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CUSMA Review 2026: What Happens on July 1 — and What It Means for Your Wallet

The trade deal that governs nearly $1.3 trillion in Canada-U.S. commerce is up for review in less than a week. Here's what's at stake for Canadian families — and how to protect your budget whatever happens next. By MoneySavings.ca Staff  |   June 25, 2026 Canada Day is almost here — and this year, July 1 carries a lot more weight than fireworks and barbecues. On that same date, Canada, the United States, and Mexico are required to sit down for the first mandatory review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement , known in Canada as CUSMA (and in the U.S. as the USMCA). The outcome of these talks will help shape the price of your groceries, your next car payment, Canadian jobs, and the overall cost of living for years to come. If you've heard the buzz but aren't sure what it all means for your household budget, you're in the right place. Here's your plain-language breakdown. What Is CUSMA — and Why Should You Care? CUSMA replaced the old NAFTA deal in 2020 an...

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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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