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.
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Meet Our Team

Dawn Desjardins
As RBC’s Deputy Chief Economist, Dawn Desjardins contributes to the macroeconomic and interest rate forecasts for Canada and the U.S. Before joining RBC, Dawn worked as a reporter for Bloomberg Financial News in Toronto covering the Canadian bond and currency markets.
Cynthia Leach
Cynthia helps shape the narratives and research agenda around the RBC Economics and Thought Leadership team’s forward-looking economic and policy analysis. She joined the team in 2020.
Previously, Cynthia was an executive at Finance Canada, most recently heading a team responsible for housing finance policy covering housing-related risks, mortgage lending and funding markets, and the commercial activities of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. She also has experience in current economic analysis and fiscal policy.
Cynthia holds an M.A. Economics degree from the University of Toronto.

Nathan Janzen
Nathan has been with RBC since 2008 with a focus on covering the macroeconomic outlook for Canada and the United States. He has a MA in economics from McMaster University and a BA in economics from the University of Regina.

Robert Hogue
Robert Hogue is a member of the Macroeconomic and Regional Analysis Group, with RBC Economics. He is responsible for providing analysis and forecasts for the Canadian housing market and for the 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.
Mr. Hogue 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. Mr. Hogue holds a Master’s degree in economics from Queen’s University and a Bachelor’s degree from Université de Montréal.

Josh Nye
Josh joined RBC Economics as an economist in 2012. He holds a bachelor of arts (honours) in economics from the University of Western Ontario and a master of science in economics from the London School of Economics.

Claire Fan
Claire Fan is an economist at RBC. She focuses on macroeconomic trends and is responsible for projecting key indicators on GDP, labour markets as well as inflation for both Canada and the US.

Carrie Freestone
Carrie Freestone is an economist at RBC. She provides labour market analysis, and is a member of the regional analysis group, contributing to the provincial macro outlook.

Colin Guldimann
Colin joined RBC in 2019 as an economist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa, and Master of Arts in Economics from the University of British Columbia. Prior to joining RBC, Colin worked on mortgage, housing, and economic policy at the Department of Finance Canada.
Naomi Powell
Naomi joined RBC’s Thought Leadership group in 2020. She is responsible for editing and writing pieces for RBC Economics and Thought Leadership. Prior to joining RBC, she worked as a business journalist in Canada and Europe, most recently reporting on international trade and economics for the Financial Post.

Darren Chow
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.

Trinh Theresa Do
Trinh Theresa Do (she goes by Theresa) is responsible for strategy development on the Thought Leadership & Economics team, with occasional forays into podcasting, research, and writing. Previously, she was a strategy advisor to senior management and executives at RBC’s Personal & Commercial Banking business.

Jennifer Marron
Jennifer Marron produces "Disruptors, an RBC podcast". Prior to joining RBC, Jennifer spent five years as Community Manager at MaRS Discovery District and cultivated a large network of industry leaders, entrepreneurs and partners to support the Canadian startup ecosystem.