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Wall Street Pauses as Fed Meeting Looms: Futures Hold Steady

U.S. stock futures were little changed on Tuesday as investors awaited the start of the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures all hovered near flat, reflecting a cautious mood across Wall Street. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders are focused on Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the central bank’s updated economic projections. Markets are looking for clues on when rate cuts might begin in 2024, with inflation cooling but still above the Fed’s long-term target. Recent gains in equities have been fueled by optimism that the Fed’s tightening cycle is over, yet uncertainty remains about how quickly monetary policy will shift toward easing. Until then, investors appear content to hold their positions, waiting for clearer signals from the Fed before making bold moves.

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Canadian Job Market Shows Resilience: 41,000 New Jobs Added Despite Unemployment Rate Uptick


In a recent report by Statistics Canada, the Canadian job market demonstrated resilience in February. Despite the challenges posed by population growth, employers added 41,000 net new jobs during the month. These gains were primarily driven by an increase in full-time positions.

However, the unemployment rate also saw a slight uptick, rising to 5.8 per cent. This development highlights the delicate balance between job creation and population expansion. As the country continues to grow, policymakers and economists closely monitor these trends.

The services sector played a significant role in employment gains, reflecting a diverse range of industries. The Bank of Canada remains vigilant, observing labor market dynamics and wage growth as it assesses the need for any adjustments to its benchmark interest rate.

While the Canadian economy faces headwinds, the job market’s ability to generate new employment opportunities is a positive sign. As we navigate the complexities of a changing workforce, staying informed about these trends is crucial for individuals and policymakers alike.


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