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Putin Pushes Back on U.S. Peace Plan, Talks Drag On

Russian President Vladimir Putin, rear centre, Russian Direct Investment Fund chief executive Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries Kirill Dmitriev, right, attend the talks with US special. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that progress toward ending the war in Ukraine remains elusive, declaring that some proposals in the U.S.-backed peace plan are unacceptable to the Kremlin . His remarks followed hours of talks in Moscow with American envoys , including President Donald Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. Putin described the discussions as “necessary” and “useful,” but also “difficult work.” The sticking points reportedly center on territorial concessions and security guarantees for Ukraine , issues that have long divided negotiators. Washington’s plan seeks to halt years of fighting, but Moscow continues to resist terms that would require Ukraine to surrender land or rely ...

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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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