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.

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 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.

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. 

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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. 

 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 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.

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. 

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.

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 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 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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

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. 

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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 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.

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. 

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.

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.