Well as much as the U.S. gov will do what they can to make things look healthy they can't control everything. Europe's negative possibilities are extreme and will play a major part in DX which will affect most markets regardless.

As far as the Canadian government increasing the dollar amount Canadians can bring back from the U.S. without paying duty I agree it seems odd but we have a 'Conservative' government that is business orientated. This will force Canadian companies to become more competitive or close their doors which is what capitalism is all about. Other types of governments would do the reverse to force Canadians to buy home grown products which is more of a socialist mentality. That in turn pisses off your trading partners and can cause a trade war which was a major contributor to the last depression. Big difference in mentality. But that time frame has always been used as many cross border trips are just for part of a day so everything 'in theory' is required to pay duty on. All they have done is left the times the same but increased the amount they can bring back tax free. So the percentage of people staying a full 1 or 2 days will reap the benefit but those quick trips across the border to buy groceries and gas and home the same day wont 'in theory' benefit from the change. They still win though as groceries and gasoline are much cheaper in the U.S. so save a lot regardless. Plus whatever else they can hide,lol........

Jeez, it's getting late even here on the West Coast. And it never gets late here!