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Statistics Canada Begins Major Workforce Overhaul, Cutting 850 Positions

    Statistics Canada says it will be cutting around 850 of its staff along with 12 per cent of its executive team. Statistics Canada is moving ahead with a major restructuring that will see roughly 850 jobs eliminated , including a portion of its executive ranks. The agency confirmed that it has entered a formal workforce adjustment period, with affected employees set to receive notices over the next two weeks. The cuts are part of a broader federal initiative to reduce public service spending. With more than 7,200 employees as of early 2025, Statistics Canada is among several departments facing significant downsizing as the government seeks long‑term budget efficiencies. Union representatives have raised concerns about the impact on the agency’s ability to maintain the quality and timeliness of national data. Management, however, has emphasized that voluntary departures and early retirement incentives will be used where possible to ease the transition. The announcement m...
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S&P/TSX Hits New Highs: Oil Surge and U.S. Markets Rally

 


Toronto, Canada witnessed a bullish surge as the S&P/TSX composite index soared nearly 200 points, closing at 21,552.35. The driving force behind this remarkable climb? Energy stocks, fueled by rising oil prices. Meanwhile, across the border, U.S. markets celebrated fresh record highs.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Oil’s Resurgence: The TSX energy index flexed its muscles, rising almost 2%. Oil briefly flirted with US$80 per barrel, a level unseen since early November. Geopolitical tensions and anticipation of potential OPEC cuts contributed to this bullish momentum.

  2. U.S. Market Records:

    • The Dow Jones industrial average gained 90.99 points, closing at 39,087.38.
    • The S&P 500 index surged 40.81 points, reaching 5,137.08.
    • The Nasdaq composite continued its ascent, adding 183.02 points to hit 16,274.94. Artificial intelligence remained the tech sector’s driving force.
    • Dell Technologies stole the spotlight, leaping nearly 32% after impressive earnings.

  3. Interest Rate Expectations:

    • Weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data bolstered expectations for summer interest rate cuts.
    • Fed Governor Christopher Waller hinted at a shift in the central bank’s holdings toward short-term Treasuries.

  4. Market Resilience:

    • Despite mixed economic data, market bulls remain optimistic.
    • Technical and fundamental factors support the rally, but caution is warranted due to elevated valuations and universal optimism.

  5. Earnings Triumph:

    • Fourth-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, with growth nearing 8%.
    • Approximately 76% of S&P 500 firms surprised to the upside, reinforcing confidence in equities.

  6. AI-Driven Rally:

    • Wall Street strategists scramble to keep pace with the stock market’s artificial intelligence frenzy.
    • Five major firms raised their S&P 500 forecasts for 2024.
    • The index’s strong start—up over 7%—follows a remarkable 24% gain in 2023.

  7. Historical Perspective:

    • Consecutive monthly gains signal a promising year ahead.
    • Since 1950, when the index finished higher in both January and February, full-year returns averaged 19.8%—with positive outcomes in 27 out of 28 instances.

In summary, the S&P/TSX’s bullish trajectory, driven by oil and tech, underscores unwavering optimism amid macroeconomic uncertainties. Investors eagerly await further developments in monetary policy and corporate performance.


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