This month’s webcast explores key economic developments, focusing on interest rate cuts, artificial intelligence (AI), and global economic challenges. Key themes include: Interest rate cuts: Both the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada have resumed rate cuts after a pause, aiming to manage economic risks. U.S. resilience amid challenges: Despite tariffs and a government shutdown delaying key economic data, the U.S. economy shows strength. Declining policy uncertainty and AI-driven investments continue to support growth. Canada’s economy ticks higher after weakness: Canada faces economic headwinds from slowed population growth and rising tariffs but may avoid a recession as recent GDP data shows improvement. AI’s mixed impact: While investments by major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta are driving growth, AI is also causing job losses, especially among younger workers in AI-vulnerable roles like programming and customer service. This dual effect highlights both opportunities and challenges for the labor market. All this and more in this month’s webcast.