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Wall Street Pauses as Fed Meeting Looms: Futures Hold Steady

U.S. stock futures were little changed on Tuesday as investors awaited the start of the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures all hovered near flat, reflecting a cautious mood across Wall Street. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders are focused on Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the central bank’s updated economic projections. Markets are looking for clues on when rate cuts might begin in 2024, with inflation cooling but still above the Fed’s long-term target. Recent gains in equities have been fueled by optimism that the Fed’s tightening cycle is over, yet uncertainty remains about how quickly monetary policy will shift toward easing. Until then, investors appear content to hold their positions, waiting for clearer signals from the Fed before making bold moves.
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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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