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Wall Street Slips as Investors Eye Jobs Data and Venezuela Oil Deal

U.S. stocks edged lower on Wednesday as investors paused to assess fresh labor‑market signals and the political implications of a new U.S.–Venezuela oil agreement. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all dipped slightly in early trading, easing back from recent highs. The pullback comes as traders await upcoming jobs data that could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next moves. Signs of a cooling labor market have raised questions about how quickly policymakers may adjust interest rates in the months ahead. Market attention also turned to President Trump’s newly announced oil deal with Venezuela, which includes a plan for the U.S. to receive tens of millions of barrels of crude under a tightly controlled arrangement. The agreement has added a fresh geopolitical layer to energy markets, contributing to a modest decline in oil prices as traders evaluate how the additional supply might affect global dynamics. Despite the softer tone, equities remain near record levels, sup...

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Canadian Home Sales Dip in May, Listings Show Modest Growth

 

Amid a somewhat sluggish market, Canadian home sales experienced a slight decline in May. According to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), sales fell by 0.6% compared to April and were down 5.9% year-over-year. The average home price also dipped to $699,117, marking a 4% decrease from the previous year.

However, there’s a silver lining: the number of newly listed properties increased by 0.5% in May, signaling a modest uptick in listings. By the end of the month, approximately 175,000 properties were available for sale across the country, a substantial 28.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Despite this positive trend, it’s worth noting that listing levels remain below historical averages.

Economists are cautiously optimistic. The recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada (the first in over four years) may encourage buyers to re-enter the market. While the impact on affordability is still uncertain, further rate relief could set the stage for a stronger second half of 2024. As bond yields decline, we may see increased activity in June, striking a balance between lower mortgage rates and potential home price growth.

In summary, May was indeed a “sleepy month” for housing activity in Canada, but with interest rates playing a pivotal role, the market’s dynamics could shift in the coming months. Keep an eye on developments as we navigate this intriguing real estate landscape.



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