Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today: Markets Near Records, Rates Hold, Oil Eases

  Here's what Canadian money watchers need to know as we head into the week: 1. TSX Hits Record Territory Amid Diplomatic Optimism The S&P/TSX Composite Index is hovering near 35,000 , approaching record levels as markets digest positive signals from U.S.-Iran negotiations. Senior officials say a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be signed at next week's G7 summit, easing geopolitical tensions and supporting oil-sensitive sectors. Financial stocks led gains—RBC, TD, and BMO all rose about 0.5–1%—while mining names like Agnico Eagle and WPM climbed despite softer gold prices. What it means for your wallet: A more stable geopolitical backdrop and lower oil prices could ease inflation concerns, improving conditions for your savings and investments. 2. Bank of Canada Holds Rates at 2.25% for Fifth Time On June 10, the BoC kept its benchmark overnight rate steady at 2.25% —marking five consecutive holds since October 2025. Governor Tiff Macklem cited a "two-directi...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

U.S. Markets Tumble on Earnings, Bond Yields

U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, as investors digested mixed earnings reports from Microsoft and Alphabet while Treasury yields pushed higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.32% to 33,035.93 points, the S&P 500 index slid 1.43% to 4,186.77 points, and the Nasdaq composite index plunged 2.43% to 12,821.22 points.

Alphabet shares slid more than 9% after the Google parent beat on earnings and revenue but fell short in its cloud business. Microsoft shares rose 3% after its own double beat showed its bets on AI were paying off for its cloud segment. Other tech giants such as Amazon and Meta also declined ahead of their earnings reports.

The earnings season also coincided with a surge in bond yields, as the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve signaled their readiness to fight inflation by keeping interest rates high. The BoC held its key rate at 5.0%, but lowered its 2023 growth forecast to 1.2%. The Fed is expected to announce its tapering plans next week.

The higher yields weighed on rate-sensitive sectors such as technology and real estate, but boosted energy and financial stocks. The Canadian dollar traded for 79.23 cents US compared with 79.28 cents US on Tuesday.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment