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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

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Ontario Caps Daycare Fees at $22 for Children Under 6

 


In a significant move to make child care more affordable, the Ontario government has announced that starting in January 2025, parent fees for children under the age of six in Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) programs will be capped at $22 per day. This fee reduction is expected to result in additional savings of nearly $300 million in 2025 for families.

The new funding model also introduces a cost-based approach for operators in the CWELCC program, prioritizing stability and predictability. Families facing the highest fees, particularly those with young children in less affordable communities, will see the largest fee reductions.

This initiative aims to provide more stability and predictability to child-care centers, ultimately helping reduce lengthy wait-lists and supporting parents as they enter the workforce with peace of mind.

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