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Canada to Launch $36 Billion Infrastructure Fund in Upcoming Budget

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a press conference, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 27, 2025.   Canada’s federal government is preparing to unveil a sweeping $36 billion infrastructure fund as part of its upcoming budget. The initiative will target housing, transportation, and healthcare projects , aiming to stimulate economic growth while addressing pressing national needs. The fund represents one of the most significant infrastructure commitments in recent years. By channeling billions into local projects, Ottawa hopes to ease housing shortages, modernize public transit, and expand healthcare facilities . These investments are also expected to create jobs and provide long-term economic benefits, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers. In addition to infrastructure spending, the budget is anticipated to include measures to phase out older military fleets in order to reduce maintenance costs, while simultane...

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Wall Street Eyes Labor Market Data and Powell’s Testimony

 

Wall Street drifted modestly lower before the opening bell on Monday, with investors focusing their attention on a trove of labor market data and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming appearances before Congress.

Here are the key points driving today’s market sentiment:

  1. Labor Market Data: This week, investors eagerly await several labor market reports. On Wednesday, the job openings and labor turnover report will provide insights into employment trends. Additionally, the more comprehensive February jobs report, due on Friday, will shed light on the health of the U.S. job market.

  2. Powell’s Testimony: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to make his semi-annual appearance before the House on Wednesday, followed by testimony to the Senate on Thursday. Investors will closely monitor his remarks for any signals regarding the timing of a highly-anticipated round of interest rate cuts. The Fed has already raised its main interest rate to the highest level since 2001 in an effort to combat surging inflation following the COVID-19 recession of 2020. Powell’s statements may provide clarity on whether further rate cuts are imminent.

  3. Inflation and Economic Strength: Despite the Fed’s hawkish stance, unexpectedly strong economic data has pushed back market expectations for rate cuts from March to June. The central bank’s decision will likely hinge on inflation trends. If inflation continues to retreat toward the Fed’s 2% target, rate cuts may be on the horizon.

  4. Market Reaction: Futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.1% before the bell, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.3%. Investors remain cautious as they await Powell’s insights and assess the impact of labor market developments.

In summary, Wall Street’s attention is squarely on labor market indicators and Powell’s testimony this week. As the economy continues to recover, investors are keenly watching for signals that could shape monetary policy decisions in the coming months.


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