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Tariff Tensions Rattle Wall Street Ahead of Earnings and Inflation Data

Wall Street futures dipped Monday morning as investors braced for a volatile week marked by fresh tariff threats and a flood of economic data. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico , set to begin August 1, sent ripples through global markets. Major U.S. index futures— Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq —were all down roughly 0.3% in premarket trading. While the EU signaled a willingness to negotiate, the looming deadline has heightened uncertainty. Analysts suggest the market’s muted reaction reflects a growing belief that such threats are part of Trump’s negotiation strategy. This week’s economic calendar is packed, with June’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)  report due Tuesday, followed by wholesale inflation, retail sales, and industrial production data. These figures will be closely watched for signs of how tariffs may be influencing inflation and consumer behavior. Meanwhile, second-quarter earnings season kicks off , with ma...
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Toronto’s Condo Crisis: A Dire Signal for Housing Affordability and Rental Market

 

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is facing a condo crisis that has significant implications for housing affordability and rental supply. According to a recent report by CIBC and Urbanation, the GTA’s condo market is “clearly in recessionary territory,” and the nationwide housing crisis is at a level not seen in over 30 years. Here are the key points:

  1. Condo Pre-Sales at a 20-Year Low: Toronto-area condo pre-sales are below 50%, marking a more than 20-year low. High costs, high interest rates, and poor investment prospects have left the market in a challenging situation.

  2. Investor Dilemma: Condo investors play a crucial role in rental supply and overall housing affordability. However, recent investors are mostly losing money, and prospective investors are avoiding new projects due to uncertainty.

  3. Developers Struggle: Developers face rising construction costs due to inflation, coupled with dwindling interest in future projects. This slowdown in future supply exacerbates the crisis.

  4. Limited Relief: Falling interest rates, projected population growth slowdown, and stabilized construction costs provide some relief. However, it’s not a magic solution, and a more comprehensive policy response is needed.

  5. Record-High Inventory: Unsold condo inventory in the second quarter of 2024 reached a record high of 25,893 units, more than 60% higher than the 10- and 20-year averages. Sales were the lowest in 20 years outside of the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In summary, Toronto’s condo market woes underscore the urgent need for housing policy reforms and creative solutions to address affordability and rental challenges.


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