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Washington’s Aims in Iran Remain Steady, Says Hegseth

                                   Hegseth told reporters that the objectives remained to destroy Iran's missile launchers. In a recent commentary, Fox News host Pete Hegseth argued that the United States’ strategic objectives in Iran have remained largely unchanged despite shifting administrations and evolving regional tensions. According to Hegseth, Washington continues to prioritize deterring Iran’s nuclear ambitions, countering its regional influence, and protecting U.S. personnel and allies in the Middle East. Hegseth suggested that while tactics may vary—from diplomatic pressure to targeted military responses—the core goals have stayed consistent for decades. He also emphasized that Iran’s actions, including support for proxy groups and continued nuclear development, keep the region on edge and force U.S. policymakers to maintain a firm posture. His remarks come amid renewed...

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Canada's Economy Contracts Unpredictably: Central Bank's Cautionary Outlook


 Canada’s economy unexpectedly contracted in the second quarter of 2023 at an annualized rate of 0.2% . The growth was most likely flat in July. This result will probably allow the central bank to hold rates amid a possible recession . The second-quarter reading was far lower than the Bank of Canada’s (BoC’s) forecast for a 1.5% annualized GDP growth as well as the 1.2% gain expected by analysts . The quarterly slowdown was largely due to declines in housing investment and smaller inventory accumulation as well as slower international exports and household spending. In June, Canadian wildfires adversely impacted multiple industries, including mining and quarrying and rail transportation.

The figures “leave little doubt that the Bank of Canada will keep interest rates unchanged next week,” said Stephen Brown, deputy chief North American economist for Capital Economics. The central bank hiked its benchmark overnight rate to a 22-year-high of 5.0% in July, the tenth increase since March of last year. Since then, the bank has said its future moves would depend on its reading of the data, which have been mixed.

In conclusion, Canada’s economy has contracted unexpectedly in Q2 2023, and growth was most likely flat in July. This result will probably allow the central bank to hold rates amid a possible recession. The quarterly slowdown was largely due to declines in housing investment and smaller inventory accumulation as well as slower international exports and household spending. The Bank of Canada is expected to keep interest rates unchanged next week, given the recent economic data.

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