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Global Markets Rattle as Oil Spikes and U.S. Futures Sink Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

  Markets are sliding as geopolitical tensions intensify, with U.S. stock futures turning sharply lower and oil prices surging above the $100 mark. Investors are reacting to escalating conflict in the Middle East, which is raising fears of disrupted energy supplies and renewed inflation pressures.  Market Overview Dow Jones futures fell roughly 0.8% , extending a multi‑day downturn. S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures each slipped about 0.6% , paring earlier, deeper losses.  The declines reflect mounting investor anxiety as geopolitical risks overshadow recent economic data. Oil Surges on Supply Fears Crude oil spiked above $100 per barrel before easing slightly. The surge followed Iran’s expanded attacks on energy infrastructure , prompting Iraq to close key oil terminals after tanker strikes.  Higher oil prices are stoking concerns about inflation , complicating expectations for future Federal Reserve policy. What’s Driving the Selloff The widening Mi...
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TSX rises as energy and consumer staples lead




The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index ended up 71.66 points, or 0.3%, at 21,061.88 on Monday, approaching its 20-month high of 21,074.91 reached last week. The energy and consumer staples sectors were the main drivers of the gains, as oil prices recovered some of their losses and investors digested a Bank of Canada business survey.

The survey showed that Canadian firms saw their order books decline as interest rates crimped consumer spending, and they expected inflation to ease despite increased concerns over wages for the next year. The report could keep the door open for interest rate cuts in the first half of the year, according to some economists.

The energy sector rose 0.9% as U.S. crude oil futures settled at $72.50 a barrel, down 0.3%. The consumer staples sector added 0.8%, boosted by shares of Saputo Inc and Loblaw Co, which climbed about 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively. The utilities sector also ended 1.1% higher.

Trading volumes were lower than usual, with U.S. markets closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. On Tuesday, Canada will release its consumer price index report for December, which could offer more clues on the central bank’s policy outlook. Economists expect inflation to rise to 3.4% from 3.1% in November.

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