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TD Bank Settles Spoofing Investigation with $20 Million Payment

  Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank) has agreed to pay over $20 million USD to settle an investigation by U.S. authorities into fraudulent trading practices known as “spoofing.” This settlement resolves allegations that a former TD Bank trader engaged in deceptive tactics to manipulate the U.S. Treasuries market. The investigation revealed that the trader placed large orders with the intent to cancel them before execution, creating a false impression of market demand. This practice, known as spoofing, is illegal under U.S. law as it undermines market integrity and investor confidence. TD Bank’s settlement includes both fines and restitution, reflecting the seriousness of the misconduct. The bank has stated its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and has taken steps to enhance its compliance and oversight mechanisms to prevent future violations. This case is part of a broader crackdown by U.S. regulators on spoofing and other forms of market manipulation, aiming to ensure fair

U.S. Urges Canada and NATO Allies to Meet 2% Defense Spending Target


The upcoming NATO Summit in Washington is set to address a pressing issue: defense spending commitments among member nations. While most allies have made strides toward meeting the 2% of GDP target, Canada remains an outlier. In this article, we explore the challenges faced by Canada and the potential consequences of failing to step up its defense investment.

Canada’s Lagging Commitment

Canada, one of NATO’s founding members, pledged in 2014 to allocate 2% of its GDP to defense spending. However, it has consistently fallen short of this goal. Unlike many other NATO countries, Canada has not only missed the 2% benchmark but also failed to allocate 20% of that spending to new equipment. This stance has frustrated allies across the board.

Allies’ Frustration

Diplomats from various NATO countries express their frustration with Canada’s lack of urgency. Despite its strong economy and historical alliance with the U.S., Canada has not prioritized defense spending. European allies, who face criticism for their own efforts, feel that Canada escapes similar pressure from Washington.

Potential Consequences

As the NATO Summit approaches, allies are expected to press Ottawa to fulfill its commitment. Failure to do so could have serious implications. Moreover, concerns arise about the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, which might exacerbate the situation.

Conclusion

Canada’s diplomatic standing and military readiness are at stake. The NATO Summit serves as a crucial moment for Canada to address its defense spending shortfall and demonstrate its commitment to collective security.


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