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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

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Dow Leads Gains Amid Earnings Surge

 

In today’s stock market, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) took the lead, rising approximately 0.3%. The broader market also saw positive movement, with the S&P 500 (^GSPC) climbing around 0.2%. Even the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) managed to erase earlier session losses and finish in the green.

Investors are closely monitoring earnings season, which is now halfway done. The question on everyone’s mind: Can strong earnings results reignite the stock rally?

Here are some notable highlights from today’s market:

  1. Spotify (SPOT): Shares of the music streaming giant surged after the company provided robust guidance.

  2. Eli Lilly (LLY): The pharmaceutical company’s stock popped as its 2024 profit forecast exceeded estimates.

  3. New York Community Bank (NYCB): Unfortunately, investor concerns over the health of this commercial real estate lender caused its shares to plummet by more than 22%.

Additionally, comments from Federal Reserve officials added to the market chatter. Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester emphasized caution in moving interest rates down too soon, while Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari acknowledged positive inflation data but stressed that the Fed isn’t fully prepared to tackle higher prices yet.

As the market navigates these dynamics, investors remain vigilant about the possibility of interest rate cuts and the impact on their portfolios. 

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