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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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S&P/TSX Composite Index Declines Over 100 Points: A Market Recap

 


Canada’s main stock index faced a significant decline on Tuesday, with losses in financial, industrial, and telecom stocks outweighing strength in energy and base metals. Simultaneously, U.S. stock markets also experienced a downturn.

Key Points:

  • S&P/TSX Composite Index: The Canadian benchmark index closed down 110.15 points at 22,075.10.
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA): In New York, the DJIA was down 396.61 points at 39,170.24.
  • S&P 500 Index: The broader S&P 500 index declined 37.96 points to 5,205.81.
  • Nasdaq Composite: The Nasdaq composite dropped 156.38 points to 16,240.45.

Currency and Commodities:

  • Canadian Dollar: Traded at 73.68 cents US, compared to 73.67 cents US on Monday.
  • Crude Oil: The May crude oil contract rose by US$1.44, reaching US$85.15 per barrel.
  • Natural Gas: The May natural gas contract increased by three cents, reaching US$1.86 per mmBTU.
  • Gold: The June gold contract surged by US$24.70, reaching US$2,281.80 per ounce.
  • Copper: The May copper contract gained two cents, reaching US$4.07 per pound.

This report by The Canadian Press provides a snapshot of the market conditions on April 2, 2024. Investors should closely monitor developments as market dynamics continue to evolve.

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