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The Canada Strong Fund — Invest Like the Government

  Published on MoneySavings.ca | Personal Finance | May 2026 Imagine being able to put your savings into the same fund the federal government is betting $25 billion on. For the first time in Canadian history, that's exactly what Ottawa is offering you — a front-row seat (and a direct stake) in the country's biggest nation-building push in generations. On April 28, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada's first national sovereign wealth fund — the Canada Strong Fund. It's a bold, headline-grabbing idea: let everyday Canadians invest directly alongside the government in the ports, pipelines, mines, and infrastructure projects shaping our economic future. But before you start redirecting your TFSA contributions, let's break down exactly what this fund is, what it promises, what it costs — and whether it might belong in your financial plan. What Is the Canada Strong Fund? A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment vehicle. Countries like Norw...
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Japan Sinks into Recession and Loses Its Position in the Global Economy

 

In a significant economic shift, Japan has slipped from its position as the world’s third-largest economy, falling behind Germany. The latest government data reveals that Japan’s economy contracted in the last quarter of 2023, leading to this change in ranking.

For over a decade, Japan held the second spot, but it ceded that position to China. Now, it faces another setback as Germany surpasses it. Here are the key points:

  1. Economic Contraction: Japan’s real GDP shrank by 0.1% in the final quarter of 2023, primarily due to weak spending by households and businesses. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of economic activity, fell by 0.2% as households grappled with rising living costs and stagnant wages.

  2. Yen’s Impact: The sharp decline of the Japanese yen against the US dollar over the past two years played a crucial role. A weaker yen affects export profits when earnings are repatriated. Germany, too, faces similar challenges, despite being Europe’s largest economy.

  3. Structural Reforms Needed: Japan’s labor crunch is worse than Germany’s, and addressing the low birthrate remains a challenge. The government emphasizes structural reforms, including promoting full-time work for women and easing barriers to foreign investment.

  4. Technical Recession: With two consecutive quarters of contraction, Japan officially enters a technical recession. The country must navigate economic headwinds while welcoming a record number of foreign workers.

While the loss of its global ranking is a blow, Japan remains resilient. As it grapples with demographic shifts and economic complexities, policymakers strive to steer the nation toward sustainable growth.


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