In February, employment in Canada was largely unchanged, with a modest increase of 1,100 jobs. The labour force participation rate declined to 65.3 per cent, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 6.6 per cent.

Sharp drop in closely watched consumer sentiment gauge marks the biggest monthly decline in confidence in more than four years.

President Trump's expanding trade war is boosting the chances of a recession. Layoffs are rising and consumer confidence and spending are sliding.

Even before Donald Trump shattered the idea of a western alliance over the weekend, an uneasy spectre had begun to roil through the global economy, with troubles brewing on at least three fronts.

The Conference Board said consumer confidence took its biggest one-month slide in four years, forcing many national chains to lower earnings guidance.

Inflation is heating up, a trade war is brewing and American consumers aren’t feeling great about the economy. That’s a toxic mix for businesses.

The index of consumer confidence has now fallen to levels similar to the pandemic era, marking the third largest drop in confidence since April 2020.

Justin Trudeau was brought to tears as he spoke of the ongoing feud with President Trump and the US-imposed tariffs that have rattled Canada in his final days as prime minister.

China is keeping its economic growth target at “around 5%” for 2025 despite a looming trade war with the United States and other headwinds.