Author: Reuters

Canada’s main stock index fell on Wednesday, after six straight sessions of gains, as investors took a breather while awaiting signals from ongoing trade developments.

The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index was down 0.13% at 25,583.02 points after rising 2.6% in the past six sessions and hitting a three-month high last week.

Markets have been rising on trade optimism after a limited U.S.-UK agreement and the United States and China pausing their fierce tariff dispute assuaged fears about a global economic slowdown.

A 90-day tariff pause announced by the U.S. on April 9 for countries other than China, along with solid earnings reports and a cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation reading, helped the index regain ground from early April lows.

“I think all the markets are taking a little bit of a breather now after the recent rallies”, said Michael Sprung, president at Sprung Investment Management.

“The inflation reading and the U.S.-China situation buoyed the market in the immediate past but … expectations of what is likely to happen are becoming more and more uncertain. And so I think the markets going to be looking for some direction”.

TSX gains on US-China tariff agreement

Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson noted that recent inflation data indicate progress toward the Fed’s 2% target, yet the outlook remains uncertain as potential new import taxes could elevate prices.

On TSX, mining stock fell 1.9%, tracking lower gold prices, as easing U.S.-China tensions dimmed bullion’s safe-haven appeal.

Energy subindex slipped 0.6% after oil prices fell as traders eyed a potential jump in U.S. crude inventories, while OPEC lowered its oil supply growth forecast for producers outside OPEC+.

Canada’s main stock index rose on Tuesday, led by gains in technology stocks, as investors assessed U.S. inflation data and its impact on monetary policy outlook.

The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index was up 0.5% at 25,655.67 points.

The U.S. consumer prices rebounded moderately in April, rising 0.2% after a 0.1% dip in March, with inflation expected to pick up in the coming months as tariffs boost import costs.

Following the report, traders leaned into bets that the Federal Reserve would hold off on lowering interest rates until September, while still anticipating two 25-basis-point cuts by year’s end.

“Canadian investors are cautiously optimistic, eyeing U.S. inflation data showing tariff-driven price hikes. The TSX may face mild volatility, but sentiment is buoyed by expectations of Bank of Canada rate cuts. The data’s impact today will be notable but not dominant”, said Graham Priest, investment advisor at BlueShore Financial.

TSX gains on US-China tariff agreement

Meanwhile, the U.S. and China on Monday said they would pause their trade war for 90 days, bringing down reciprocal duties and removing other measures while they negotiate a more permanent arrangement.

“The US-China tariff reduction fueled Monday’s TSX surge, but today’s sentiment may temper as investors weigh the 90-day truce’s fragility, persistent trade uncertainties and domestic economic pressures”, added Graham.

Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said a 10% universal tariff on goods entering the United States would stay in place but officials were in talks with many countries to lower additional tariffs imposed.

On TSX, information and technology stocks gained 1.4%, in line with the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, while energy stocks advanced 0.9%, tracking gains in oil prices.

In corporate new, WonderFi is up 35.3%, after retail trading platform Robinhood said it will buy the Canadian crypto firm for C$250 million ($178.98 million).

Canada’s main stock index rose on Monday as the United States and China reached a deal to reduce tariffs, boosting investor optimism and easing fears of an all-out trade war disrupting global markets.

The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index rose 0.7% at 25,531.01 points, tracking gains in U.S. peers. The index hit over a three-month high earlier in the session.

The two biggest economies announced on Monday that the U.S. will cut the extra tariffs it imposed on Chinese imports in April to 30% from 145%, while Chinese duties on U.S. imports will reduce to 10% from 125%. The new measures will be effective for 90 days.

“Canadian markets can benefit from the big easing in trade tensions (as) it shows that the tariff war may be able to get resolved more quickly than people had previously thought”, said Colin Cieszynski, chief market strategist at SIA Wealth Management.

The U.S.-Sino deal comes days after a U.S.-UK limited trade agreement, easing fears that U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2 would roil global trade and spark a worldwide recession.

Back home, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet will be sworn in on Tuesday.

On TSX, energy stocks gained 3.1%, tracking a jump in oil prices, while information and technology stocks advanced 4.1%.

On the flip side, mining stocks fell nearly 4% after safe-haven gold fell more than 2%.

Pan American Silver fell 14.1% after the miner plans to acquire MAG Silver Corp in a transaction that values the silver mining company at about $2.1 billion. Conversely, MAG Silver rose 7.2%.

Hudbay Minerals jumped 8.8% after the miner beat first-quarter profit and revenue estimates. Shares also rose on the back of higher copper prices.

Canada’s main stock index slipped on Monday, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs sparked fresh investor concerns, ahead of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision this week.

The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index was down 0.4% at 24,942.81 points.

Trump on Sunday announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S., but offered little clarity on how the levies would be implemented.

Shares of U.S. media firms tumbled amid concern that the latest tariffs could increase the cost for Hollywood studios and disrupt the global entertainment industry.

“A lot of movies are made in Canada…it makes it very economical for the U.S. companies to come up and film a movie here versus down in the U.S. So, not a good announcement for us here in Canada”, said Allan Small, senior investment advisor at Allan Small Financial Group with iA Private Wealth.

