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Honda Reaffirms Commitment to Canadian Auto Production Amid Tariff Concerns

Honda Canada has firmly denied reports suggesting it plans to shift car production from Ontario to the United States. The speculation arose from a Japanese news outlet's claim that Honda was considering relocating some of its manufacturing operations due to recent U.S. auto tariffs. However, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal officials have dismissed these claims as inaccurate. Honda Canada has assured that its Alliston, Ontario facility will continue to operate at full capacity, with no changes being considered at this time. The company remains committed to its Canadian operations, emphasizing that nearly 70% of Honda vehicles sold in Canada are manufactured domestically. Additionally, Honda is actively working on its North American electric vehicle strategy, which includes a $15 billion investment in Ontario to develop a full EV supply chain. Despite ongoing tariff challenges, Honda has reiterated its confidence in the Canadian market and its ability to navigate evolving trade...

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S&P 500 Inches Closer to Record High Amid Optimism About Fed’s Policy and Year-End Effect

 

The S&P 500 index closed just shy of a new record high on Thursday, with the broad index gaining 0.04%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.03%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1%. Markets are ending 2023 on a hot streak, with all three indexes on pace for a ninth consecutive weekly gain. For the S&P 500, that would mark the longest streak since January 2004. The index is now within 0.3% of its all-time high, set in January 2022. With one trading session remaining in 2023, the S&P 500 is up 25%.

Investors are optimistic that the Federal Reserve can successfully cool inflation without inducing a major economic slowdown, which has powered the market’s recent advance. Now, some investors say the looming end of the calendar year is giving markets an extra boost. “Nobody who has caught this rally wants to incur a taxable event,” said Michael Green, chief strategist at Simplify Asset Management. “If nobody wants to sell, prices will push higher on low volume”.

The jobless claims data released by the Labor Department on Thursday indicated a gradual cooling of the economy. Initial jobless claims, considered a proxy for layoffs, were 218,000 in the week ending Dec. 23, slightly more than the 215,000 that economists expected.

Bond yields rose as prices fell, reflecting expectations of higher inflation and interest rates. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.849%, up from 3.7%.

Some investors are increasing their exposure to energy and industrial stocks, which could benefit from a strong economic recovery. Matt Dmytryszyn, chief investment officer at Telemus Capital, said his fund is boosting its position in shares of energy and industrial firms.


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