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Scorch and Surge: Ontario Faces Sweltering Heat and Successive Storm Threats

Ontario is bracing for a stretch of intense weather as Environment Canada issues heat warnings across multiple regions, paired with a forecast of multi-day storm risks. Temperatures are expected to soar past 30°C, with humidex values pushing conditions into the high 30s and low 40s. The sweltering heat poses increased risks to vulnerable populations, including seniors, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Meteorologists warn that the heat won’t come alone. A line of unstable air sweeping across southern and central Ontario is expected to fuel daily thunderstorms through the weekend and into next week. These storms could bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, and isolated hail, further complicating the forecast. Officials are urging residents to take precautions: stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak hours, and check in on neighbours who may be at risk. Pet owners are also reminded to avoid walking animals during the hottest parts of the day. The co...

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U.S. Markets Tumble on Earnings, Bond Yields

U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, as investors digested mixed earnings reports from Microsoft and Alphabet while Treasury yields pushed higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.32% to 33,035.93 points, the S&P 500 index slid 1.43% to 4,186.77 points, and the Nasdaq composite index plunged 2.43% to 12,821.22 points.

Alphabet shares slid more than 9% after the Google parent beat on earnings and revenue but fell short in its cloud business. Microsoft shares rose 3% after its own double beat showed its bets on AI were paying off for its cloud segment. Other tech giants such as Amazon and Meta also declined ahead of their earnings reports.

The earnings season also coincided with a surge in bond yields, as the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve signaled their readiness to fight inflation by keeping interest rates high. The BoC held its key rate at 5.0%, but lowered its 2023 growth forecast to 1.2%. The Fed is expected to announce its tapering plans next week.

The higher yields weighed on rate-sensitive sectors such as technology and real estate, but boosted energy and financial stocks. The Canadian dollar traded for 79.23 cents US compared with 79.28 cents US on Tuesday.



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