

with Yuka Hayashi, Trade and Economic Security Journalist

In this episode of Current Account, Clay looks at the economic impact of what a second Donald Trump presidential term may be. Joining Clay is Yuka Hayashi, a journalist specializing on trade and economic security matters with over three decades of experience, including stints at the Dow Jones Newswires and Wall Street Journal. Clay and Yuka discuss what Trump's main priorities are, the feasibility and impact of his highly discussed universal tariff policy, how a Trump return to office may impact trade relations, how personnel selection will influence policy and much more.

Read more…
2 years ago

Episode 63 – Taiwan: A Predictable Trajectory?

with David Sacks, Fellow, Asia Studies, Council on Foreign Relations

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by David Sacks, Fellow, Asia Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations to talk about the recent elections in Taiwan. The topics include an analysis on the election's proceedings and process, how the election impacts the relationships between the United States and China, the United States and Taiwan, and Taiwan and China, and how the 2024 United States Presidential Election may influence the upcoming term.

Read more…
2 years ago

Episode 62 – Geopolitical Risk in 2024: The Buckets are Full

In this episode of Current Account, Clay reviews the outlook of 2024 through the lens of geopolitical risk. He breaks down the analysis into three sections - or buckets: The ongoing conflicts across the world, the status of the US-China relationship and the pending worldwide elections. The podcast includes discussion on how these topics will impact the economy in their respective regions and globally.
Read more…
2 years ago

Episode 61 – Shaving the Fuzz? A Recap of COP28

with IIF's Sonja Gibbs, Managing Director of Global Policy Initiatives and Head of Sustainable Finance

In the first Current Account episode of 2024, Clay is joined by IIF's Sonja Gibbs, Managing Director, Global Policy Initiatives and Head of Sustainable Finance, to discuss the recent COP28 Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The discussion includes reviewing key topics discussed at the conference, the state of sustainability in the present day, how carbon markets look to develop in the coming year, what the short and long-term future looks like for sustainable finance and more.

Read more…
2 years ago

Episode 60 – 2024 – The Year of Growth?

with IIF President and CEO Tim Adams

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by IIF's President and CEO Tim Adams to recap key events in the financial industry throughout 2023 and projecting areas of focus for 2024. Topics include the development of artificial intelligence technology, industry reactions to turmoil, growth projections, topics in sustainable finance and more.

Read more…
2 years ago

Episode 58 – Hoping for the Meteor: What to Watch in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

with A.B. Stoddard, Columnist at the Bulwark

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by A.B. Stoddard, Columnist at The Bulwark, to discuss the upcoming U.S. Presidential Elections in November 2024. The episode includes analyzing the likely candidates, current President Joe Biden (Democrat) and former President Donald Trump (Republican), how each candidate will likely look to win more voters over, previewing their potential roadblocks, explaining the United States Primary Election process and more.
Read more…
2 years ago

Episode 57 – Economic Spillover from Israel-Gaza Conflict

with IIF's Garbis Iradian, Chief Economist, MENA, & Ivan Burgara, Senior Research Analyst

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by IIF's Garbis Iradian, Chief Economist for the Middle East and North Africa Region, and Ivan Burgara, Senior Research Analyst, to discuss the economic implications the current conflict in Israel may have. The discussion involves outlining two scenarios: One in which the conflict is contained to within Israel, and one where the conflict expands to a greater regional matter. The analysis includes potential ripple effects in markets of oil, commodities, food and more.

Read more…
2 years ago

Episode 56 – Argentina Elections - Rage or Fear: Who Will Win?

with Kezia McKeague, Regional Director for Latin America, McLarty Associates

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Kezia McKeague, the Regional Director for Latin America at McLarty Associates, to discuss the current cycle of elections in Argentina and Latin America. The discussion includes identifying the two Argentine candidates facing off in a run-off election on November 19th, Sergio Massa and Javier Milei, forecasting each candidate's outlook in a hypothetical second round victory, detailing what the potential outcomes may be for an Argentina-US relationship and highlighting other recent and upcoming elections across Latin America.

For more information on the Argentine Elections, watch the recent IIF Event on the elections featuring Clay, Kezia and IIF's Head of Latin America Research Martin Castellano.

Read more…
2 years ago

Episode 55 – Can We Make a Discussion about Basel Capital Accords Interesting?

with IIF's Andrés Portilla, Managing Director of Regulatory Affairs, and Richard Gray, Director of Prudential Policy

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by IIF's Managing Director of Regulatory Affairs, Andrés Portilla, and Director of Prudential Policy, Richard Gray, to talk about the Basel III Endgame. The discussion centers around describing Basel III, what the "endgame" means, what the next steps are across jurisdictions and more.

Read more…