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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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Wall Street’s Momentum Cools After Its Latest Record-Setting Week

 

Wall Street, fresh from its recent record highs, has taken a step back as the new trading week begins. The S&P 500 dipped by 15.99 points, representing a 0.3% decline, settling at 5,218.19 in a subdued day of trading. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a 162.26-point drop (equivalent to 0.4%) to reach 39,313.64. The Nasdaq composite also retreated, losing 44.35 points (or 0.3%) to close at 16,384.47.

This cooling momentum comes after a remarkable run for Wall Street, which had been scaling new heights. Investors are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve for any signals regarding potential interest rate cuts. The recent surge in the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen has also raised concerns, prompting speculation about market intervention. The dollar’s ascent to nearly 152 yen—a significant jump from slightly above 130 yen a year ago—has drawn attention. Meanwhile, the euro stands at $1.0818, up from $1.0810.

In Asia, shares exhibited mixed performance. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined by 1.2%, reaching 40,414.12, as investors booked profits following the index’s recent record-breaking highs. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up by 0.2% to 16,535.89, while China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.3%, closing at 3,056.52. The Chinese yuan (renminbi) weakened to a four-month low of 7.2282 against the U.S. dollar. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 bucked the trend, rising by 0.5% to 7,811.90. South Korea’s Kospi experienced a slight decline, losing 0.2% to settle at 2,743.04.

As the week unfolds, investors remain watchful for further cues from the Federal Reserve and potential market developments. Wall Street’s recent retreat serves as a reminder that even record-setting rallies can encounter moments of moderation.

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