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Markets Rebound as Hopes for Iran–U.S. Dialogue Ease Geopolitical Tensions

U.S. stock futures edged higher on Wednesday as signs of potential diplomatic movement in the Iran–U.S. standoff helped calm volatile markets. Futures tied to the S&P 500 rose about 0.3%, the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.5%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 0.2% after a turbulent prior session.  The shift in sentiment followed reports that Iran has quietly approached the United States to discuss terms for ending the escalating conflict , a development that helped cool fears of further disruption in global energy markets. This diplomatic signal contributed to a rebound after Tuesday’s sharp sell-off, when concerns over widening conflict and rising oil prices rattled investors.  The conflict, now in its fifth day, has seen continued strikes and mounting casualties, adding to market unease. Iran is preparing for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed in recent attacks, while regional tensions remain high.  Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Wednesda...

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Canada Post Resumes Operations Tuesday After Month-Long Strike

 

 Mail is set to begin moving again on Tuesday, December 17, after a month-long strike by Canada Post employees. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered the postal workers back to work, declaring an impasse in negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

While operations will technically resume on Tuesday, Canada Post has warned that it will take time to clear the backlog of packages and letters that accumulated during the strike. The company will not receive or pick up new products until Thursday, December 19, and will start accepting new international mail on December 23.

Canadians should expect delays into January 2025, and post office hours of operation may vary as the company ramps up operations. The CIRB has extended the current collective agreements until May 22, 2025, to allow for continued negotiations.

Canada Post and the union have agreed to implement a five percent wage increase, retroactive to the day after the collective agreements expired. Key issues in the dispute included wage increases and a push by Canada Post to expand delivery to the weekend.

The federal government had initially resisted intervening in the dispute but eventually directed the CIRB to order the workers back to work. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the need to address the structural issues facing Canada Post and find a sustainable solution.

As operations resume, Canada Post is committed to providing customers with as much information as possible regarding specific timelines and capacity. The company is also working to ensure that employees are compensated fairly during this transition period.




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