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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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Stock Futures Point to Continued Record-Setting Run on Wall Street

                                        

In a bullish start to the day, US stock futures are indicating a higher open as Wall Street aims to extend its record-setting run. Here are the key points:

  1. Futures on the S&P 500 (symbol: ^GSPC) have risen nearly 0.4%.
  2. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (symbol: ^DJI) are up by about 0.2%.
  3. Nasdaq Composite futures (symbol: ^IXIC) lead the way, rising approximately 0.5%.

Despite a brief pause in the rally on Monday, where all three major indexes dipped slightly, the overall mood remains bullish. Notably, Oppenheimer Asset Management strategist John Stoltzfus has raised his 2024 S&P 500 price target to a Street-high 5,500.

Economic data is in focus today, with readings on durable goods orders and US consumer confidence due. Additionally, the Case-Shiller home price index will be released. However, the main event awaits us on Friday when the government will publish the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (core PCE growth)—the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation pace.

In company news, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (symbol: DJT) is making its Wall Street debut after merging with Digital World Acquisition Corp. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. have surged as much as 20% in premarket trading.

Stay tuned for more market updates as the week unfolds.

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