Meanwhile, data showed that Canada’s services economy contracted for a fifth straight month in April as uncertainty around trade policy and the country’s general election weighed on activity.

The spotlight this week will be on the Federal Reserve, which is widely expected to leave interest rates steady on Wednesday.

On the TSX, energy shares led sectoral losses with a 1.9% fall, tracking a drop in oil prices.

Conversely, mining stocks were up 0.8% after gold prices gained more than 2%.

Canadian fuel refiner and retailer Parkland rose 7.6% after U.S.-based Sunoco LP said it will buy the company in a deal valued at about $9.1 billion, including debt.

Canadian stocks climbed on Thursday as falling bond yields and rising commodity prices boosted investor sentiment, while markets also weighed evolving U.S. tariff policies.

The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX Composite Index climbed 0.5% to 24,604.05 points, and was on course for the third successive daily gain.

The heavily weighted energy sector added 0.6% as oil prices recovered some losses on Thursday.

Materials also climbed 0.6% after gold prices rebounded, as investors bought bullion following a sharp decline in the previous session.

“Any sign of commodities stabilizing, I think is a good sign in today’s market,” said Michael Sprung, president at Sprung Investment Management.

Canadian government bond yields fell across the curve with 10-year bond yields falling 5.8 basis points to 3.191%.

Falling yields, which reduce the risk-free rate benchmark, decrease borrowing costs and enhance the value of companies’ future cash flows.

TSX falls as Trump’s Fed criticism shakes markets

Among index sectors, information technology rose over 1%; electronics manufacturer Celestica led sector gains at 5%. Healthcare stocks advanced 1.3%, buoyed by cannabis producer Tilray Brands, which surged 4%

On the flip side, consumer staples lost the most, falling 0.4%.

China on Thursday called for all “unilateral” U.S. tariffs to be canceled, as signs emerged that the Trump administration may de-escalate its trade war with Beijing.

On Wednesday, TSX had climbed to a three-week high as some optimism took hold of a letup in the global trade war.

However, later that day, Trump said a 25% tariff on cars imported from Canada to the United States could go up.

Investors’ attention was also divided among a series of earnings reports from U.S. companies, which presented a mixed picture.

Among domestic earnings, miner Teck Resources beat first-quarter expectations, helped by higher commodity prices and copper sales volumes. Its shares rose 3.8%.

TORONTO: Canada’s commodity-heavy main stock index fell on Monday, led by a decline in energy shares, as investors were jittery after US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX Composite Index fell 0.6% to 24,037.16 points, on pace to snap its five-session winning streak.

Including Monday’s moves, the TSX shed 2.4% in 2025, compared with 11.6% downfall on S&P 500 in the US

“The TSX continues to outperform the S&P 500 this year, but it is not immune to what is going on south of the border,” said Angelo Kourkafas, investment strategist at Edward Jones Investments.

“The fact that we are seeing a risk-off move in US markets, it is hard for the Canadian markets to ignore and that is also a bit of a driver.”

The Canadian market tracked a decline in Wall Street’s main indexes, as the Trump administration’s statement about considering options to fire Powell, a day after the President’s criticism, fueled concerns about the central bank’s autonomy.

The Canadian government 10-year bond yields rose 5.1 basis points to 3.188%, also tracking its US counterpart.

In Canada, nine of the 11 major sectors traded in red.

The healthcare sector led losses with a 2.2% fall. Pharmaceutical firm Bausch Health fell 7%.

The heavy-weight energy stocks dropped more than 1% as oil prices fell after nuclear talks between the US and Iran showed progress.

On the other hand, metal mining shares were up 1.5% as gold miners benefited from the yellow metal’s record run.

Focus was also on the US-China trade tensions after Beijing on Monday warned of “countermeasures” against countries striking deals with the US at its expense.

Energy stocks led Canada’s main stock index higher on Thursday, as investors took stock of U.S.-Japan trade negotiations, although sentiment remained fragile amid tariff uncertainties.

Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.16% to 24,141.14 points, and was poised for its largest weekly advance since September 2024, if gains hold.

On the day, the energy sector powered the gains, climbing 1.8% as oil prices reached their highest level in two weeks.

Markets have been focused on the rapidly evolving trade policies under the Trump administration, with investors awaiting potential agreements between the U.S. and its trading partners.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump touted “big progress” in tariff talks with Japan. Japanese representative Ryosei Akazawa revealed limited details but confirmed a second meeting is scheduled for later this month, noting Trump called a deal with Japan a “top priority.”

“Markets tend to respond positively when protectionist risks recede,” said David Ferreira, portfolio manager at Harbourfront Wealth Management.

Resource shares help lift Toronto stock market to weekly gain

“A stable trading relationship between two major global economies reinforces confidence in global supply chains and demand forecasts — both of which are key for Canadian exporters and commodity producers”.

Bond proxy utilities rose 1.3%, as Canada’s 10-year bond yield fell to 3.090% after sharply rising in the previous session. Heavy-weighted financials added 0.3%.

