U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
Freeland's Exit and Economic Woes: Canada Faces $61.9 Billion Deficit
In a dramatic turn of events, the Canadian government unveiled its fall economic update on Monday, revealing a staggering $61.9 billion deficit for the last fiscal year. The announcement was overshadowed by the abrupt resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who stepped down just hours before she was scheduled to present the update.
Freeland's resignation letter, posted on social media, cited irreconcilable differences with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the country's economic direction. She criticized the government's "costly political gimmicks" and urged Trudeau to work collaboratively with provincial leaders to address the looming threat of tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
The economic update, tabled by Government House Leader Karina Gould, includes over $20 billion in new spending and a $1.3 billion border security package aimed at countering Trump's tariff threats. The document also highlights the government's GST holiday, which took effect on Saturday and is expected to cost $1.6 billion.
Freeland's departure has sparked calls for Trudeau's resignation and raised questions about the future of Canada's economic policy. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been sworn in as the new finance minister, tasked with navigating the country through these turbulent times.
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