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Territorial Disputes Dominate Geneva Peace Talks

US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll sit before closed-door talks with Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak  (not pictured) on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, at the US Mission in Geneva, Switzerland. Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine convened in Geneva for a new round of U.S.-mediated peace talks, with territorial disputes emerging as the central point of contention. The discussions, held over two days, come amid heightened pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged Kyiv to “come to the table fast” in pursuit of a settlement.  Both sides remain deeply divided over land claims, which have become the primary obstacle to progress. The Kremlin has signaled that territorial issues will dominate the agenda, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced concerns that Kyiv is facing disproportionate p...
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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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