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Wall Street Eyes Weekly Gain as Peace Hopes Lift Futures

  Wall Street Poised for Weekly Gain as Futures Climb on Middle East Peace Hopes Wall Street looked set to close the week on a positive note as U.S. equity futures climbed Friday, supported by renewed optimism that diplomatic progress in the Middle East could ease geopolitical tensions. Investors have been highly sensitive to any signs of de‑escalation, and this week’s developments helped unwind some of the risk premiums that had weighed on global markets. Oil prices, which surged earlier in the month on fears of supply disruptions, pulled back again as ceasefire discussions gained traction. Lower energy costs have helped cool inflation expectations, giving markets a bit more breathing room after a volatile stretch. Major U.S. indexes are now on track for a weekly gain, with tech and consumer stocks leading the rebound. Still, analysts caution that sentiment remains fragile: any setback in negotiations could quickly revive market turbulence. For Canadian investors, easing oil v...
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Liberals' GST Break Expected to Pass Today

 

Legislation to create a two-month-long GST holiday is expected to pass today in the House of Commons. The bill, introduced by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, aims to provide temporary relief to Canadians by eliminating the GST on a variety of holiday essentials from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025. 

The GST holiday will cover items such as children's clothes and toys, video games and consoles, Christmas trees, restaurant and catered meals, wine, beer, candy, and snacks. The government estimates that a family spending $2,000 on these items could save between $100 and $260, depending on the province.

The NDP has agreed to support the bill after Freeland separated the GST break from a proposed $250 rebate for working Canadians, which the NDP wants expanded to include non-working seniors and people with disabilities. The bill is expected to pass with the help of the NDP, despite opposition from the Conservatives, who have criticized the GST break as a "cheap gimmick".



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