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Missile Barrage Deepens Middle East Crisis as Iran Mocks Trump’s Strait Proposal

                                   Emergency personnel respond at a site following Iranian missile barrages in central Israel Iran unleashed multiple waves of missiles on Israel, intensifying a conflict already engulfing the Middle East. The strikes came just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed “very good and productive” talks were underway to halt the war. Israeli officials, however, doubted Iran would accept U.S. terms, and Tehran insisted no negotiations had taken place.  Tehran openly ridiculed Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. and Iran could jointly control the Strait of Hormuz, posting an image of a child’s pink toy steering wheel on social media. The symbolic jab underscored Iran’s rejection of Washington’s overtures and highlighted the growing influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, whose former commander Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr was appointed to l...

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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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