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Trade Tensions Rattle Wall Street’s Momentum

After an impressive streak of gains that pushed major U.S. indices to record highs, the stock market faced a sharp reversal as renewed trade tensions triggered investor anxiety. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all pulled back in Friday’s session, with financials and industrials leading the retreat. Concerns were reignited after new tariffs targeting tech and manufacturing imports between the U.S. and China surfaced, prompting fears of escalating economic friction. These measures, aimed at protecting domestic industries, were met with criticism from global partners and stoked uncertainty about the broader trade landscape. Analysts note that while earnings remain strong and economic indicators are still resilient, the shadow of protectionism looms large. Investor sentiment, which had been buoyed by dovish monetary policy and solid corporate results, now finds itself caught in geopolitical crosswinds. Many traders are now recalibrating their expectations heading ...

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Trade Tensions Take Toll: Canada Loses 33,000 Jobs in March

 

Canada's labour market faced a significant setback in March, shedding 33,000 jobs—the largest monthly decline since January 2022. This drop pushed the unemployment rate up to 6.7%, a slight increase from February's 6.6%.

The job losses were primarily concentrated in full-time positions, with 62,000 roles eliminated. Sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, as well as information, culture, and recreation, bore the brunt of the decline. However, some gains were observed in part-time employment and industries like utilities and personal services.

Economists attribute this downturn to the escalating trade war with the United States, which has introduced tariffs on Canadian exports, including steel and aluminum. These measures have created uncertainty for businesses, leading to layoffs and a cautious approach to hiring.

As Canada navigates these economic headwinds, policymakers and businesses alike face the challenge of mitigating the impact of trade tensions on the labour market. The coming months will be critical in determining the broader implications of these developments on the nation's economy.

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