As Europe flounders, U.S. job market picks up

WASHINGTON — New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits dropped last week to its lowest in more than 3-1/2 years, suggesting the labor market recovery was gaining speed.

Canadian home prices to fall 5 percent

TORONTO (Reuters) - Weaker Canadian economic growth and an oversupply of condos will lead to a 5 percent drop in home prices in the first half of next year, a report released on Monday by Bank of America Merrill Lynch said.

Volatility is here to stay

While the U.S. economy is gathering steam as 2011 winds to a close, capital markets continue to show signs of volatility.

Vancouver market cools on sales decline

For doubters of the perpetually rising Vancouver real estate prices the past few years, a decline in November sales may be one of the first cracks in the market's strength.

BOC maintains 1% rate

The Bank of Canada announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 3/4 per cent.

Canada’s economy surges ahead

The Canadian economy was not as bad as first feared in the third quarter. In fact, it was much better than almost anyone had hoped.