RBC Economics and Thought Leadership aims to build a prosperous and innovative future by harnessing ideas, insights and data to help RBC clients and communities understand the forces shaping the world around us.
Our team of economists and researchers deliver economic analyses, comprehensive reports and conversations with world-leading thinkers that inspire and empower informed decisions in an evolving world.
- In-depth research reports on sustainable growth, climate change, innovation and human capital.
- Timely analysis and forecasts of the economy and financial markets.
- Quarterly economic updates and monthly Canadian housing analysis.
- An ongoing series of conversations with leading thinkers about reimagining Canada’s economy in a time of unprecedented change.
Meet Our Team
Abbey Xu
Economist
Aidan Smith-Edgell
Research Associate
Carrie Freestone
Economist
Claire Fan
Economist
Claire Fan joined RBC as an economist since 2019 after graduating with a bachelor of business administration from the University of Toronto, and a master in financial economics from Western University. At RBC, she focuses on covering the macroeconomic outlook for Canada and the United States, and is responsible for projecting key indicators including GDP, employment and inflation. Her publications include the inflation watch series and various other analyses on labour market trends, recession probabilities and inequalities.
Cynthia Leach
Assistant Chief Economist
Cynthia is the Assistant Chief Economist, Thought Leadership at RBC. She helps shape the narratives and research agenda for the team’s structural economic and policy analysis, covering topics such as human capital, innovation, and trade. She joined the team in 2020.
Previously, Cynthia was an executive at Finance Canada, most recently heading a team responsible for housing finance policy. Cynthia holds an M.A. Economics degree from the University of Toronto.
Darren Chow
Director, Content Strategy and Creative Production
Darren Chow manages the overall look and feel of RBC Thought Leadership and RBC Economics content. A graduate of the York University/Sheridan College Bachelor of Design program and a post-graduate degree in computer animation from Sheridan College.
Darren is well versed in all things multimedia and is involved in all stages of the design process, from concept development and storyboarding to testing and deployment. He brings a wealth of experience to the team, previously working with Autodesk, Blackberry, CIBC, CTV, HOK, and Appleby College.
Farhad Panahov
Economist
John Stackhouse
Senior Vice President, Office of the CEO
As Senior Vice-President, Office of the CEO, John advises the executive leadership on emerging trends in Canada’s economy, providing insights grounded in his travels across the country and around the world. His work focuses on technological change and innovation, examining how to successfully navigate the new economy so more people can thrive in the age of disruption. Prior to joining RBC, John spent nearly 25 years at the Globe and Mail, where he served as editor-in-chief, editor of Report on Business, and a foreign correspondent in New Delhi, India. Having interviewed a range of prominent world leaders and figures, including Vladimir Putin, Kofi Annan, and Benazir Bhutto, he possesses a deep understanding of national and international affairs. In the community, John serves as a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs, C.D. Howe Institute and is a member of the advisory council for both the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute and the Canadian International Council. John is the author of four books: Out of Poverty, Timbit Nation, and Mass Disruption: Thirty Years on the Front Lines of a Media Revolution and Planet Canada: How Our Expats Are Shaping the Future.
Kyle English
Senior Manager, Communications and Media Relations
Kyle English manages communications and media relations for RBC Economics and Thought Leadership. Before joining RBC, Kyle worked as a consultant at a Toronto-based public affairs agency, and he previously served in the Canadian Navy. Kyle holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, both from the Royal Military College of Canada.
Note: Please contact Kyle English with media inquiries for RBC Economics and Thought Leadership.
Nathan Janzen
Assistant Chief Economist
Rachel Battaglia
Economist
Robert Hogue
Assistant Chief Economist
Robert Hogue is responsible for providing analysis and forecasts on the Canadian housing market and provincial economies. His publications include Housing Trends and Affordability, Provincial Outlook and provincial budget commentaries. In his functions, he is frequently called to comment on the economy both internally within RBC and externally with clients and the media.
Robert joined RBC in May 2008 after spending 15 years with another Canadian financial institution as a senior economist specializing in industrial analysis. At the outset of his career, he spent four years as an economist with Ontario Hydro, where he specialized in industrial and macroeconomic analysis. Robert holds a Master’s degree in economics from Queen’s University and a Bachelor’s degree from Université de Montréal.
Trinh Theresa Do
Director, Strategic Programs
Yadullah Hussain
Managing Editor, Climate and Energy
Myha Truong-Regan
Head of Research, RBC Climate Action Institute
Shiplu Talukder
Digital Publishing Specialist
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