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Markets Reel as Geopolitical Tensions Spike Oil and Sink Futures

US stock futures fell sharply Monday as escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran rattled global markets and sent investors fleeing risk assets. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slid more than 500 points, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures also dropped over 1%, reflecting heightened uncertainty and renewed volatility.  Oil prices surged in response to the unrest, with Brent crude jumping between 10% and 13% in early trading before stabilizing near the high-$70 range. West Texas Intermediate climbed more than 8%, driven by fears of supply disruptions after attacks near the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for global crude shipments.  The geopolitical shockwaves extended across global markets. Asian equities tumbled, gold strengthened, and investors braced for inflationary pressures tied to rising energy costs. The combination of military escalation and fragile market sentiment—already strained by volatility in tech and AI-related stocks—has amplified ...
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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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