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AI Anxiety and Metal Mayhem Shake U.S. Markets

U.S. stock futures stumbled as renewed doubts about the sustainability of the artificial‑intelligence boom rippled through financial markets. Tech-heavy benchmarks led the decline, with Nasdaq futures sliding and the S&P 500 also moving lower as investors reassessed whether AI-linked valuations have run too far, too fast. The unease wasn’t limited to equities. Precious metals experienced dramatic intraday swings, with gold and silver both whipsawing after a period of rapid gains. Traders pointed to shifting expectations around interest rates and safe‑haven demand as key drivers behind the volatility. The combination of tech-sector skepticism and commodity turbulence has created a tense backdrop for markets. While some investors see the pullback as a healthy reset, others worry it may signal deeper concerns about the durability of the recent rally. Markets now look ahead to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings for clearer direction.

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Canada’s Job Market Remains Steady in December 2023



Canada’s economy added just 100 jobs in December and the unemployment rate held steady at 5.8 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. Employment growth slowed in the second half of 2023, averaging 23,000 per month, compared with the first six months of 2023, when it averaged 48,000 per month. At the same time, average hourly wages increased 5.4 per cent year-over-year, following a rise of 4.8 per cent in November.

Canada’s job market remained steady in December 2023, with the economy adding just 100 jobs and the unemployment rate holding steady at 5.8 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. The data agency said that employment was virtually unchanged from November, following an increase of 25,000 jobs the previous month. Employment growth slowed in the second half of 2023, averaging 23,000 per month, compared with the first six months of 2023, when it averaged 48,000 per month. At the same time, average hourly wages increased 5.4 per cent year-over-year, following a rise of 4.8 per cent in November. This is a significant increase in wages, which could help to offset the slower employment growth in the second half of the year.


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