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Liberal Candidate Paul Chiang Steps Down Amid Controversy

Paul Chiang, a Liberal candidate in the Markham-Unionville riding, has announced his resignation following backlash over comments he made regarding a Conservative opponent, Joe Tay. Chiang suggested that individuals could claim a bounty offered by Hong Kong authorities by turning Tay over to the Chinese consulate. This statement, made during a press conference in January, sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about foreign interference in Canadian politics. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has since launched an investigation into the matter, citing potential threats to Canada's democratic processes. Chiang issued an apology, calling his remarks a "deplorable lapse in judgment," but the controversy persisted. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the comments, stating that they endangered Tay's safety and sent a chilling message to the community. Chiang's resignation comes as Liberal leader Mark Carney faces mounting pressure to address ...

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US Stocks Stall as Fed Decision Day Arrives

                                             

Wall Street is on edge today as the Federal Reserve prepares to announce its next interest rate decision at 2 p.m. ET. Investors and Main Street alike are closely watching Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference following the decision. The stakes are high, and caution prevails as the market awaits any potential shifts in the Fed’s stance. Here are the current points

  • The S&P 500 opened flat, fresh off an all-time closing high.
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.2%.
  • The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.2%.

While no change in interest rates is expected this afternoon, all eyes are on the “dot plot.” Analysts suspect that recent hotter-than-expected inflation readings and signs of strength in the US economy could prompt policymakers to forecast rate cuts in 2024, up from the previous three. This uncertainty could weigh on stocks and impact the recent rally.

Bonds are also in focus. Yields on the 10-year Treasury were slightly lower at around 4.28%, after rising over 20 basis points in the past two weeks. The Fed’s statement could further influence bond yields.

On the corporate front, luxury group Kering (KER.PA) (PPRUY) issued a warning that sales at its biggest brand, Gucci, fell 20% in the first quarter, causing shares to slump as much as 15% in Paris.

As the Fed’s decision looms, investors are treading carefully. The market awaits clarity on the central bank’s outlook for the months ahead. Buckle up for a potentially bumpy ride as the dot plot takes center stage! 

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