Financial Post Big Picture Podcast

RIM is on the ropes after another round of weak earnings and surprisingly low sales of its tablet, the PlayBook. We talk about what comes next for the BlackBerry maker. Plus, we find out how to make the most of online coupon sites with FP personal finance columnist, Garry Marr.  

The Bank of Canada decided Wednesday keep rates at 1%. Christopher Molder, a Toronto mortgage broker with Tridac Mortgages, explains where rates will go. Also, we talk to FP columnist Garry Marr about why Canadians find it so hard to save their money  

Research in Motion's head honchos Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis were on the hot seat at the company AGM this week. FP tech guru Matt Hartley was there and has the details on the critical next six months for RIM/After raising prices for months, it looks like airlines might cut us a break and drop fares soon. FP transportation reporter Scott Deveau gets our hopes up.  

With debt woes and unemployment rising, the U.S. Economy is in a rough spot. John Greenwood, FP Street Reporter, journeyed to the front lines of American politics and shares his experience following a band of Tea Party activists across Iowa  

This week on the podcast: We examine Bombardier's performance at this year's Paris Air Show, and give our thoughts on Canada's swanky new bank notes.

Podcast Roundtable: FP reporters Jameson Berkow and John Shmuel dive into the world of junk food and beer to unwrap the twin rise of fancy fast food joints and craft brewing owned and operated by mainstream companies such as McDonald's and Molson  

Sino-Forest Corp. has long been heralded as one of the few successes in forestry, but an explosive Muddy Waters report has clouded that record. FP reporters Peter Koven, David Pett and John Shmuel engage in a roundtable discussion on the saga so far, the implications for markets and investors, and what we know so far of the report's mysterious author Carson Block  

After 15 long years in the cold, dark wilderness, Winnipeg has triumphantly returned to the warming warmth of the NHL. National Post sports columnist Bruce Arthur has all the details on the dollars behind the deal. While we were sleeping, Canada Post workers went on strike. But is the service relevant enough for people to care anymore? Vincent Geloso, economist with the Montreal Economic Institute, says no and is calling for the Canada Post to privatize.  

Housing prices have been on a tear in Canada recently, especially in Vancouver where foreign investment is becoming a real theme. Phil Soper, chief executive with Royal LePage, explains why the West Coast is the best coast and what you should think about if you're planning on buying or selling

The search for the next IMF chief has begun, and some are speculating that the first Asian could be appointed to the position. We talk to McGill economics professor Tom Velk about his thoughts. Also this week — do Canadians need more than one car to get around, or is it just a really nice perk? FP personal finance columnist Garry Marr reconsiders his two-car status  

The sale of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment took a step forward this week when the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan bought out TD Bank's 13% stake.  FP's chief business correspondent Theresa Tedesco has the insider details on what happens next to the Leafs/Last week saw oil, silver and gold prices obliterated in a sudden commodity rout. This week, amid increasing price volatility, FP's mining reporter Peter Koven gives you a run down of why prices suddenly reversed and where they go next  

RIM shareholders got a familiar piece of news this week: a lower earnings forecast, and shares plunged as a result. We talk to FP tech reporter Matt Hartley about whether investors are overreacting, or whether it's time to bail on RIM. Plus: All those warnings we've been getting about the North American economy running out of gas in 2011 look to be coming true, as both Canada and the United States put up weak GDP figures this week. Paul Ashworth, chief North America economist with Capital Economics, has the details

Sifting through the plethora of cash back and points rewards credit cards can be a daunting task, especially as new ones seem to come out every year. FP columnist Garry Marr debates whether you should be opting for points or cash back./The high-flying loonie has been above parity with the greenback for a while now, yet we're still paying on average 20% more for products like Justin Bieber CDs than our southern neighbours. FP reporter Jameson Berkow explains why.

The election promises are coming fast and furious, and that's been no different on the personal finance side of things. The Conservatives recently announced they will allow couples to split their income for tax purposes, and also said they will double the TFSA contribution limit. FP's personal finance columnist, Jonathan Chevreau, provides his take. Also — with the ECB raising interest rates this week for the first time in three years, attention now turns to Canada, which has not touched its own rates since last September. Doug Porter, deputy chief economist with BMO Capital Markets, gives FP a rundown of the issues.

Radiation leaking from damaged reactors in Japan is a major problem. Or is it? FP columnist Lawrence Solomon argues radiation, in small doses, is actually good for you. Also this week: we take a closer look at Magna International's research into plastic car components, and why you might be driving a plastic car in the not too distant future.