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Wall Street Edges Higher as Fed Rate Cut Decision Looms

U.S. stock futures were mixed but leaning higher on Monday as investors braced for a pivotal Federal Reserve policy meeting later this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose about 0.2%, S&P 500 futures held near flat, and Nasdaq 100 futures dipped slightly after the tech-heavy index notched a fresh record last week. The rally has been fueled by growing expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates on Wednesday, with traders pricing in a 96% chance of a quarter-point reduction and a slim possibility of a larger 50-basis-point move. A cooling labor market — with unemployment at 4.3% and job growth slowing — has strengthened the case for policy easing. Tech stocks remain in focus, with Nvidia sliding over 2% after China’s antitrust regulator said the chipmaker violated competition laws. The news comes amid high-level U.S.-China trade talks in Madrid, adding a layer of geopolitical uncertainty to market sentiment. Despite the cautious tone, optimism around artifici...

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Western Discontent Rises Following Liberal Election Victory

In the wake of the recent Liberal election victory, political tensions in Western Canada have intensified. Many Albertans and Saskatchewanians feel increasingly alienated from Ottawa, citing concerns over federal policies that they believe undermine their economic interests. 

Premier Danielle Smith has been vocal about the need for a "reset" in relations between Alberta and the federal government. She has called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to address key issues, including energy development and emissions regulations, warning that failure to do so could lead to a national unity crisis. 

The sentiment of Western alienation is not new, but recent political developments have reignited discussions about secession. Some groups are advocating for a referendum on Western independence, arguing that the region contributes more to Canada’s economy than it receives in return. 

As the new government settles in, the challenge will be to bridge the growing divide between Ottawa and the West. Whether Carney can successfully engage Western leaders and address their concerns remains to be seen, but the stakes for national unity have never been higher.

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