SNB Holds Rates at 0.00% – Third Time Running

SNB Holds Steady on Key Rate, Franc Remains Strong Amidst Global Economic Uncertainty The Swiss National Bank (SNB) announced today that it will maintain its key interest rate at 0.00% for the third consecutive time, a decision that underscores the ongoing challenges facing the Swiss economy. This pause comes as the SNB navigates a complex … Read more

Quebec budget projects $8.6-billion deficit, promises to balance books by end of decade

Quebec’s government has tabled a restrained budget with a lower-than-expected $8.6-billion deficit, aiming to bolster the province’s economy amid trade headwinds and geopolitical tensions, months ahead of a fall election. Quebec Budget Highlights Reduced Deficit Quebec Finance Minister Éric Girard says he has delivered a “responsible, sober and targeted” fiscal plan at a time of … Read more

US Stock Fees: Exchanges Open with Moderate Costs

US Stock Market Navigates Fed Rate Decision Amidst Oil Price Volatility and AI Surge Wall Street experienced a mixed open today, as investors cautiously assessed the implications of upcoming Federal Reserve policy and navigated a complex landscape of rising oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and burgeoning excitement surrounding artificial intelligence. Initial trading showed moderate gains, but … Read more

Bank of Canada Holds Rate, Cites Economic Uncertainty

A staggering 78% of Canadian businesses now cite geopolitical instability as a significant risk factor, according to a recent survey by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This isn’t just noise; it’s a fundamental shift in the calculus driving the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) monetary policy, and it suggests a prolonged period of cautious stability rather … Read more

US Travel From Canada Declines: Stats Canada Data

The Shifting Sands of North American Tourism: Why Canada’s U.S. Travel Decline is a Harbinger of Things to Come Just 15.5 million Canadians visited the United States in 2023 – a staggering 23% drop from pre-pandemic levels, and a trend that’s accelerating. While initial explanations centered on the lingering effects of COVID-19 and stricter border … Read more

AI Bubble Burst: Risks & What’s Coming ⚠️

This article originally appeared on Dean Baker’s Patreon. It is reprinted here with permission. The Looming AI Correction: Echoes of the 2008 Housing Crisis Nearly two decades ago, the bursting of the housing bubble triggered the Great Recession, leaving millions facing foreclosure and unemployment. The subsequent slowdown in construction then fueled another surge in housing … Read more

Oil Prices Surge Past $100: Trump Calls It Temporary

Global oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, fueled by escalating tensions in the Middle East and a significant disruption to vital shipping lanes. The conflict, centered around Iran and Israel, is sending shockwaves through energy markets, threatening economic stability and impacting consumers at the gas pump. President … Read more

Coding Salaries Drop? New Tech Jobs & Market Shifts

Shifting Sands: Why Programming Skills Alone May Not Guarantee a High Salary Anymore The tech landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, and the once-unshakeable promise of high salaries for programmers is facing new challenges. A confluence of factors, including the rise of artificial intelligence, evolving market demands, and a potential oversupply of entry-level developers, is … Read more

Domestic Airfares Surge 10.6%: Feb Update ✈️

New Zealand Air Travel Costs Soar, Flights Cancelled Amid Fuel Concerns Domestic airfares in New Zealand have surged by 10.6% year-on-year as of February, adding financial strain to travelers and businesses alike. This increase coincides with significant disruptions to flight schedules, as Air New Zealand announced the cancellation of approximately 1100 flights due to ongoing … Read more

Canada Inflation Cools, Oil Prices Loom Before BoC Rate Decision

A startling statistic: Canada’s inflation rate fell to 1.8% in February, the lowest level in two years. But don’t celebrate just yet. Economists are increasingly warning this ‘calm’ is merely the eye of the storm, a temporary lull before a significant upswing driven by escalating global oil prices and persistent underlying economic pressures. This isn’t … Read more