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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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UK Bonds Experience Worst Start to a Year on Record

 


UK bonds have experienced the worst start to a year on record, following an unexpected surge in inflation. 

The Bloomberg Sterling Aggregate Bond Index is down over 3% this month, more than any other sovereign market. The UK isn’t the only place where investors are rethinking their aggressive bets on interest-rate reductions. Traders in the US and Europe have also moderated their expectations. 

The turbulence in the bond market has brought home how vulnerable markets are. The Bank of England is now caught between a rock and a hard place, as the clear path the market was painting for a steady reduction in interest rates this year may have to be re-visited .


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