Capping the gains, materials group which include metal mining shares, dropped over 1% as gold prices pulled back from a record high on profit booking.

Healthcare stocks were down 0.3%, with cannabis firm Tilray Brands falling 5% to the bottom of the benchmark index.

The Canadian stock markets will be closed on Friday for the Good Friday holiday.

Canada’s main stock index rose on Tuesday as domestic inflation rate unexpectedly cooled, while prospects of automotive tariff exemptions further lifted investor sentiment.

Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.6% to 24,010.13 points.

Domestic data showed Canada’s annual inflation rate unexpectedly slowed to 2.3% in March, down from 2.6% in February, primarily due to falling gasoline and travel tour prices.

“The market is probably encouraged to see inflation coming down here in Canada to a certain degree,” said Brian Madden, chief investment officer and portfolio manager at First Avenue Investment Counsel.

Despite this overall decline, core inflation measures closely watched by the Bank of Canada remained high.

The data comes just before the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy decision on Wednesday; markets currently forecast a 57% chance the bank will pause after seven consecutive rate cuts.

On the tariff front, U.S President Donald Trump on Monday suggested potential exemptions for the 25% tariffs on imports of autos and auto parts from Mexico, Canada and other regions.

Resource shares help lift Toronto stock market to weekly gain

“I think the President is getting quite an earful from the manufacturers in the U.S., who are pointing out that the auto supply chain is very tightly integrated across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico,” Madden said.

“It is very difficult to repatriate the manufacturing of literally everything to the United States.”

Separately, Canadian housing starts declined 3.3% in March compared with the previous month, data from the national housing agency showed on Tuesday.

On the TSX, information technology shares led the gains, rising 1.7%.

Heavy-weight financials rose 0.8%, with Brookfield Asset Management rising 2%.

On the flip side, consumer staples and consumer discretionary were down 1% and 0.4% respectively.

Among individual stocks, women’s clothing retailer Group Dynamite climbed 5.2% after reporting upbeat fourth-quarter results and announcing a share buyback program.

Canada’s main stock index rose on Monday with broad-based gains as investors welcomed the White House’s exclusion of smartphones and computers from reciprocal tariffs against China.

Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 1.25% to 23,879.59 points.

The White House unveiled the tariff exemptions on Friday covering 20 categories including smartphones and laptops, as well as semiconductor memory chips and flat panel displays, accounting for 23% of U.S. imports from China.

But U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said that semiconductor tariffs would be announced within the next week, with a decision regarding phones coming “soon.”

“I think anytime we get some positive news on tariffs, market seem to be rallying and anytime we get a little bit of negative news on tariffs, they seem to be selling off,” said Josh Sheluk, portfolio manager at Verecan Capital Management.

Resource shares help lift Toronto stock market to weekly gain

Canadian government bond yields fell across the curve on Monday, with the 10-year note last at 3.176%, tracking its U.S. counterparts lower.

On the TSX, rate-sensitive real estate sector led the gains, climbing 1.6%.

Utilities, often traded as a bond proxy owing to their stable income regardless of economic situation, added 0.9%.

Information technology gained 1%, with software firm Computer Modelling Group rising 4.3%.

Looking ahead, this week’s economic calendar features key data, including Tuesday’s domestic consumer inflation report and Wednesday’s Bank of Canada interest rate decision.

The central bank is likely to pause its rate-cutting cycle this week, as increasing inflation, deteriorating employment figures and Trump’s partial retreat from broad tariffs have diminished the need for immediate economic stimulus.

As of Friday, traders bets showed about 60% probability for an interest rate pause.

TORONTO: Canada’s main stock index rose on Friday as higher commodity prices boosted resource shares and investors weighed the potential for recent financial market volatility brought on by a global trade war to subside.

Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX Composite Index ended up 572.93 points, or 2.5%, at 23,587.80. For the week, the TSX was up 1.7% after some wild swings, which included a near eight-month low on Tuesday.

Wall Street also notched gains on Friday as big banks kicked off first-quarter earnings season.

“It’s a positive outcome to what has been a very chaotic week as far as announcements go, but I think investors will take the positives wherever they can get them,” said Philip Petursson, chief investment strategist at IG Wealth Management.

“I am reluctant to say that the volatility is over, but I think that the worst of the volatility is likely behind us.”

The materials group, which includes fertilizer companies and metal mining shares, rose 4.8% as copper prices jumped and gold climbed above $3,200 per ounce for the first time.

The precious metal has benefited from safe-haven demand as well as recent sharp declines for the US dollar.

The Canadian dollar strengthened to a five-month high against its US counterpart as the erratic nature of US trade policy weighed on the greenback and ahead of a potential pause in the Bank of Canada’s interest rate-cutting campaign at a policy decision on Wednesday.

The price of oil also rose, settling 2.4% higher at $61.50 a barrel. Energy added 3.3% and heavily weighted financials ended 2% higher.

All 10 major sectors notched advances, but the gain for real estate was marginal as the recent rout in the US bond market helped drive up Canada’s long-term borrowing costs. The Canadian 10-year yield touched a 2-1/2-month high at 3.309%.