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Tech Jitters and Fed Uncertainty Weigh on Markets

U.S. stocks slipped as a pivotal week began, with investors bracing for a wave of Big Tech earnings and the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all edged lower, reflecting a cautious mood across markets. The pullback follows a choppy stretch for equities, as major indexes have struggled to regain momentum amid shifting expectations for interest‑rate cuts and ongoing geopolitical concerns. Tech stocks, in particular, have been under pressure after consecutive weekly declines, raising the stakes for earnings reports from industry giants. Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla are all set to report in the coming days, and their results could determine whether the sector reclaims leadership or continues to drag on broader market performance. With the Fed meeting approaching, traders are looking for clarity on the central bank’s rate‑cut timeline. Until then, many appear content to stay on the sidelines as uncertainty hangs over the week ahead.

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Canada's Unemployment Rate Hits 6.8% in November: Highest Since January 2017

Canada's unemployment rate surged to 6.8% in November, reaching its highest level since January 2017, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period. This increase comes despite the addition of 51,000 jobs during the month.

Statistics Canada's November labour force survey revealed that the rise in unemployment was driven by a growing number of people entering the job market, which outpaced job creation. The labour force participation rate increased by 0.3 percentage points.

Economists are closely watching these developments as the Bank of Canada prepares for its upcoming interest rate decision. With high interest rates cooling the labour market over the past year, many unemployed Canadians have faced longer periods without work.

The report also highlighted that 46.3% of unemployed Canadians in November had not worked in the last year or had never worked, up from 39.5% a year ago. Meanwhile, average hourly wages were up 4.1% from a year ago, marking a slowdown in annual wage growth.

As the country grapples with these economic challenges, the Bank of Canada's decision on interest rates will be crucial in shaping the future of the job market.



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