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TSX Eyes Gains as Trump-Xi Summit Looms and Oil Steadies Near $95

Canadian Money Brief · Monday, May 11, 2026 Canadian equities are set for a cautious but constructive open this Monday as investors balance a packed macro calendar against an energy sector still reeling from one of its most volatile weeks in recent memory. TSX at a Glance The S&P/TSX Composite closed Friday at 34,077.76 , up 221 points (+0.65%) to cap a week dominated by whipsaw oil moves and a fragile Middle East ceasefire. The energy sector has led TSX gains over the past seven days — up roughly 5% — even as WTI crude fell about 7% on the week, settling near $95.42 per barrel . That apparent contradiction reflects Canadian producers' longer-term optimism on supply tightness rather than any single day's price swing. For the year, the TSX is up approximately 35%, outpacing most major global benchmarks. The Big Story: Trump Heads to Beijing All eyes this week will be on Washington and Beijing. President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in China on Wednesday , with formal ...
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Are rate hikes over for Canada


The Canadian economy is expected to show a modest growth of 0.4% in the third quarter of 2023, according to the latest estimates from Statistics Canada. This is lower than the 0.6% expansion in the previous quarter, and well below the 2.1% growth rate that the Bank of Canada projected in July.

The weak GDP numbers have fueled the speculation that the country may be heading into a recession, as global trade tensions, lower oil prices, and household debt weigh on the economic outlook. 

However, not everyone is convinced that the situation is so dire. Some forecasters argue that the third quarter slowdown was mainly due to temporary factors, such as a strike at a major auto plant, a drop in agricultural output due to drought, and a slowdown in housing construction. They expect that the economy will rebound in the fourth quarter, as these factors dissipate and consumer spending picks up.

Moreover, some forecasters point out that the inflation rate remains within the central bank's target range of 1% to 3%, suggesting that there is no need for further monetary stimulus. They also note that the labour market remains strong, with the unemployment rate at a near-record low of 5.5%, and wage growth at a solid 3.2%.

Therefore, some forecasters believe that the Bank of Canada will maintain its wait-and-see approach, and keep interest rates unchanged until there are clear signs of either a sustained recovery or a prolonged downturn. They argue that the central bank has already done enough to support the economy, by cutting interest rates three times in 2022, and that any further easing could fuel financial imbalances and inflationary pressures.

In summary, the GDP numbers for the third quarter of 2023 are likely to spark more debate about the state of the Canadian economy and the direction of monetary policy. However, some forecasters are more optimistic than others, and think that the rate hikes are over for now, unless there is a significant change in the economic conditions.

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