The economy lost almost 213,000 jobs last month
Yet, a flash estimate from Statistics Canada forecasts a contraction of 5.1% for 2020
It was the latest sign that consumers, whose spending is the primary driver of the U.S. economy, are hunkered down
The pandemic has exacerbated income inequality, and many low-wage workers have no job to return to
Uncertainty abounds, but 2021 promises opportunities in equities markets
StatsCan's early estimate suggests retailers saw sales fall in December, though, at the height of the holiday shopping season
They fell for a third straight month amid a surge in virus cases
Statistics Canada said Friday the economy lost 63,000 jobs
It's the first time since April that jobs have been shed
Economists expressed cautious optimism for the months ahead at a recent virtual event