Steeper rates have increased the debt load of low- and middle-income households
The results came as total exports edged down 0.1% to $63.9B
Economists say the total was held down by the effects of strikes, hurricanes
Government reports that an inflation gauge closely watched by the Fed fell to its lowest level in three-and-a-half years
Job growth was held down in October by hurricanes and worker strikes
Consumer spending helps drive growth despite the weight of still-high interest rates
Canadians are investing less because of inflation and higher interest rates
Job openings fell in particular at health-care companies, government agencies
U.S. Conference Board says its consumer confidence index jumped over the past month
The results show a dysfunctional system, policy analyst says