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Mojtaba Khamenei’s Rise Sparks Market Turmoil as Hardliners Mobilize

People attend a gathering to support Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 9, 2026.  Iran’s hardline factions mounted a powerful show of support for newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei , rallying across Tehran in a display that signaled a tightening of conservative control and diminished hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East.  The demonstrations, marked by mass gatherings and imagery linking Mojtaba to his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscored the regime’s consolidation at a moment of heightened regional conflict.  Analysts warn that the hardliners’ unified backing suggests Iran is unlikely to soften its stance amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel. Global markets reacted sharply. Fears that prolonged instability could further disrupt energy supplies sent oil prices soaring and triggered steep declines in major stock indices. With one of the most significan...

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Canada’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 6.1% Amid Job Losses in March

 



Canada’s labor market faced headwinds in March as the country grappled with economic challenges. According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate surged to 6.1 per cent, reflecting a 0.3 percentage point increase from the previous month. Here are the key takeaways:

  1. Job Losses: The Canadian economy unexpectedly shed 2,200 jobs during March. These losses were primarily concentrated in the services sector, signaling a concerning trend.

  2. Labor Force Dynamics: The rise in unemployment was driven by an increase of 60,000 people actively searching for work or on temporary layoff. This surge in job seekers contributed to the largest monthly jump in unemployment since August 2022.

  3. Population Pressure: Despite the job losses, Canada’s population continues to grow. The sudden widening of cracks in the labor market contrasts with the country’s surging population, creating a complex economic landscape.

  4. Bank of Canada Implications: Economists had initially pushed back expectations for a rate cut by the Bank of Canada due to strong GDP data. However, the latest labor force data may prompt a reevaluation. Analysts now anticipate a potential rate cut closer to our expectation for a first move in June.

In summary, Canada faces a delicate balancing act between economic growth and employment stability. As policymakers navigate these challenges, attention will be on how the labor market evolves in the coming months.

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