Potomac Perspective with Brian Gardner

Are the financial markets miscalculating ongoing political risks abroad? In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have the latest fallout from military action overseas. Also discussed: Are oil companies price gauging at the pump? Is it crunch time for a crypto bill? What are the key takeaways from the latest prim...

We’re celebrating our 100th anniversary! This week, we break down the latest developments in trade talks, examine the military operation in Iran, and discuss key housing and crypto bills working their way through Congress. Join Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro for this milestone episode! This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strate...

The battle lines are being drawn over new proposed maps that could shift the path to power in Congress. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, co-hosts Brian Gardner and Neil Shapiro have the latest on redistricting efforts. Also discussed: Did President Trump’s trip to China produce more sizzle than steak? Will the United States step up military action in Iran? What’s the futur...

Is there more “clarity” around legislation to regulate the crypto industry? In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, co-hosts Brian Gardner and Neil Shapiro have an update on efforts to jumpstart the stalled Clarity Act. Plus, the latest on a possible affordable housing bill and the war in Iran. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus...

Will Kevin Warsh be confirmed as the next Head of the Fed? Can the ceasefire with Iran lead to permanent peace? And are budget and crypto bills in Congress headed for breakthrough or breakdown? Co-hosts Brian Gardner and Neil Shapiro tackle these key questions in a new episode of Potomac Perspective. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Compan...

Is there a generational shift underway that could trigger a valuation reset for the entire financial services sector? Special guest KBW CEO Tom Michaud joins the podcast to explain the significance of regulating banks by business model, not just asset size. Tom also talks with co-hosts Brian Gardner and Neil Shapiro about M&A, innovation, and the evolution of fintech. This material is prepared...

The Trump Administration wants an additional $200 billion for the military operation in Iran and this could be a make or break week for a crypto market structure bill. Co-hosts Brian Gardner and Neil Shapiro bring you the latest Potomac Perspective. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This materia...

Military action in the Mideast leads to a crude awakening at the gas pump. Plus, AI is driving a surge in electricity demand, and the White House wants tech companies to provide their own power! Stifel Energy & Oilfield Service and Equipment Analyst Stephen Gengaro joins co-hosts Brian Gardner and Neil Shapiro for an “energizing” discussion. This material is prepared by the Washing...

President Trump delivers the annual State of the Union address, proclaiming the economy is “roaring like never before.” In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro review some of the President’s proposals and separate style from substance. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy...

Another partial government shutdown looms, a New Fed Head emerges, and pivotal midterm elections start to take shape. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro break things down in the latest episode of Potomac Perspective. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”)....

The federal government is headed toward a second shutdown in four months, with no funding deal in sight. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro examine what’s behind the latest stalemate. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (&ld...

The feud between President Trump and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell reaches a fever pitch. In the Season Five premier episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro examine what’s behind the growing war of words and what’s at stake for the markets. Also discussed: Could the President cap credit card rates? How can housing be...

2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year for policy, with potential actions on healthcare and housing plus we'll get a new head at the Fed. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro preview what to expect. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated...

December is shaping up as a busy month in Washington, as Congress races to enact “must pass” legislation before year end. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro examine what’s at stake. Also discussed: President Trump closes in on a new Fed Chairman and all eyes on Tennessee, where a special election could signal implications for the 2026...

Now that the government has reopened, Congress will begin to address numerous policy matters that were shelved during the recent shutdown. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro examine how lawmakers are leaning into “affordability” issues. Also discussed: possible traction on deposit insurance reform and a mega antitrust win for META. This mat...

Democrats win big on election night, the Supreme Court tackles the Trump tariffs, and the latest government shutdown becomes the longest in American history. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have a recap in this edition of Potomac Perspective. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorpo...

The latest government shutdown stretches into a second week, with no clear resolution in sight. In the new episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have the latest on efforts to break the stalemate.   Also discussed: Banks get the urge to merge, as the Trump administration’s regulatory reforms kick in Key state...

It looks like there’s a deal to control the scroll. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss Tik Tok’s likely fate in the United States.  Also covered: New H-1B visa fees leave many in state of confusion Crypto “market structure” bill faces new roadblock Government shutdown lo...

The Trump administration is building a case for a national housing emergency. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss what that could mean for the real estate market. Also discussed: The Bureau of Labor Statistics under fire again Comings and goings at the Fed ahead of a crucial meeting on interest rates...

Deals and ideals take center stage in Washington. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro dive into President Trump’s evolving approach to antitrust at home and peacemaking abroad. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stif...

Investors digest a whirlwind out of the White House, as President Trump faces a vacancy at the Federal Reserve and a legal challenge to his trade agenda. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss the latest developments. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel&rdq...

President Trump turns up the pressure on Fed Chair Powell. Plus, crypto’s big week short circuits on Capitol Hill. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have the latest in this episode of Potomac Perspective. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This...

The Fed’s under more fire from President Trump, the Senate unveils its own “big, beautiful bill” and tensions mount over possible U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro wade through a pivotal week in politics and policy. This material is prepared b...

Is President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” losing momentum in Congress? In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have the latest on taxes, tariffs, and a possible tamp down of regulatory policy. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company,...

President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” takes shape, as Congress prepares to consider proposed tax breaks and spending cuts. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss the latest from Capitol Hill, including a possible crack in the Senate’s bipartisan crypto coalition. This mate...