The upcoming clash between Texas Tech and Oklahoma State has taken an unexpected turn, as the Big 12 television partners have opted to pass on airing the game, relegating it to ESPN+'s streaming-only platform. Despite the lack of mainstream television coverage, the rivalry between these two programs promises to deliver a captivating contest, as both teams look to make their mark in the suddenly cloudy Big 12 landscape.

A Rivalry Renewed, but with a Twist

### The Unexpected Streaming DebutThe decision by the Big 12 television partners to forgo airing the Texas Tech-Oklahoma State matchup has come as a surprise to many fans. This will mark the first time this year that one of the Red Raiders' Big 12 games has been exclusively available on ESPN's streaming platform. While the lack of traditional television coverage may disappoint some, it presents an opportunity for dedicated fans to engage with the game in a more intimate, digital setting.### A Cloudy Big 12 LandscapeAs the season progresses, the Big 12 race has become increasingly uncertain, with several teams vying for the conference title. However, this particular matchup between Texas Tech and Oklahoma State is not expected to have a significant impact on the overall conference standings. The Red Raiders, with a 4-3 conference record, are all but eliminated from the title picture, while the Cowboys have struggled mightily, entering the game with a 3-7 overall record and a winless conference mark.### A Surprising Reversal of FortunesThe Cowboys' struggles this season have been particularly surprising, as they were widely expected to be contenders for the Big 12 title when the year began. In fact, Oklahoma State was picked to finish third in the preseason Big 12 poll, making their current predicament all the more shocking. Head coach Mike Gundy's team has experienced a dramatic reversal of fortunes, dropping three consecutive home games and four of their last five overall by double-digit margins.### Texas Tech's OpportunityGiven the Cowboys' struggles, the Red Raiders will head to Stillwater with the expectation of securing a victory. However, playing at Oklahoma State's Boone Pickens Stadium has not been an easy task for Texas Tech in recent years. Since winning in Stillwater in 2001, the Red Raiders have managed just one victory in the last ten games played at the Cowboys' home field.### A Chance to Break the TrendThis year, with Oklahoma State's woes, could present an opportunity for Texas Tech to break that trend and emerge victorious. The Red Raiders will be looking to capitalize on the Cowboys' vulnerabilities and secure a much-needed conference win, even if it may not garner significant attention outside of the Lubbock and Stillwater communities.### A Captivating Clash, RegardlessWhile the Big 12 television partners may have passed on airing this matchup, the rivalry between Texas Tech and Oklahoma State remains a captivating one. Fans of both programs will eagerly tune in to ESPN+ to witness the latest chapter in this long-standing battle, eager to see if the Red Raiders can seize the opportunity and emerge victorious in Stillwater.

The re-election of Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the global currency markets, with the U.S. dollar surging and the Canadian dollar, known as the "loonie," plummeting to a four-year low against its American counterpart. This shift has significant implications for Canadian exporters and consumers, as they grapple with the impact of tariffs and rising prices for imported goods.

Powering the Dollar's Ascent: The Trump Trade and Economic Divergence

The Trump Trade Supercharges the Greenback

The recent exchange rate movement is largely a story of U.S. dollar strength, driven by the prospect of Trump's return to the White House and the implementation of his policy agenda. Investors have responded by pushing bond yields sharply higher, with the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasuries up almost a full percentage point since mid-September. This has attracted foreign capital, bidding up the value of the greenback.Trump's promises of tariffs, corporate tax cuts, and deregulation are expected to boost domestic economic growth, increase the U.S. government deficit, and fuel inflation. This policy mix has fueled the "Trump trade," further strengthening the U.S. dollar.

Diverging Economic Fortunes: Canada Lags Behind

In contrast, the Canadian economy has been struggling, with inflation and growth both surprising to the downside. This has led the Bank of Canada to be the first G7 central bank to begin lowering interest rates, cutting four consecutive times since June. By comparison, the U.S. Federal Reserve has maintained a more hawkish stance, keeping its policy rate target at 4.5% to 4.75%.The interest rate divergence between the two central banks is expected to widen, putting further downward pressure on the loonie. This dynamic benefits Canadian exporters, who become more competitive, but harms Canadian consumers, who face higher prices for imported goods.

Balancing Act: The Bank of Canada's Dilemma

The Bank of Canada Governor, Tiff Macklem, has acknowledged the limits to how far the central bank can diverge from the Fed's policies. While a weaker currency can help boost competitiveness and offset the impact of tariffs, it also carries the risk of fueling inflation, which the Bank of Canada is seeking to avoid.Macklem has stated that the bank's primary concern is the downside risks to economic growth and inflation, rather than the level of the exchange rate. The bank's research suggests that a 10% depreciation in the Canadian dollar can increase core inflation by around 0.3 percentage points and total consumer price index inflation by 0.6 percentage points.

Potential Reversal: The Possibility of a Weaker U.S. Dollar

Despite the current strength of the U.S. dollar, some analysts believe this trend may reverse in the medium term. Trump has previously expressed a preference for a weaker currency to support U.S. manufacturers and exporters. If the dollar strengthens to levels that become disruptive, the president may attempt to intervene and take credit for fixing the problem he created, potentially sowing the seeds for a weaker dollar in the coming years.As the global currency landscape continues to shift, Canadian policymakers and businesses must navigate the complex interplay of economic forces, exchange rate fluctuations, and the ever-evolving policy landscape under the Trump administration. The road ahead may be challenging, but those who can adapt and capitalize on the changing dynamics may find opportunities to thrive in the face of these turbulent times.