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Peace Talks Falter as New Strikes Shake Ukraine

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives the heads of delegations participating in the UAE hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine, Director of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kirill Budanov, United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov, and Jared Kushner at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. US‑mediated negotiations aimed at easing the war in Ukraine ended abruptly without an agreement after Russia launched a series of overnight airstrikes that hit multiple Ukrainian cities and energy facilities. The renewed bombardment intensified pressure on the talks, which had been viewed as a tentative step toward de‑escalation. Diplomats from both sides described the discussions as “constructive but inconclusive,” noting that major sticking points — in...

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Canada’s Inflation Rate Eases to 2.9% in January

 


Canada’s annual rate of inflation slowed in January, with prices rising 2.9 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. This deceleration was primarily driven by lower year-over-year prices for gasoline. Excluding volatile items like energy and food, the core inflation rate remained relatively stable.

Factors Influencing the Slowdown:

  1. Gasoline Prices: The decline in gasoline prices contributed significantly to the easing of inflation. As global oil markets adjusted, consumers benefited from more affordable fuel at the pump.

  2. Grocery Costs: Price growth for groceries also decelerated, rising 3.4 per cent annually in January compared to 4.7 per cent in December. This moderation in food prices played a role in curbing overall inflation.

  3. Base-Year Effect: The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew at a slower pace year over year in January due to a base-year effect. The monthly increase in January 2023 was smaller than that in January 2022.

While this slowdown is a positive sign, it’s essential to monitor inflation trends closely. The central bank will continue to assess economic conditions and adjust monetary policy as needed. As we navigate the delicate balance between price stability and economic growth, Canadians can expect ongoing discussions about inflationary pressures and their impact on household budgets.

In summary, Canada’s inflation rate has taken a breather, but vigilance remains key as we move forward in 2024.


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