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Iran Fires on Three Ships in Strait of Hormuz, Sending Markets Into Fresh Turmoil

Co mmercial vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions escalate following reports that Iran fired on three ships, raising fresh concerns for global oil supply and market stability. Iran’s latest escalation in the Strait of Hormuz—firing on three commercial vessels and seizing at least two—has intensified geopolitical risk at one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. The attacks, carried out by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, come just hours after President Donald Trump extended the U.S.–Iran ceasefire indefinitely, though Washington has vowed to maintain its blockade of Iranian ports.  The renewed hostilities underscore the fragility of diplomatic efforts. Iran has not formally acknowledged the ceasefire extension and appears to be leveraging control of the strait—through which roughly 20% of global oil and natural gas flows —to strengthen its negotiating position. The continued closure or disruption of the waterway has already pushed gas and food prices sha...
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New Ontario real estate rules give sellers more options

 

Ontario has introduced new rules for real estate transactions that aim to provide more clarity and choice for buyers and sellers. The rules, which took effect on Friday, include the following changes:

  • Open bidding option: Sellers can now choose to disclose the prices of submitted bids to potential buyers, instead of keeping them secret. This is supposed to make the bidding process more transparent and fair, but it is not mandatory. Some experts say open bidding could reduce overbidding and lower prices, while others say it could have the opposite effect or harm sellers’ interests.
  • Designated representation: Buyers and sellers can now choose a designated representative from the same brokerage, instead of being subject to multiple representation. This means that the agent can advocate more actively for their client, instead of acting as a facilitator with limited advice. This is supposed to avoid conflicts of interest and improve the quality of service.
  • Improved disclosures: Brokers and brokerages have to provide more information to their clients, such as their role, duties, and fees. They also have to give them an information guide from the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), the regulatory body that oversees the industry. RECO also has new enforcement tools to ensure compliance and protect consumers.
  • Amended code of ethics: Agents have to follow an updated code of ethics that reflects the new rules and promotes professionalism and ethical conduct.

The new rules are part of Phase 2 of the changes under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, which was passed in 2019. The federal government has also promised to end blind bidding as part of its home buyers’ bill of rights, but it is still consulting with stakeholders.

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