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Your daily horoscope: December 30, 2024

  HOROSCOPE IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY You don’t need to make any big resolutions on your birthday. With a new moon to inspire you the right opportunities will arrive at just the right time and you will know without a shadow of a doubt what must be done – and you will do it magnificently! ARIES (March 21 - April 20): If you make yourself useful to someone in a position of authority now they will find ways to repay you early in the new year. That may sound a bit mercenary but in this dog eat dog world who you know is as important as what you know. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): If you want to do something out of the ordinary today, something you know is likely to shock friends and family members, then go for it 100 per cent. It’s a good way to end the old year and an even better way to start the new one. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): It’s time to look ahead and start thinking about your long-term aims and ambitions. That applies as much to personal matters as it does to your career. Y...

Canada’s Economy Surges: Q4 Growth Exceeds Expectations By Copilot

 

In a welcome turn of events, Canada’s economy demonstrated resilience by surpassing expectations in the fourth quarter of 2023. Here are the key highlights:

Fourth-Quarter Growth

  • Annualized Rate: The Canadian economy expanded at an impressive annualized rate of 1.0% during Q4. This growth rate exceeded both the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) conservative 0.0% forecast and the 0.8% growth rate anticipated by analysts in a Reuters poll.

  • Exports Fuel Growth: The surge in quarterly growth was primarily driven by a rise in exports, even as imports declined. This positive momentum reflects the country’s ability to navigate global challenges.

  • Business Investment Moderates: While exports played a pivotal role, a decline in business investment acted as a moderating factor. Balancing these dynamics is crucial for sustained economic progress.

Inflation and Monetary Policy

  • Central Bank’s Dilemma: The Bank of Canada faces a delicate balancing act. With inflation still running above its 2% target at 2.9%, the central bank must carefully consider its next moves.

  • Interest Rates: The BoC’s focus has shifted from rate hikes to potential rate cuts. The current policy rate stands at a 22-year high of 5%. The bank’s next announcement is scheduled for March 6, where it is expected to maintain rates.

  • Market Expectations: Money markets predict a rate cut in June, with bets fully priced in for a 25 basis point cut in July. Investors are closely monitoring economic indicators for clues on the central bank’s future actions.

January’s Momentum

  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) likely grew by 0.4% in January, according to Statistics Canada data. Sectors such as educational services and health care contributed positively, while mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction faced headwinds.

As Canada continues its economic journey, policymakers, businesses, and investors remain vigilant. The robust Q4 performance provides hope for sustained growth, but challenges persist. 

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