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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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AI Surge Fuels Wall Street Optimism Amidst Fed Watch

 

Wall Street ended on a high note as investors’ enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) outweighed concerns over the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. The technology sector, led by giants like Alphabet and Tesla, saw a significant rebound, particularly with the Nasdaq index climbing 0.82%. Alphabet’s shares soared following reports of Apple potentially integrating Google’s Gemini AI engine into the iPhone, marking a substantial boost for the communication services sector.

Investors are keenly awaiting the Federal Reserve’s policy update, with mixed feelings about the potential outcomes. While the AI sector’s prospects have injected optimism, there’s a palpable tension regarding the Fed’s next move. The Dow Jones rose modestly by 0.20%, and the S&P 500 gained 0.63%, reflecting a cautious yet hopeful market stance.

In contrast, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) experienced a slight dip, diverging from its American counterparts. This minor setback, however, has not dampened the overall market sentiment, which remains buoyed by the AI-driven tech rally. As the week progresses, all eyes will be on the Federal Reserve’s decision, which is expected to bring clarity to investors’ lingering questions about the future of monetary policy.

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