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Rising Tensions in the Gulf as Iran Threatens Oil Blockade

                                     An aerial view of the Iranian shores and Port of Bandar Abbas in the strait of Hormuz Iran has escalated regional tensions by declaring it will block all oil shipments from the Middle East if U.S. and Israeli attacks persist, prompting a stark warning from President Donald Trump of a far stronger American military response.  The Revolutionary Guards’ vow to halt “one litre of oil” from leaving the region has already rattled global markets, contributing to falling crude prices and surging equities as investors brace for potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies. Trump responded by threatening unprecedented retaliation should Iran follow through, insisting the U.S. would strike “much harder” to ensure oil exports remain uninterrupted.  Despite the heated rhetoric, he expressed confid...

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Canadian Service Sector Shrinks for Seventh Straight Month in December

 


According to S&P Global Canada services PMI data, the Canadian service sector shrank for the seventh consecutive month in December 2023, as elevated borrowing costs weighed on the housing market. The headline business activity index edged up to 44.6 in December from a near three-and-a-half-year low of 44.5 in November. However, it remained well below the 50 threshold that separates growth from contraction.

The Canadian service sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, and its contraction could have far-reaching implications. The sector includes industries such as finance, insurance, real estate, professional services, and retail trade. The contraction of the service sector could lead to a decline in employment opportunities and a decrease in consumer spending.


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