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Toronto Lights Up the Waterfront: New Year’s Eve Celebrations Set to Dazzle the GTA

  Toronto is preparing for one of its most vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations yet, with the city’s waterfront transforming into a massive outdoor festival to welcome 2026. Beginning at 10 p.m., the Harbourfront area will come alive with live music, DJ sets, roaming performers, and illuminated art installations stretching from Harbourfront Centre to Sherbourne Common. The night’s biggest draw will be a 10‑minute fireworks display launched over the inner harbour , offering sweeping views from along the lakeshore. The show is designed to be visible from multiple waterfront vantage points, giving thousands of residents and visitors a chance to ring in the new year under a bright skyline. Transit agencies across the region are stepping up to support the festivities. TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express will offer free rides from 7 p.m. on December 31 until 8 a.m. on January 1 , with extended service to help crowds travel safely throughout the night. Beyond downtown, communities across t...

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Wall Street Eyes Labor Market Data and Powell’s Testimony

 

Wall Street drifted modestly lower before the opening bell on Monday, with investors focusing their attention on a trove of labor market data and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming appearances before Congress.

Here are the key points driving today’s market sentiment:

  1. Labor Market Data: This week, investors eagerly await several labor market reports. On Wednesday, the job openings and labor turnover report will provide insights into employment trends. Additionally, the more comprehensive February jobs report, due on Friday, will shed light on the health of the U.S. job market.

  2. Powell’s Testimony: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to make his semi-annual appearance before the House on Wednesday, followed by testimony to the Senate on Thursday. Investors will closely monitor his remarks for any signals regarding the timing of a highly-anticipated round of interest rate cuts. The Fed has already raised its main interest rate to the highest level since 2001 in an effort to combat surging inflation following the COVID-19 recession of 2020. Powell’s statements may provide clarity on whether further rate cuts are imminent.

  3. Inflation and Economic Strength: Despite the Fed’s hawkish stance, unexpectedly strong economic data has pushed back market expectations for rate cuts from March to June. The central bank’s decision will likely hinge on inflation trends. If inflation continues to retreat toward the Fed’s 2% target, rate cuts may be on the horizon.

  4. Market Reaction: Futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.1% before the bell, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.3%. Investors remain cautious as they await Powell’s insights and assess the impact of labor market developments.

In summary, Wall Street’s attention is squarely on labor market indicators and Powell’s testimony this week. As the economy continues to recover, investors are keenly watching for signals that could shape monetary policy decisions in the coming months.


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