The Peak / Curiouscast

The Peak Daily

News EN ↓ 1032 episodes

Fast Canadian business news. Get up-to-speed quick with a fun and smart breakdown of the three biggest Canadian and global business stories in less than 10 minutes.

Author

The Peak / Curiouscast

Category

News

Podcast website

anchor.fm

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

📈 No more side quests — Shopify wants to lend you money, OpenAI shuts down side quests 18.03.2026

Canada’s most valuable company has started cutting the cheques that big banks won’t.  The leading AI labs are narrowing in on the most likely viable business model: selling their tools to businesses.

Memory hole 🧠: RAM Crunch, PE Slump and Canada's Space Race 17.03.2026

In today's episode, we explore the global memory chip shortage that's driving up prices for consumer electronics, especially gaming PCs, as AI data centers consume the majority of RAM production. We also examine how Canadian pension funds are facing disappointing returns from their private equity investments amid a sector-wide downturn. Plus, we cover Canada's inflation cooling to 1.8%, Bell's Sas...

Under the microscope 🔬- Honda posts historic annual loss, Manitoba mulls ban on paying for plasma. 13.03.2026

In today's episode, we examine Honda's historic annual loss as the automaker faces billions in costs from its EV retreat, and explore Manitoba's consideration of banning paid plasma collection following two donor deaths at Grifols facilities. We also cover the global oil supply crisis as Iran continues blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Ottawa's revised crime bill on telecom data access, and Uber's la...

Let the oil flow 🛢️ - : Iran war sparks historic oil reserve release, Luxury hoodies come to Costco. 12.03.2026

In today's episode, we explore the IEA's historic release of 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves as the Iran conflict disrupts global supply chains, plus Costco Canada's surprising drop of heavily discounted Off-White luxury hoodies that sold out instantly. We also cover Canada's meaningful housing supply gains in 2025, new banking fee limits saving Canadians millions, and MDA Space...

Big old jet airliner 🛩️- OpenAI faces civil suit over Tumbler Ridge, Drama at Toronto’s island airport 11.03.2026

In today's episode, we explore how AI companies are facing mounting legal pressure following tragic incidents linked to their chatbots. The family of a Tumbler Ridge shooting victim has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the company failed to report the shooter's violent ChatGPT conversations to authorities despite internal warnings. We also cover Ontario Premier Doug Ford's plan to take con...

Cafe hog ☕- The Yukon is luring miners, Are remote workers ruining cafes? 10.03.2026

In today's episode, we explore how remote workers are transforming Canada's cafe culture—and not always for the better. Coffee shops are grappling with laptop-toting customers who camp out all day on a single purchase, forcing owners to get creative with policies like purchase-per-hour requirements and designated work zones. Then, we head north to the Yukon, where the government is streamlining mi...

Sobering up 🍺- Canadians aren’t drinking, Oil prices set to hit $100 a barrel 09.03.2026

In today's episode, we explore how Canadians are cutting back on alcohol consumption amid rising costs and wellness trends—and what that means for restaurants that depend on booze sales. We also break down why gas prices are surging as oil nears $100 a barrel, driven by Middle East tensions and supply disruptions. Plus Prime Minister Carney calls crucial byelections that could secure a Liberal maj...

Legal eagles 🦅- Canadian legaltech gets some spending cash, AI medical assistant makes a mess. 05.03.2026

In today's episode, we explore how Canadian AI legaltech company Spellbook secured a $54.7 million line of credit from RBC to fuel an acquisition spree, positioning itself as a leader in Canada's thriving legaltech sector. Then, we examine troubling failures in AI-powered healthcare systems, including a Utah prescription tool that was easily manipulated into dangerous recommendations. Plus,OpenAI'...

Putting down Roots 🍃- Roots explores a possible sale, Auctions for dinosaur bones are heating up. 04.03.2026

In today's Peak Daily, we explore Roots' strategic review as the iconic Canadian brand considers a potential sale amid challenging retail conditions. Then, we dive into the booming market for dinosaur fossils, where billionaires are paying millions for prehistoric treasures. Plus, Canada's new critical minerals funding, Middle East evacuation plans, Wealthsimple's SWIFT entrance, and more. The Pea...

When the chips are down 🎰- Ontario sees surge in gambling problems, AI is giving accountants headaches 03.03.2026

In today's episode, we explore Ontario's gambling problem as calls to mental health hotlines surge 300% among young men since online gambling was legalized in 2022. We also dive into how AI-generated tax errors are creating extra work for Canadian accountants during tax season. Plus: Prime Minister Carney signs a major deal with India, Trump doubles down on Iran strikes, BC ends daylight savings t...

Edge of escalation 🚀- Iran war escalates across the Middle East, AI gets blamed for more layoffs.  02.03.2026

In today's episode, we cover the escalating Iran conflict that's spreading across the Middle East and disrupting global oil markets, Block's massive AI-driven layoffs that cut nearly half its workforce, and the growing trend of "AI-washing" in corporate downsizing. Plus, we touch on the Pentagon's sudden switch from Anthropic to OpenAI, suspicious betting patterns on Polymarket around Iran strikes...

Whopper wiretap 🍔- American nurses flock to B.C., Burger King tests Big Brother AI assistant. 27.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore how American nurses are crossing the border to fill critical healthcare gaps in B.C., with over 1,000 U.S.-trained nurses joining the province since a streamlined licensing process was introduced. We also dive into Burger King's controversial new AI assistant "Patty," which will monitor employee interactions and friendliness at hundreds of locations. Plus, we cover C...

