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June Jobs Report: What It Means for the Bank of Canada's July 15 Decision

  Friday, July 10, 2026 Statistics Canada releases its June Labour Force Survey today, and the timing couldn't matter more. This is the last major economic data point before the Bank of Canada's next interest rate decision on July 15, 2026 — and whichever way the jobs numbers break, they'll shape what happens to borrowing costs for the rest of the summer. What Economists Are Expecting Consensus forecasts point to a modest but positive jobs report. Economists expect Canada added around 10,000 jobs in June, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 6.6%. That would follow a much stronger May, when the economy added 88,000 jobs and the unemployment rate actually fell by 0.3 percentage points. In other words, June's report is expected to show a cooling-off after May's surprise strength — not a reversal, but a return to a more modest pace of hiring. Indicator May 2026 June 2026 (Forecast) Net Employment Change +88,000 jobs +10,000 jobs (expected) Unemployment Rate 6....
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Trump’s Congo Gamble: Business Diplomacy Meets Political Turbulence


Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambitious “peace-for-business” initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing mounting challenges as political instability, local skepticism, and logistical hurdles stall progress. The campaign, which aimed to leverage private investment—particularly in Congo’s rich mineral sector—as a pathway to peace, has encountered resistance from both Congolese officials and wary international investors.

Trump’s strategy centered on economic development as a stabilizing force, with allies like financier Gentry Beach eyeing high-stakes deals such as the $500 million Rubaya coltan mine project. The U.S. hoped this investment-led diplomacy would counter China’s mineral dominance and foster regional peace, including a ceasefire between Congo and Rwanda.

However, the reality on the ground has proven more complex. Local communities remain cautious, citing past exploitation by foreign firms. Security concerns, corruption, and weak governance have prompted several companies to withdraw. Meanwhile, Trump’s polarizing legacy complicates diplomatic efforts, with some regional leaders reluctant to publicly support the initiative.

A separate U.S. mission tied to Trump’s team—offering prisoner releases in exchange for mineral deals—ended abruptly after tensions with Congolese officials, further highlighting the fragility of these unconventional negotiations.

Despite initial optimism, Trump’s peace-through-profit model is struggling to gain traction in a region where sustainable peace demands more than just investment—it requires trust, transparency, and long-term political solutions.

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