Economists say the total was held down by the effects of strikes, hurricanes
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
Credit conditions improve, but geopolitics, U.S. election, China cloud outlook
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 U.S. election will be less influential than central bank moves, cyclical considerations, Lisa Conroy of CC&L says
Economist optimistic that CUSMA will hold
Small- to medium-business owners fear the Canadian economy could become "collateral damage" after election
Jyotsana Wadera of Putnam Investments says strong companies will withstand inevitable market corrections