Weekly Digest – 18 January 2023

Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas to help us all move forward.

Canadian consumers and businesses are expecting a recession this year

The Bank of Canada released its business outlook and consumer expectations surveys on Monday, and it showed that more businesses than usual expect their sales to decline in the next 12 months.

House values fell 12% on average from this time last year

The Canadian Real Estate Association released new numbers on Monday showing that home sales and prices were lower in December. Few were surprised, as the market adjusted after the sky-high prices seen during the pandemic.

This year will be pivotal for hydrogen fuel cell technology in Canada

Over the past several years, the potential for hydrogen to decarbonize many industries and help countries reach their climate goals has been a focus of technological developments. Experts say the next year is critical.

Accountant ordered to pay up for ‘time theft’

A woman in BC was fired from her job as a home-based company accountant after she was caught claiming unworked hours by tracking software installed on her work computer. Experts say that trust is vital when managing remote employees in the wake of the ruling.

Leaders descend on Davos to talk economics as conspiracy theories thrive online

The World Economic Forum (WEF) returned to Davos this week, with record numbers of government officials and business leaders expected at the elite annual affair. However, some bizarre conspiracy theories about the event are circulating online.

Prices slashed for several Tesla models

Elon Musk has cut prices on some of Tesla’s top models by up to 20% across the US and Europe, indicating that the EV firm is in defence mode after months of gradual price increases.

Bitcoin rally is suspected to be more than a blip

Bitcoin is trading back above the $20k level this week, up more than 30% from its cycle low, and is positioned to emerge stronger following a year defined by extreme volatility.

Gold is expected to climb as the year progresses

With interest rate hikes expected to slow down and hopefully stop soon, economists are watching gold. It’s expected to rise towards record highs above $2000 an ounce this year, though the road there may be rocky.

Gen Z embraces the ability to disconnect using this technology

Gen Z’s latest obsession is with flip phones. Yes, the small, lightweight devices from the mid-1990s. They’re unboxing them on TikTok, bedazzling their cases, and filming tutorials on how to achieve a carefree, blurry aesthetic with the primitive camera.

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