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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...
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Futures Slip as Wall Street Awaits Jobs Data and Defense Stocks Bounce Back

US stock futures drifted lower Thursday morning as investors positioned themselves ahead of fresh labor‑market data and monitored a sharp rebound in major defense stocks. The cautious tone follows a stretch of record‑setting gains, prompting traders to reassess risk amid shifting expectations for Federal Reserve policy and rising geopolitical tensions.

Nasdaq 100 futures dipped around 0.3%, while S&P 500 futures slipped roughly 0.2%. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell about 0.4%, extending the previous session’s uneven trading. Investors are watching closely for weekly jobless‑claims figures and Friday’s broader employment report, both of which could influence the Fed’s next interest‑rate decision.

Defense stocks, which tumbled a day earlier after criticism from President Trump, surged in premarket trading. Trump signaled support for dramatically higher military spending—potentially reaching $1.5 trillion annually—lifting shares of major contractors such as Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

Markets are also digesting heightened geopolitical risks, including US actions involving Venezuelan oil shipments, adding another layer of uncertainty for global investors.

With equities still hovering near historic highs, Thursday’s labor data may determine whether the recent rally regains momentum or pauses for a deeper cooldown.

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