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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...

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US Dollar Suffers Largest Weekly Drop Since November 2023 Amid Tariff Uncertainty

The US dollar experienced its largest weekly decline since November 2023, driven by growing concerns over tariff policies. The currency dropped as much as 0.8% against a basket of currencies on Friday, before closing the week down 1.8%. This volatility was sparked by President Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting a softer stance on tariffs against China.

During an interview with Fox News, Trump mentioned that his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping was friendly and expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal. This uncertainty around trade policy has kept equity markets on edge, with the S&P 500 index down 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite shedding 0.5%.

Analysts warn that the dollar could rise again if US tariff and interest rate policies shift. However, for now, the market remains cautious as it navigates through the ongoing trade policy uncertainties.




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