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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...

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U.S. stocks retreat from record highs ahead of jobs data


U.S. stocks ended lower on Monday, pulling back from record highs reached last week. The S&P 500 fell 0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.8%.

Investors were cautious ahead of some key reports this week on the U.S. economy, especially the jobs market The reports could provide more clues on the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates and inflation.

Technology and communication services stocks were among the biggest losers on Monday. Microsoft, Nvidia, Meta Platforms, and Netflix all declined more than 1.5%. Alaska Air Group plunged 14.2% after announcing a deal to buy Hawaiian Airlines.

Markets in Europe and Asia closed mixed on Monday. U.S. crude oil prices fell 1.4%, easing some inflationary pressure.

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