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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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Tech Stocks Lead Market Rally as Fed Signals Potential Rate Cut

 

In a significant market rally today, stocks soared, driven by a resurgence in tech shares. Nvidia led the charge, surging 12% after a positive earnings report and favorable analyst comments. The broader market also benefited from the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinting that a rate cut could be on the table for September.

The S&P 500 rose nearly 1.6%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite surged more than 2.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a more modest gain of 0.2%. Powell’s comments provided a boost to investor sentiment, as he noted that the economy is moving closer to the point where a rate reduction might be appropriate.

Tech stocks, which had been under pressure recently, rebounded strongly. Nvidia’s impressive performance was a highlight, with the company’s shares regaining ground lost earlier in the week. Other tech giants also saw gains, contributing to the overall positive market sentiment.

In commodities, oil prices jumped following geopolitical tensions, with Brent crude rising over 4% to top $81 a barrel. Meanwhile, Meta’s stock rose more than 4% after reporting better-than-expected earnings for the second quarter,

Overall, today’s market action reflects growing optimism among investors, buoyed by the potential for a more accommodative monetary policy and strong performances from key tech companies.


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