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Markets Slip as Investors Bet on Extended U.S.–Iran Ceasefire

  Stocks Edge Lower as Investors Hope U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Will Hold Stocks drifted lower today as markets balanced cautious optimism over a potential extension of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire with persistent geopolitical and inflation concerns. Recent trading sessions have shown that even modest signs of diplomatic progress can meaningfully shift investor sentiment. Asian and U.S. markets rallied earlier this week on hopes that Washington and Tehran would continue negotiations, helping unwind some of the war-driven risk premiums that had pushed oil and volatility higher. Despite the pullback, investors remain hopeful that the ceasefire—currently set to expire soon—will be extended, giving negotiators more time to work toward a longer-term agreement. Reports indicate both sides are considering adding another two weeks to the pause, a move that has already helped push Brent crude below the recent peak of nearly US$120 per barrel. Lower oil prices have eased pressure on inflation expecta...
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Canadian Retail Sales Rebound in December, Boosting Consumer Confidence

 

Canadian consumers went on a holiday shopping spree at the end of last year, after reining in their spending just a month earlier. Receipts for retailers jumped 0.8% in December, the biggest increase since April. This followed a 0.2% decrease in November, which missed the median estimate of a flat reading in a Bloomberg survey. In volume terms, retail sales also edged down 0.2% that month. The early estimate for December suggests sales increased 0.8% that month, but warned the figure is subject to revision.

The rebound in retail sales in December is a positive sign for the Canadian economy. The holiday season is a crucial period for retailers, and the increase in sales indicates that consumer confidence is on the rise. The report also highlights that the pullback in November still highlights some spending weakness for consumers, who are facing higher interest rates and many of whom are due to renew their mortgages this year.


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