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Canada Holds Steady: Interest Rate Pause Signals Cautious Confidence

                      The Bank of Canada also held its policy rate at its last scheduled rate announcement in December. The Bank of Canada has opted to keep its key interest rate at 2.25% , a move that underscores a careful balancing act as the country approaches a pivotal moment in North American trade relations. With CUSMA (the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Agreement) negotiations on the horizon, policymakers appear intent on maintaining stability while assessing potential economic turbulence. The decision reflects a mix of optimism and prudence. Inflation has been easing gradually, giving the central bank some breathing room. At the same time, global economic uncertainty and the high stakes of upcoming trade talks mean officials are reluctant to introduce new variables into the financial system. By holding the rate steady, the Bank of Canada signals confidence in the economy’s underlying resilience while acknowledgin...

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Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Rebound Amid China Tariff Retaliation and New Jobs Data

                                    

US stocks rebounded on Tuesday as investors assessed China's swift retaliation to the latest US tariffs and digested fresh jobs data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.2%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.7%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.2%.

China responded to the new 10% tariffs imposed by the US with tariffs of its own on US coal, liquified natural gas, crude oil, farm equipment, and some autos. Despite the escalating trade tensions, some analysts see China's measured response as a potential opening for compromise.

Meanwhile, job openings in the US declined more than expected in December, adding to concerns about the labor market's cooling trend. Investors are closely watching these developments as the Federal Reserve considers future interest rate cuts amid ongoing inflation concerns.

Tech stocks led the gains, with Alphabet (Google) shares rising nearly 2% ahead of its fourth-quarter earnings report. Vaccine stocks, however, fell after Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the Health and Human Services Department advanced to the Senate.

Overall, the market's positive reaction suggests cautious optimism as traders navigate the complexities of trade relations and economic data.



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