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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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S&P 500 and Nasdaq Futures Steady Near Record Highs

US stock futures are holding near record-high levels as Wall Street remains bullish. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Tech-Fueled Rally Continues:

    • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have been on a tear, driven by a tech-fueled rally.
    • Evercore ISI raised its year-end price target for the S&P 500 to 6,000, while Goldman Sachs increased its target to 5,600.
    • Last week, the S&P 500 crossed the 5,400 level for the first time.
  2. Market Catalysts:

    • After last week’s double dose of inflation reports and the Federal Reserve meeting, fewer catalysts are expected this week.
    • Wednesday’s retail sales report will provide insight into the health of the US consumer.
    • Fed policymakers may continue discussing rate cuts; Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari hinted at a possible December rate cut.
  3. Nasdaq’s “Perfect” Week:

    • The Nasdaq Composite achieved a fifth-straight record close last Friday.
    • Futures tied to the Nasdaq gained around 0.1%.
  4. Dow Jones Industrial Average:

    • Dow futures lost about 0.2%.

In summary, Wall Street remains optimistic, but investors are closely watching economic data and Fed decisions. Stay tuned for further updates!


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