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Daily Markets Update: Bond Rout Hits 24-Year High, TSX Slips a 4th Day — and It's Jobs Day

  Friday, October 2, 2026. Figures are as of early morning, before the 8:30 a.m. ET U.S. jobs report. Global bond markets set the tone again. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield touched 5.34% on Thursday, its highest since 2002 , before easing back to about 5.24% by the close. Wall Street held up, but the damage was sharper elsewhere: the UK’s 30-year gilt yield crossed 6% for the first time since 1998, and Toronto slipped for a fourth straight session. Oil jumped more than 4% on Thursday before sliding back under US$100 this morning, and the Canadian dollar fell to a 12-week low. All eyes now turn to today’s U.S. jobs report, which could decide whether the bond selloff cools or keeps running. Today’s big event: the U.S. jobs report The U.S. September jobs report lands at 8:30 a.m. ET . Economists expect roughly 84,000 to 90,000 new jobs, with unemployment holding at 4.1% and wages up 0.3% on the month. That would be a big cooldown from August’s surprise gain of 162,000. It matters bec...

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Why Food Prices at Grocery Stores in Canada are Rising in February

 

As Canadians head to their local grocery stores, they may notice a pinch in their wallets. Food prices have been on the rise, and there are several reasons behind this trend.

1. Supply Chain Disruptions

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains have faced disruptions worldwide. From transportation delays to labor shortages, these challenges have impacted the availability and cost of food products. When supply chains falter, prices tend to climb.

2. Labor Shortages and Higher Wages

Labor shortages have affected various industries, including agriculture and food processing. As businesses struggle to find workers, wages have increased. These higher labor costs are eventually passed on to consumers through higher food prices.

3. Tariffs and Trade Policies

Trade tensions and tariffs between countries can impact the cost of imported goods. Canada’s trade relationships and agreements play a role in determining the prices of items on our grocery shelves. Changes in trade policies can lead to fluctuations in prices.

4. Weather-Related Challenges

Poor weather conditions in growing regions can affect crop yields. Droughts, floods, or extreme temperatures can damage crops, reducing supply and driving up prices. Canadian farmers and importers face these weather-related challenges, impacting the affordability of food.

5. Anticompetitive Practices

Metro’s CEO recently mentioned that the company expected to pass on higher costs from suppliers as an industry-wide blackout period for price hikes came to an end. While some price adjustments are necessary, anticompetitive practices can exacerbate the situation.

In summary, a combination of supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, trade policies, weather-related issues, and anticompetitive practices has contributed to the rising food prices in Canada. As consumers, it’s essential to stay informed and make informed choices while navigating the grocery aisles.

Remember, the next time you reach for that loaf of bread or a bunch of bananas, you’re not just buying food—you’re also paying for a complex web of global factors that influence the cost of your groceries. 

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