Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today (Oct. 1): Minimum Wage Hike, Cooler U.S. Inflation, Oil Below $100

  Thursday October 1, 2026 A new quarter, a higher minimum wage in Ontario and a softer inflation read south of the border. Here are the five things that matter to your wallet today. 1 Ontario's minimum wage rises to $17.95 today Ontario's general minimum wage climbs 35 cents, from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, as of October 1 — a roughly 2% bump tied to Ontario's CPI. The student rate goes to $16.90 (from $16.60) and the homeworker rate to $19.70. A full-time worker at 40 hours a week earns about $718 a week before deductions. Federally regulated workers already have an $18.15 floor, which has applied since April 1. What it means for you: If you pay anyone by the hour — a cleaner, a part-time helper, a seasonal worker — hours worked from today forward must be paid at no less than $17.95, even if the pay period started in September. Workers should check their next paycheque. 2 Cooler U.S. inflation eases the pressure on rate hikes The Fed's preferred inflation gauge came i...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Market Jitters: U.S. Stock Futures Slide Amid Trump’s Criticism of Fed Chair Powell

U.S. stock futures took a hit early Monday as investors reacted to President Donald Trump’s escalating criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The remarks, which included renewed calls for Powell’s removal, have raised concerns about the central bank’s independence and its ability to navigate monetary policy effectively.

Trump’s latest comments follow reports that his administration is exploring whether firing Powell is an option. The uncertainty surrounding the Fed’s leadership has added to market volatility, with Dow E-minis dropping 344 points (0.87%), S&P 500 E-minis falling 53.75 points (1.01%), and Nasdaq 100 E-minis declining 209.25 points (1.14%).

Investors are already grappling with broader economic concerns, including ongoing trade tensions and the potential for further interest rate cuts. The dollar weakened against major currencies, while safe-haven assets like gold saw gains. Meanwhile, major tech and growth stocks, including Tesla and Nvidia, also faced premarket declines.

With uncertainty looming over both trade policy and monetary decisions, market participants will be closely watching upcoming economic data and corporate earnings reports for further direction.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment