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Algoma Steel Announces Over 1,000 Layoffs Amid Tariffs and Transition

  Reeling from high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Algoma Steel confirmed Monday it has issued layoff notices to about 1,000 workers.  Algoma Steel, a major employer in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has confirmed plans to lay off more than 1,000 workers in the coming months. The company issued 1,050 layoff notices as part of its decision to shut down its blast furnace and coke oven operations, accelerating its transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. The layoffs, expected to take effect by March 23, 2026 , come as Algoma faces mounting financial pressures. The company reported nearly half a billion dollars in losses last quarter and cited “unprecedented tariffs” imposed by the United States as a key factor in reshaping its competitive landscape. Union leaders from United Steelworkers Locals 2724 and 2251 confirmed the layoffs, noting that while the workforce had anticipated job reductions tied to the EAF transition, the U.S. tariffs accelerated ...

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Anticipation Builds as US Stocks Climb Before Inflation Data Release

 

In a market suspended in anticipation, U.S. stocks have edged higher as investors await the pivotal Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data. The upcoming report is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Federal Reserve’s interest rate trajectory. With the CPI data set to be released, there’s a palpable tension among investors, who are keenly aware that the figures could signal a shift in economic policy.

The CPI data, which provides insight into inflation trends, is particularly significant given the recent economic landscape. Investors are wrestling with uncertainty around interest rates, and the March CPI report is seen as a potential turning point. If inflation shows signs of cooling, it could invite a policy shift as early as June.

As the clock ticks down to the data release, the S&P 500 has seen a modest climb, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite has jumped slightly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has also seen gains, albeit minimal. This cautious optimism reflects a broader trend of resilience in the face of inflationary pressures and interest rate uncertainties.

The bond market, too, has felt the ripples of anticipation, with Treasury yields reaching new highs for the year as investors adjust their expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. The outcome of the CPI report could either reinforce or upend these expectations, making it a critical moment for both the stock and bond markets.

In summary, the U.S. stock market today is a tableau of cautious hope, with investors collectively holding their breath for the CPI data that will inevitably steer the course of the economy in the months to come.

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