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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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Stock Market Climbs to New Heights Ahead of Powell’s Testimony

 

The stock market witnessed modest gains today, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite achieving new record highs. Investors are keenly anticipating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming congressional testimony, which could provide crucial insights into the future of interest rates.

  • Modest Gains: The S&P 500 rose by 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite saw a 0.3% increase, marking a continuation of their upward trajectory.
  • Economic Indicators: Recent jobs reports suggest a cooling labor market, leading to increased speculation about a potential rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September.
  • Corporate Updates: Notable movements in the corporate sector included Boeing’s guilty plea to a criminal conspiracy charge related to the 737 Max crashes, and Tesla’s shares turning positive, potentially extending its winning streak.
  • Cryptocurrency Watch: Bitcoin hovered near the $56,000 mark, maintaining its position despite recent sell-offs and the ongoing repayment process by the defunct crypto exchange Mt. Gox.

As the market landscape evolves, all eyes remain on Powell’s testimony and the forthcoming Consumer Price Index data, which could further influence investor sentiment and market dynamics.\

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