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Market Jitters as Cooling GDP Meets Hotter Inflation

  US stock futures slipped on Friday as investors weighed a mixed batch of economic signals. Fresh data showed that US GDP growth cooled in the fourth quarter, while the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge—the core PCE index—picked up momentum, raising questions about the path of interest rates.  Futures tied to the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 dipped about 0.3%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 0.2%, breaking a three‑day winning streak. Traders also kept a close eye on geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran, as well as a potential Supreme Court decision on tariffs that could sway market sentiment.  The combination of slowing growth and rising inflation has left markets cautious. Investors are now looking ahead to upcoming economic releases for clearer direction on how the Fed may respond in the months ahead.
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RCMP Investigates Allegations of Corruption in Alberta Health Contracts

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has initiated a formal investigation into allegations of corruption and political interference within Alberta Health Services (AHS). The probe follows a complaint received in February, which raised concerns about procurement practices and potential conflicts of interest in multimillion-dollar health contracts.

The allegations were brought to light by Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former CEO of AHS, who filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the agency and the provincial government. Mentzelopoulos claims she was terminated after launching an internal investigation into inflated contract prices and questionable dealings with private surgical providers. She also alleged political pressure to approve contracts despite unresolved concerns.

The RCMP's investigation adds to ongoing reviews by Alberta's auditor general and a third-party inquiry led by former Manitoba judge Raymond E. Wyant. While the allegations remain unproven in court, the case has sparked widespread calls for transparency and accountability in the province's healthcare system.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange and Premier Danielle Smith, both named in the lawsuit, have denied any wrongdoing. The government has pledged full cooperation with the RCMP's investigation.


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