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Wall Street Pauses as Earnings Season Heats Up

U.S. stock futures were mixed on Wednesday as investors braced for a wave of corporate earnings that could set the tone for markets in the weeks ahead. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq 100 hovered near flat, while S&P 500 contracts edged slightly higher. The cautious mood followed a record-setting session for the Dow, which closed at an all-time high above 47,000 on Tuesday, buoyed by strong results from blue-chip names like Coca-Cola. However, sentiment was tempered after Netflix shares tumbled more than 6% in after-hours trading on weaker-than-expected quarterly results. All eyes are now on Tesla, IBM, and other major companies set to report later today. Tesla’s earnings, in particular, are expected to be a key test for the so-called “Magnificent Seven” tech giants that have powered much of this year’s rally. Meanwhile, bond markets remained steady, with the 10-year Treasury yield holding just under 4%. Investors are also watching closely for signs ...

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Economic Headwinds: Canada Braces for a Challenging Year Ahead

 

As the world cautiously emerges from an aggressive cycle of interest rate hikes, a sense of optimism has begun to permeate global markets. The United States, in particular, has exceeded economic growth expectations. However, this newfound hope may not extend to Canada, where economists warn of tougher times ahead.

High Recession Risks: Canada faces a unique set of challenges, including high household debt and a housing market that’s cooling more rapidly than anticipated. Economists from Toronto Dominion and Bank of Montreal predict a “bumpier landing” for Canada, with growth expected to decelerate sharply in the coming year.

Consumer Spending Slowdown: The tightening of consumer belts is anticipated to peak soon, significantly slowing spending and contributing to an economic slowdown. Business investments are also expected to retract, further dampening growth prospects.

Potential Rate Cuts: In response to stalling growth, the Bank of Canada may initiate interest rate cuts as early as spring. While the exact timing and extent of these cuts remain uncertain, they represent a glimmer of hope for an economy on the brink of recession.

In conclusion, while the global economy shows signs of recovery, Canada must navigate a precarious path, balancing the need for fiscal prudence with measures to stimulate growth and mitigate the risk of a recession.

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