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Markets Slip as U.S.–Iran Standoff Deepens and Risk Sentiment Weakens

  North American markets opened the week under pressure as renewed U.S.–Iran tensions rattled global risk sentiment. Major indexes across Canada and the U.S. slipped, with investors shifting toward defensive sectors and safe‑haven assets. The latest escalation — including heightened military posturing and stalled diplomatic channels — pushed oil prices higher and injected fresh volatility into energy markets. While rising crude typically supports Canadian producers, the broader uncertainty weighed on equities, particularly in rate‑sensitive and cyclical sectors. Bond yields edged lower as investors sought safety, and the Canadian dollar softened slightly against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a cautious tone across global markets. For Canadian investors, the key risk remains prolonged geopolitical instability feeding into energy prices, inflation expectations, and central‑bank policy paths. Until tensions ease, markets are likely to remain headline‑driven and choppy.
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U.S. stocks open mixed and turn lower after inflation report as Fed decision looms


  • Inflation data: The U.S. cost of living increased 0.1% month over month and 3.1% year over year in November, slightly higher than expected. Core inflation was in line with estimates at 0.3% month over month and 2.3% year over year.
  • Market reaction: U.S. stocks opened mixed and turned lower after the inflation report, as investors weighed the implications for interest rates and the Fed’s policy outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.43%, the S&P 500 slid 0.39%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.2% on Tuesday.
  • Fed decision: The Federal Reserve is set to announce its interest rate decision on Wednesday, with no change expected in the current range of 5.25% to 5.50%. The Fed is also expected to provide an update on its balance sheet reduction plan and its economic projections for 2024 and beyond.
  • Market outlook: The S&P 500 index is near its record high, having gained 20.4% year to date, partly on hopes of slowing inflation and rate cuts in the future. However, some analysts warn that the inflation trend is still above the Fed’s 2% target and that the central bank may have to tighten monetary policy more than expected to keep inflation under control.
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