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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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Stock Market Reacts to Surprising Inflation Data


In a surprising turn of events, the stock market experienced a significant downturn as recent inflation data came in unexpectedly high. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.4% over the previous month and 3.5% over the prior year in March, surpassing the anticipated figures. This acceleration from February’s 3.2% annual gain in prices has dampened hopes for imminent interest rate cuts.

As a result, major stock indices fell sharply. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by approximately 1.1%, while the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite saw declines of nearly 1% and 0.9%, respectively. Concurrently, bond yields soared, with the 10-year Treasury yield reaching its highest level since November at nearly 4.57%.

This market reaction reflects investors’ recalibrated expectations, with many now betting on the Federal Reserve maintaining current rate levels through June and possibly July, pushing the likelihood of an initial rate cut to September. The latest Federal Reserve policy meeting minutes revealed that officials are open to lowering interest rates “at some point,” but the timing remains uncertain.

Amidst these developments, crude oil futures rebounded following reports of potential conflict escalation in the Middle East, which could further impact market dynamics. The situation remains fluid, with investors closely monitoring the interplay between inflation trends and central bank policies.




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