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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...

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May Housing Market: Sales Decline Amid Record High Prices

 

In May, sales of previously owned homes declined for the third consecutive month as prices hit an all-time high. Year-over-year sales were down by 2.8%¹. The median home price in the US reached $419,300, contributing to the slowdown in home sales due to elevated interest rates. 

Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), expressed surprise at the lack of a spring recovery. Only the Midwest saw an increase in home sales, while other regions remained flat or experienced monthly declines. Despite the market's softer conditions, homes still received multiple offers, and first-time buyers' share of purchases surpassed 30% for the second straight month³. It's a complex market situation, but I hope this summary sheds some light on the current trends! 




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