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Canada's New Groceries & Essentials Benefit: What It Means for Your Wallet in 2026

  Big news for Canadian households: the federal government has just unveiled the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — and if you qualify, money could land in your bank account as early as June 2026 . With the cost of living still squeezing budgets from coast to coast, this is one announcement you don't want to miss. Here's everything you need to know — and more importantly, how to make the most of it. How Much Money Are We Talking? The amounts are significant. According to the federal government's Spring Economic Update 2026: Families of four: Up to $1,890 in 2026, and approximately $1,400/year for the next four years. Single individuals: Up to $950 this year, and around $700/year through 2030. Payments begin: June 2026 This benefit is a 25% increase on the former GST Credit , now renamed and boosted for five years. If you already receive the GST Credit, you should automatically be considered — no new application needed. 📌 Bonus: The government has also made th...
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S&P 500 Inches Closer to Record High Amid Optimism About Fed’s Policy and Year-End Effect

 

The S&P 500 index closed just shy of a new record high on Thursday, with the broad index gaining 0.04%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.03%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1%. Markets are ending 2023 on a hot streak, with all three indexes on pace for a ninth consecutive weekly gain. For the S&P 500, that would mark the longest streak since January 2004. The index is now within 0.3% of its all-time high, set in January 2022. With one trading session remaining in 2023, the S&P 500 is up 25%.

Investors are optimistic that the Federal Reserve can successfully cool inflation without inducing a major economic slowdown, which has powered the market’s recent advance. Now, some investors say the looming end of the calendar year is giving markets an extra boost. “Nobody who has caught this rally wants to incur a taxable event,” said Michael Green, chief strategist at Simplify Asset Management. “If nobody wants to sell, prices will push higher on low volume”.

The jobless claims data released by the Labor Department on Thursday indicated a gradual cooling of the economy. Initial jobless claims, considered a proxy for layoffs, were 218,000 in the week ending Dec. 23, slightly more than the 215,000 that economists expected.

Bond yields rose as prices fell, reflecting expectations of higher inflation and interest rates. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.849%, up from 3.7%.

Some investors are increasing their exposure to energy and industrial stocks, which could benefit from a strong economic recovery. Matt Dmytryszyn, chief investment officer at Telemus Capital, said his fund is boosting its position in shares of energy and industrial firms.


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