Skip to main content

Featured

Market Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment

  U.S. stock futures edged lower early Thursday as investors attempted to extend Wednesday’s rebound but remained cautious amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 0.4%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures slipped roughly 0.2% each. The pullback followed a strong regular session in which all three major indexes posted gains, with the Dow snapping a three‑day losing streak.  The overnight weakness reflects persistent market sensitivity to geopolitical developments. Escalating tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran continue to drive volatility across asset classes, with traders closely watching oil prices and inflation implications. Recent sessions have seen markets swing sharply as headlines shift, underscoring the fragile balance between economic fundamentals and geopolitical risk.  Despite the cautious tone, Wednesday’s rally showed that investors are still willing to buy into dips—particularl...

article

Canada Kicks Off Tax Filing Season


Today marks the official start of the tax filing season in Canada. As of February 24, Canadians can begin submitting their income tax and benefit returns online. This year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced several updates to its digital services to make the process smoother and more efficient for taxpayers.

One of the key changes for the 2025 tax season is the increase in federal income tax brackets by 2.7% to account for inflation. The new tax rates are as follows:

  • - 15% for earnings up to $57,375
  • - 20.5% for earnings between $57,375.01 and $114,750
  • - 26% for earnings between $114,750.01 and $177,882
  • - 29% for earnings between $177,882.01 and $253,414
  • - 33% for earnings above $253,414

Additionally, the contribution limit for the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) has increased to $32,490 for the 2025 tax year, up from $31,560 the previous year. The maximum pensionable earnings and contributions for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) have also been adjusted, with the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) set at $71,300.

The CRA encourages taxpayers to file their returns early to avoid any last-minute stress and to ensure they receive any refunds or benefit payments they may be eligible for. The deadline for most individuals to file and pay any taxes owed is April 30, 2025. Self-employed Canadians have until June 16, 2025, to file their tax returns, but any money owed should be paid by April 30 to avoid interest charges.

For more information on the 2025 tax filing season and to access helpful resources, visit the CRA's official website.



Comments