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Tech Jitters and Fed Uncertainty Weigh on Markets

U.S. stocks slipped as a pivotal week began, with investors bracing for a wave of Big Tech earnings and the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all edged lower, reflecting a cautious mood across markets. The pullback follows a choppy stretch for equities, as major indexes have struggled to regain momentum amid shifting expectations for interest‑rate cuts and ongoing geopolitical concerns. Tech stocks, in particular, have been under pressure after consecutive weekly declines, raising the stakes for earnings reports from industry giants. Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla are all set to report in the coming days, and their results could determine whether the sector reclaims leadership or continues to drag on broader market performance. With the Fed meeting approaching, traders are looking for clarity on the central bank’s rate‑cut timeline. Until then, many appear content to stay on the sidelines as uncertainty hangs over the week ahead.

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Grocery prices to rise by up to 4.5% in 2024, report predicts

 

The annual Canada’s Food Price Report forecasts that the average Canadian family of four will spend $700 more on food in 2024, reaching a total of $16,297.20. The report, which is produced by four Canadian universities, projects that bakery, meat and vegetables will see the highest price increases, up to 7 per cent.

The report attributes the rising food costs to several factors, including interest rates, energy costs, climate change, transportation expenses and geopolitical risk. However, it also notes that the rate of increase is slowing compared to the previous two years, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the food supply chain and caused inflation to spike.

Some essential items, such as dried pasta, sauces and canned goods, could become cheaper in 2024, as grocery chains compete for customers and benefit from lower commodity prices. The report also suggests that families spent less on groceries in 2023 than in 2022, possibly due to higher housing costs and debt levels.

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