Wake me up inside ⏰- Canada’s IPO market comes back to life, A Canadian billionaire’s grand folly. 26.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore Canada's IPO market revival as Apotex plans a $1 billion public offering—the largest in five years. We also dive into Lawrence Stroll's troubled stewardship of Aston Martin Racing Team, as both the luxury automaker and F1 team face mounting challenges. Plus, Ottawa threatens to regulate OpenAI over safety concerns, Kalshi cracks down on insider trading, and Trump's t...

Bearish blogging 🐻-  Viral Substack post is market mover, TikTok and the MLB join forces. 25.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore how a viral Substack post about AI-driven economic disruption sparked a massive market selloff, wiping billions off tech stocks. We also cover the MLB's new partnership with TikTok to bring baseball highlights and creator content to younger audiences. Plus, US Treasury faces refund lawsuits after tariffs were struck down, new UK entry requirements for travelers, and...

Panic in Jalisco 🇲🇽 - Cartel violence hits Mexico after leader’s death, Aritzia revs up U.S. expansion. 24.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore the aftermath of cartel leader El Mencho's death and the violent retaliation that erupted across Mexico, impacting travel safety for thousands of Canadians. We also dive into Aritzia's ambitious U.S. expansion as the Canadian retailer acquires iconic luxury brand Fred Segal and targets experiential retail on LA's Melrose Avenue. Plus, we cover OpenAI executives being...

Hot water 🥵 - OpenAI is under fire for Tumbler Ridge shooting, Batteries become very cheap 23.02.2026

In today's episode, we cover OpenAI's controversial decision not to alert Canadian authorities about concerning ChatGPT conversations with the alleged Tumbler Ridge shooter, plus how plummeting battery costs are bringing us closer to a renewable energy future. We also discuss Trump's escalating global tariffs, the killing of a notorious Mexican cartel leader, and Netflix's Warner Bros. acquisition...

Tamago sando 🥪 - 7-Eleven plans Canadian reinvention, AI might finally be impacting productivity. 20.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore 7-Eleven Canada's ambitious expansion plans, including the arrival of the cult-favorite tamago sando from Japan as part of their shift toward becoming a quick-service restaurant. We also examine new evidence that AI may finally be impacting productivity levels across European firms and the U.S. job market. Plus, we cover OpenAI's massive $100 billion fundraising roun...

Criss-cross 🚷 - Another Conservative MP crosses the aisle, Hollywood bites back at ByteDance.  19.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore the shifting political landscape as Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux becomes the third Tory to cross the floor and join the Liberal caucus, putting Prime Minister Carney on the verge of a majority government. We then dive into the entertainment industry's fight against ByteDance's revolutionary AI video generator Seedance 2.0, as Hollywood's biggest studios unite with c...

Persistence pays off 😵 - Warner Bros. will hear out Paramount’s offer, Canada pitches nuclear to Poland. 18.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore the latest developments in a Hollywood bidding war as Warner Bros. Discovery reopens negotiations with Paramount, giving them one week to submit a final offer that could challenge Netflix's $83 billion deal. We also discuss Canada's push to export CANDU nuclear reactor technology to Poland for their second nuclear power plant, potentially creating significant economi...

Up in arms 💪 - Carney plans new trade block, Canada is getting armed. 17.02.2026

In today's episode, Canada is charting a bold new course on the global stage. Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing to unite the EU and Indo-Pacific trading bloc into one of the world's largest economic alliances — a strategic pivot away from U.S. dependence. Meanwhile, Ottawa unveils an ambitious defence strategy to triple domestic military manufacturing and boost spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, s...

Market trend of the year 📉 - AI scare trades dominate the market, Toronto transit prepares for the World Cup 13.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore how AI-driven fear is reshaping markets in 2026, with commercial real estate and wealth management stocks taking major hits following new AI tool releases. We also examine Toronto's plan to upgrade its notoriously unreliable transit ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Plus Loblaw integrates ChatGPT for grocery ordering, Ottawa scraps its $250 million digital prescription sy...

Arctic education 🎓 - Canada's Arctic is getting its first Inuit university, Trump might want out of CUSMA. 12.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore Canada's historic step toward educational equity with the announcement of Inuit Nunangat University, set to open in Arviat, Nunavut by 2030. Then, we examine the uncertain future of CUSMA as President Trump privately weighs withdrawing from the trade agreement he once championed. Plus, we cover the latest developments in the BC mass shooting investigation, Ukraine's...

Brought to you by 📺 - Targeted advertising comes to sports bars, A $42 billion bitcoin blunder.  11.02.2026

In today's episode, we explore how Canadian startup Taiv is revolutionizing sports bar advertising with targeted commercials that replace live TV ads, raising $13 million USD at a nearly $100 million valuation. Then, we dive into a massive crypto mishap where South Korean exchange Bithumb accidentally gave away $42 billion worth of bitcoin in a promotion gone wrong. Plus, we cover PM Carney's disc...

The Depart-eh’d 🇨🇦 - Ontario police are under the microscope, GM bets on EV battery breakthrough. 10.02.2026

In this episode, we dive into Ontario's sweeping police corruption probe following the arrest of seven Toronto officers on charges ranging from drug trafficking to leaking intel to organized crime. We also explore GM's risky bet on unproven lithium manganese-rich battery technology as it attempts to revive its struggling EV business. Plus, in our Big Picture segment: Carney and Ford discuss electi...

Private property 🏠 - Indigenous group challenges private land ownership, Ottawa courts Chinese EV makers 09.02.2026

In this episode of Peak Daily, Jay Rosenthal flies solo to bring you the top stories in Canadian and global business. First, we dive into the Dzawada'enuxw First Nation's groundbreaking legal claim for nearly 650 hectares of private land in B.C., exploring what this means for property rights across Canada. Then, we examine Ottawa's efforts to attract Chinese automakers to set up manufacturing in C...

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