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Statistics Canada Begins Major Workforce Overhaul, Cutting 850 Positions

    Statistics Canada says it will be cutting around 850 of its staff along with 12 per cent of its executive team. Statistics Canada is moving ahead with a major restructuring that will see roughly 850 jobs eliminated , including a portion of its executive ranks. The agency confirmed that it has entered a formal workforce adjustment period, with affected employees set to receive notices over the next two weeks. The cuts are part of a broader federal initiative to reduce public service spending. With more than 7,200 employees as of early 2025, Statistics Canada is among several departments facing significant downsizing as the government seeks long‑term budget efficiencies. Union representatives have raised concerns about the impact on the agency’s ability to maintain the quality and timeliness of national data. Management, however, has emphasized that voluntary departures and early retirement incentives will be used where possible to ease the transition. The announcement m...

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Wall Street Navigates Data Deluge: Job Market Insights Await

 

Wall Street treaded cautiously in premarket trading today, bracing for a deluge of data from the American job market. This week’s labor market reports could significantly influence the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates as we approach spring.

Here are the key highlights:

  1. Preliminary Numbers: Futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.3%, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.4% before the bell.

  2. Health Care Jitters: Health care companies faced headwinds after the government finalized reimbursement rates for Medicare Advantage health plan providers. Humana tumbled 10%, and CVS slid 5%, both grappling with rising costs.

  3. Retail Realities: PVH, the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, painted a somber picture for 2024 despite beating sales and profit targets. Specialty retailers are grappling with high expectations for the year ahead.

  4. Trump Media & Technology Group: Former President Donald Trump’s social media venture saw a nearly 3% decline in early trading after a significant drop in value on Monday.

  5. Economic Resilience: Despite the recent U.S. credit downgrade by Fitch Rating, the strong jobs data underscores the economy’s resilience. The July unemployment rate ticked down to 3.5%, a level not seen in over 50 years.

  6. Inflation Balancing Act: The Fed’s campaign to curb inflation continues, with 11 benchmark interest rate hikes. While the U.S. economy remains robust, inflation management remains a delicate dance.

  7. Global Markets: Hong Kong stocks led gains in Asian markets, while China’s real estate developer Vanke faced a notable 11.4% slump due to decreased core profit and no dividend payout.

As investors await the Fed’s next move, Wall Street remains on its toes, balancing economic indicators and corporate performance. Stay tuned for more updates as the week unfolds! 

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