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Markets Slip as U.S.–Iran Standoff Deepens and Risk Sentiment Weakens

  North American markets opened the week under pressure as renewed U.S.–Iran tensions rattled global risk sentiment. Major indexes across Canada and the U.S. slipped, with investors shifting toward defensive sectors and safe‑haven assets. The latest escalation — including heightened military posturing and stalled diplomatic channels — pushed oil prices higher and injected fresh volatility into energy markets. While rising crude typically supports Canadian producers, the broader uncertainty weighed on equities, particularly in rate‑sensitive and cyclical sectors. Bond yields edged lower as investors sought safety, and the Canadian dollar softened slightly against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a cautious tone across global markets. For Canadian investors, the key risk remains prolonged geopolitical instability feeding into energy prices, inflation expectations, and central‑bank policy paths. Until tensions ease, markets are likely to remain headline‑driven and choppy.
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Population growth outpaces job creation in Canada

 


Canada’s labour market is facing a challenge as the number of people looking for work is growing faster than the number of jobs available. According to Statistics Canada, employment increased by 25,000 in November, but the unemployment rate rose to 5.8 per cent from 5.7 per cent in October. This is because the population aged 15 and over grew by 870,000, or 2.7 per cent, since the beginning of the year, while the net job gain was only 430,000.

The Bank of Canada has been raising interest rates to curb inflation, but this has also slowed down the economy and the demand for labour. Some economists expect the central bank to start cutting rates in the second quarter of next year to stimulate growth and stabilize the labour market.

The job gains in November were concentrated in the private sector, full-time work, manufacturing and construction. However, some industries, such as wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance and real estate, saw job losses. Younger workers (15 to 24) also faced higher unemployment than other age groups.

Average hourly wages rose 4.8 per cent year over year in November, matching the increase in October. The Bank of Canada is monitoring wage growth for signs of inflationary pressure. Total hours worked across the economy fell 0.7 per cent in November, indicating a weak performance of gross domestic product that month.


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