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 (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025

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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 midterms.

This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025

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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 material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025

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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, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025

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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 & local races take the spotlight as Election Day draws closer

This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 looms
• Former VP Harris recounts unprecedented 107 day campaign

This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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
• Tough negotiations around a new crypto “market structure” bill
• The Senate looks at the “nuclear option” when it comes to confirmations

This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.