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Wall Street Eyes Weekly Gain as Peace Hopes Lift Futures

  Wall Street Poised for Weekly Gain as Futures Climb on Middle East Peace Hopes Wall Street looked set to close the week on a positive note as U.S. equity futures climbed Friday, supported by renewed optimism that diplomatic progress in the Middle East could ease geopolitical tensions. Investors have been highly sensitive to any signs of de‑escalation, and this week’s developments helped unwind some of the risk premiums that had weighed on global markets. Oil prices, which surged earlier in the month on fears of supply disruptions, pulled back again as ceasefire discussions gained traction. Lower energy costs have helped cool inflation expectations, giving markets a bit more breathing room after a volatile stretch. Major U.S. indexes are now on track for a weekly gain, with tech and consumer stocks leading the rebound. Still, analysts caution that sentiment remains fragile: any setback in negotiations could quickly revive market turbulence. For Canadian investors, easing oil v...

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Finland Tops Happiness Rankings Again, While U.S. Faces Record Low

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. The Nordic nation continues to lead the rankings, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, which also secured top spots. The report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup, evaluates countries based on factors such as social support, life expectancy, freedom, and generosity.

Finland's success is attributed to its strong social trust, robust public services, and a culture that values connection and well-being. Simple lifestyle elements, like sharing meals and having someone to rely on, play a significant role in fostering happiness.

Meanwhile, the United States has dropped to its lowest-ever position, ranking 24th. This decline is linked to increasing social isolation, with a notable rise in the number of people dining alone. Experts also point to growing political polarization and a sense of disconnection as contributing factors.

The report highlights that happiness is not solely tied to wealth but also to trust, community, and kindness. As Finland continues to set an example, the findings serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in social bonds and collective well-being.

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