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Peace Talks Falter as New Strikes Shake Ukraine

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives the heads of delegations participating in the UAE hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine, Director of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kirill Budanov, United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov, and Jared Kushner at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. US‑mediated negotiations aimed at easing the war in Ukraine ended abruptly without an agreement after Russia launched a series of overnight airstrikes that hit multiple Ukrainian cities and energy facilities. The renewed bombardment intensified pressure on the talks, which had been viewed as a tentative step toward de‑escalation. Diplomats from both sides described the discussions as “constructive but inconclusive,” noting that major sticking points — in...

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Bank of Canada Poised to Cut Interest Rates Amid Trade Uncertainty

                                                

The Bank of Canada is expected to cut interest rates next week as the looming threat of tariffs from the United States continues to cast a shadow over the Canadian economy. With newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada, the central bank is considering a 25-basis-point rate cut to mitigate potential economic damage.

Despite recent positive economic indicators, such as a 2% growth in the fourth quarter and the addition of 91,000 jobs in December, the uncertainty surrounding trade relations with the U.S. has prompted the Bank to take a cautious approach. The inflation rate, which slowed to 1.8% in December, is also a factor in the decision-making process, although core inflation measures remain high.

Economists are divided on the necessity of the rate cut, with some arguing that the central bank should hold off to maintain flexibility in the face of ongoing economic challenges. However, the prevailing sentiment is that the potential impact of tariffs outweighs other considerations, and a rate cut is the most prudent course of action.

The Bank of Canada's decision will be closely watched by markets and businesses alike, as it will have significant implications for borrowing costs and economic growth in the coming months.



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