Skip to main content

Featured

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...

article

Market Jitters: U.S. Futures Slide Amid Tariff Worries, Tesla Takes a Hit

              

U.S. stock index futures experienced a decline on Monday as concerns over ongoing tariff disputes continued to weigh on investor sentiment. At 7:16 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis dropped 389 points (0.91%), S&P 500 E-minis fell 61 points (1.06%), and Nasdaq 100 E-minis slid 242 points (1.21%). The uncertainty surrounding trade policies, particularly between the U.S., China, and Canada, has fueled fears of a potential economic slowdown.

Mega-cap growth stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, with Nvidia, Meta, and Amazon.com all seeing premarket declines of over 1.3%. Tesla shares fell 2.4% after UBS lowered its forecast for the automaker's first-quarter deliveries and reduced its price target for the stock.

The broader market also reflected investor caution. Futures tied to the small-cap Russell 2000 index dropped 0.9%, while Treasury bonds saw increased demand as a safe-haven asset. Banking stocks, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, also faced declines, with the broader banks index down over 8% for March.

Adding to the unease, China's retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. imports took effect on Monday, with additional U.S. tariffs on base metals expected later in the week. Investors are closely monitoring these developments, along with upcoming data on inflation, job openings, and consumer confidence, which could provide further insights into the health of the economy.

Tesla's decline highlights the challenges faced by the electric vehicle maker amid bearish forecasts and broader market volatility. The company's stock has been under pressure due to concerns over demand and pricing strategies.



Comments