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Futures Steady as Tech Selloff Eases; Amazon Drops on AI Spending Surge

U.S. stock futures held steady in early premarket trading after a sharp tech-led decline earlier in the week, giving investors a moment to reassess the sector’s rapid pullback. Major index futures hovered near flat, suggesting a more measured tone after days of volatility. While sentiment remains cautious, some traders appear to be stepping back in following the recent selloff in high‑growth names. Amazon shares slipped in premarket action after the company signaled a significant increase in capital expenditures tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. The planned investment highlights Amazon’s push to expand its AI capabilities, but the scale of spending raised concerns about near‑term pressure on margins. Market attention now turns to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings, which could help determine whether tech stocks regain momentum or continue to face headwinds. For the moment, futures point to a steadier start as investors look for the next catalyst.

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Canada’s Labour Market Contracts as Job Losses Hide a Falling Unemployment Rate

Workers inspect sheets of stainless steel after being pressed from coils, at Magna Stainless and Aluminum in Montreal

Canada’s economy lost 25,000 jobs in January, yet the unemployment rate unexpectedly dipped to 6.5%, a shift driven largely by fewer people actively seeking work rather than by employment growth.

The decline in unemployment was tied to a shrinking labour force, as participation fell and fewer Canadians remained engaged in job searches. Economists note that this can make the labour market appear healthier than it truly is, masking underlying weakness.

Job losses were spread across multiple sectors, with part‑time employment seeing notable declines even as full‑time positions rose modestly. Analysts warn that the combination of job losses and reduced labour force participation points to softening economic momentum, especially as high interest rates continue to weigh on hiring and consumer activity.

January’s data highlights the complexity of Canada’s economic landscape: fewer jobs, fewer job seekers, and a headline unemployment rate that doesn’t tell the full story.


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