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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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Market Resilience Amid Rising Yields and Positive Earnings

 

In a display of resilience, the S&P 500 closed marginally higher after a session marked by volatility, as investors navigated the dual forces of climbing Treasury yields and encouraging corporate earnings, particularly from tech behemoths.

  • Treasury Yields Climb: An auction of $70 billion in five-year U.S. Treasury notes drove yields higher, influencing equity markets. The 10-year Treasury note rose to 4.6459%.
  • Tech Giants’ Earnings: Investors’ attention was captured by earnings reports from major technology companies. Meta Platforms saw a dip in after-hours trading, while Microsoft and Alphabet are poised to report later in the week.
  • Tesla’s Surge: Tesla’s stock leapt by 12% as plans to increase production and introduce more affordable models outweighed its weaker quarterly results.
  • Economic Indicators Awaited: Markets are now looking ahead to the first quarter GDP data and March’s personal consumption expenditures, which could signal the Fed’s interest rate trajectory.

Investors remain cautious yet optimistic as they parse through the latest financial data, seeking signs of stability in a fluctuating economic landscape.

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