Federal Budget Deficit Grows While Oil Prices and Lithium Stocks Fluctuate; Indigenous Groups Partner with Scotiabank for Investment Dealer Venture

The federal government posted a $23.6 billion budget deficit for the first 9 months of fiscal year 2023-24. Revenue was up but spending outpaced it.

Oil prices dipped due to profit-taking and a dip below a technical indicator level. Lack of fresh catalysts also prompted some selling.

Indigenous firms and a First Nation are partnering with Scotiabank to create Canada's first Indigenous-owned investment dealer, pending regulatory approval.

Research suggests a bug encroaching on Quebec’s strawberry fields could help forecast climate change’s agricultural impacts.

Lithium stocks have growth potential comparable to chip stocks over the next decade. Two cheap lithium stocks to consider buying and holding long-term.