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Canada Holds Steady: Interest Rate Pause Signals Cautious Confidence

                      The Bank of Canada also held its policy rate at its last scheduled rate announcement in December. The Bank of Canada has opted to keep its key interest rate at 2.25% , a move that underscores a careful balancing act as the country approaches a pivotal moment in North American trade relations. With CUSMA (the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Agreement) negotiations on the horizon, policymakers appear intent on maintaining stability while assessing potential economic turbulence. The decision reflects a mix of optimism and prudence. Inflation has been easing gradually, giving the central bank some breathing room. At the same time, global economic uncertainty and the high stakes of upcoming trade talks mean officials are reluctant to introduce new variables into the financial system. By holding the rate steady, the Bank of Canada signals confidence in the economy’s underlying resilience while acknowledgin...
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Stock Market Today: Rising Treasury Yields Unsettle Investors


In today’s stock market, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow) took the lead in a slide prompted by rising Treasury yields. Investors are grappling with the impact of recent data on interest rates, and the benchmark S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also dipped into the red.

Here are the key points:

  1. Treasury Yields Surge: The yield on 5-year Treasurys rose to near four-week highs, while the 10-year yield topped the critical 4.5% level. On Wednesday, the benchmark yield inched up further to trade around 4.57%. These rising yields have raised concerns that the Federal Reserve may keep rates higher for longer.

  2. AI Growth vs. Yield Worries: Despite hopes for AI growth, concerns about bond yields appear to be overshadowing the market. The Nasdaq recently hit a record high following Nvidia’s post-earnings rally, but the surge in yields is causing uncertainty.

  3. Consumer Confidence and Fed Policymaking: Investors are trying to decipher the impact of stronger-than-expected consumer confidence data on Fed policymaking. However, they are bracing for a prolonged wait for any pivot to rate cuts, given the litany of warnings from Fed officials.

  4. Wall Street Strategists’ Views: Wall Street strategists have been closely monitoring rising yields. Michael Kantrowitz, chief investment strategist at Piper Sandler, highlighted that higher rates are now a systemic problem for equities. If the 10-year Treasury yield surpasses 5%, it could spell trouble for most stocks.

  5. Beige Book and Inflation Gauge: The release of the Fed’s Beige Book later today could shed more light on economic conditions. Investors are also awaiting Friday’s reading on PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures), the central bank’s preferred inflation gauge.

In summary, rising Treasury yields are causing jitters in the stock market, and investors are closely watching Fed signals and economic data. The delicate balance between growth prospects and interest rate concerns remains a focal point for traders.


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