Canada Jobless Rate Reaches Lowest Since 2008 on Dropouts

Canada’s jobless rate unexpectedly fell to the lowest in almost five years in September as young people dropped out of the labor market, helping pull the participation rate to the lowest in more than a decade.

Canada Dollar Falls on European Debt Crisis, Slower U.S. Economic Growth

Canada’s dollar fell for a fourth week versus its U.S. counterpart in the longest losing streak since June amid concern global growth will falter as the American economy stalls and Europe’s debt crisis worsens.

The loonie, as the currency is nicknamed, dropped against 13 of its 16 most-traded peers as crude oil, Canada’s biggest export, tumbled for a fourth week. Yields on Canada’s 10-year bonds touched a record low as economists cut forecasts for growth in the U.S., the nation’s biggest trade partner. Retail sales in rose 0.6 percent in June, data next week may show.

Canada's Dollar Strengthens to a 40-Month High as Crude Oil Prices Surge

Canada’s dollar strengthened to the highest level against its U.S. counterpart since November 2007 as commodities including crude oil, the nation’s biggest export, surged amid optimism global economic growth is accelerating.

The currency gained for the third straight week as oil exceeded $112 a barrel on concern Libyan output won’t rebound when fighting ends in that divided nation. Gold surged to a record. The Bank of Canada is expected to keep its target interest rate at 1 percent when policy makers meet next week.