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Monday’s CPI Could Decide Your Next Mortgage Payment

  Canada lost 68,000 jobs in September. Inflation is sitting at 3%. The Bank of Canada has to decide on October 28 which of those facts matters more, and on Monday morning one more number lands to help it choose. If you carry a variable-rate mortgage, a HELOC or a renewal this winter, that number has a price tag. Two reports pulling in opposite directions The jobs data came first. Statistics Canada reported on October 9 that employment fell by 68,000 in September, pushing the unemployment rate to 6.5% from 6.4%. It followed a drop of about 42,000 in August, which means more than half of the 181,000 jobs gained between April and July have now been wiped out. Ontario shed 20,000 positions on its own. Markets reacted within hours: the odds of a quarter-point Bank of Canada hike on October 28 dropped to roughly 25% from about 40%, according to LSEG data reported by Reuters. Inflation is telling the opposite story. The consumer price index rose 3.0% year over year in August, matching Ju...

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Meta’s AI Investment Causes Market Stir


In a bold move that sent shockwaves through the stock market, Meta Platforms Inc. announced plans to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The Facebook and Instagram owner revealed that expenses for 2024 could soar as high as $40 billion, a figure that far exceeds market expectations.

Market Reaction Investors responded swiftly to the news, resulting in a staggering $200 billion loss in Meta’s market value within just a few hours. The company’s shares plummeted nearly 15%, as the market grappled with the implications of the tech giant’s aggressive spending strategy.

Long-Term Vision Despite the immediate financial impact, Meta’s leadership is focused on the long-term potential of AI. The company is betting big on the technology, hoping that the substantial investments will eventually translate into significant revenue growth.

Investor Concerns However, the announcement has raised concerns among investors about the timeline for these investments to bear fruit. With rising costs and an uncertain return on investment, there is growing skepticism about how long it will take for Meta’s AI initiatives to contribute positively to its bottom line.

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