Skip to main content

Featured

U.S. Warns UN Agencies to Reform as It Commits $2 Billion in Aid

               US pledges $2B for UN humanitarian aid as Trump slashes funding and warns agencies to 'adapt or die' The United States has pledged $2 billion in humanitarian assistance to the United Nations, pairing the announcement with a stark message that aid agencies must overhaul their operations to survive. Officials framed the contribution as part of a shift toward tighter oversight and greater efficiency, arguing that global relief organizations need to “adapt, shrink, or die” in an era of constrained budgets. The new funding model channels money through a central humanitarian account, allowing Washington to direct resources toward programs it views as most effective. U.S. officials say the approach is designed to reward agencies that demonstrate measurable results while pressuring others to streamline operations. The reduced level of support has raised concerns among humanitarian groups already grappling with rising global needs an...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

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.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment