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Wall Street Futures Tick Higher as 2026 Trading Begins

U.S. stock futures moved higher early Friday, signaling a confident start to the first trading session of 2026. The gains follow a strong multi‑year run for equities and come as investors look ahead to a new year of economic and corporate developments. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures edged up, S&P 500 futures posted a modest rise, and Nasdaq futures led the early advance with a stronger uptick. The move reflects continued enthusiasm for technology and growth‑oriented sectors, which helped drive markets through much of the previous year. Despite bouts of volatility in late 2025, major indexes closed the year with solid performance, supported by resilient consumer spending, easing inflation pressures, and expectations of a more accommodative monetary environment. As 2026 begins, traders are watching several themes: the timing and pace of potential interest‑rate cuts, the durability of tech‑sector leadership, and whether gains will broaden across more industries. Early future...

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Canada Post Strike Threatens Vital Donations for Local Charities


 

As the holiday season approaches, local charities are facing a significant challenge due to the ongoing Canada Post strike. This disruption is expected to lead to a sharp decline in mail-in donations, which are crucial for many non-profit organizations during this time of year.

In the Waterloo region, charities like the United Way and the Salvation Army rely heavily on mail-in donations, especially during November and December. Scott Hamilton from United Way Waterloo Region mentioned that half of their donations come through the mail during these months. Similarly, the Salvation Army received about $60,000 through mail-in donations last Christmas.

The strike has already impacted organizations like Food4Kids Waterloo Region, which reported a $10,000 shortfall due to the postal disruptions. Many charities are urging donors to consider alternative methods of giving, such as online donations, phone pledges, or in-person contributions.

To mitigate the impact, some organizations are exploring options like hand-delivering newsletters and donation requests to potential donors. Despite these efforts, the strike poses a significant threat to the fundraising efforts of many local charities, potentially affecting their ability to support those in need during the holiday season.

If you usually donate by mail, consider switching to online or other methods to ensure your contributions reach these vital organizations.


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