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Taxes are inevitable, but overpaying them isn’t. With new rules and opportunities in 2025, smart planning can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Here are three effective levers to reduce your tax liability this year: 1. Maximize Retirement Contributions Contributing to retirement accounts such as RRSPs (Canada) or 401(k)/IRAs (U.S.) remains one of the most effective ways to lower taxable income. Contributions qualify for tax relief at your highest marginal rate, meaning every dollar you save reduces your tax bill significantly. Employer-matching programs make this even more attractive, and withdrawals in retirement can be structured for lower tax exposure. 2. Leverage Tax Credits and Deductions Common deductions include childcare expenses, education costs, and home office claims. Tax credits, unlike deductions, directly reduce the amount you owe, making them especially valuable. Temporary tax breaks introduced in 2025 can be maximized before they expire. 3. Use...
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Wall Street Takes a Breather Ahead of Key Inflation Update and Earnings Season Kickoff

 


Wall Street exhibited a subdued demeanor today as investors awaited crucial economic indicators. The week ahead promises a double whammy: the latest U.S. inflation report and the commencement of earnings season. Here’s a snapshot of today’s market activity:

Market Overview

  • Asian Shares: Asian markets mostly rose, with investors keeping a close eye on earnings reports from global giants. The Nikkei 225 in Japan surged 1.3% to 39,505.33, while Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.3% to 7,798.10. South Korea’s Kospi also rose 0.3% to 2,723.54. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.8% to 16,856.06, and the Shanghai Composite remained relatively stable, inching up less than 0.1% to 3,071.13.

Key Factors

  1. U.S. Inflation Update: Investors are closely monitoring the upcoming U.S. consumer price index (CPI) report. The CPI serves as a gauge for inflation, and any surprises could sway market sentiment.

  2. Strong Jobs Report: Last week, Wall Street rallied after a robust U.S. jobs report. Employers added an unexpectedly strong 303,000 workers to their payrolls in March. This positive employment data has fueled consumer spending and overall economic growth.

  3. Treasury Yields: Following the jobs report, Treasury yields climbed. The 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.40%, reflecting concerns about inflation. The Fed’s benchmark interest rate remains at its highest level in two decades due to historic rate hikes aimed at taming inflation.

  4. Energy Prices: Analysts note that energy prices have been on the rise. While this is a sore point for oil-importing economies like Japan, signs of economic recovery worldwide are expected to boost energy consumption.

Market Performance

  • The S&P 500 made a strong comeback, rising 1.1% and approaching its record high set last week.
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.8%.
  • The Nasdaq Composite surged 1.2%, with technology companies leading the charge.

As we brace for the inflation report, Wall Street remains cautiously optimistic. The delicate balance between economic growth and inflation control will be in focus. Stay tuned for further market developments as earnings season kicks off.

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