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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

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US Futures Edge Up as Investors Await Earnings and Fed Meeting

 

US stock futures nudged higher today as investors brace for a busy week of corporate earnings and the kickoff of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting. Futures on the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq 100 all rose by approximately 0.2% in pre-market trading.

This week is pivotal for the markets, with major companies like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta set to report their quarterly earnings. Investors are particularly keen to see if the substantial investments in artificial intelligence by these tech giants are beginning to yield returns.

In addition to earnings, the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, starting today, is in sharp focus. While no change in interest rates is expected, the meeting could lay the groundwork for a potential rate cut in September, following encouraging inflation data from June.

The market’s attention is also on the July jobs report, which will be released later this week. This report, along with the Fed’s decisions and corporate earnings, will be crucial in determining whether the recent stock pullback has ended.

Stay tuned as this week unfolds, bringing significant developments that could shape the market’s direction in the coming months.


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