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Winter Storm Near Miss: Southern Ontario Could Still See Heavy Snow

  A major winter storm developing across the central United States is expected to track close enough to southern Ontario this weekend to bring the risk of significant snowfall. While the core of the system is projected to remain south of the border, its northern edge may still sweep across regions from Windsor to the Greater Toronto Area. Forecasters say the exact path remains uncertain, but current projections suggest that areas along and south of Highway 401 could see notable accumulations if the storm shifts even slightly north. Some models indicate the potential for 10–20 centimetres of snow, with locally higher amounts possible if lake‑enhanced bands develop. The storm threat comes as southern Ontario braces for a surge of bitter cold. Wind chills dipping into the minus twenties may precede the system, creating conditions that could intensify snowfall rates and make travel more difficult. Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory closely. Residents are enco...
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Markets Rally: S&P 500 Hits Record High Amid Recovery






On Thursday, the S&P/TSX composite index surged 333.29 points, closing at 21,222.69, marking a 1.6% gain. The energy sector led the charge, propelling Canada’s main stock index to new heights. But it wasn’t just the Great White North celebrating; across the border, U.S. markets also joined the party.

The S&P 500, a bellwether for American equities, etched a fresh all-time high. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average climbed 348.85 points, reaching 38,773.12. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite danced upward by 47.03 points, settling at 15,906.17.

What’s fueling this market resurgence? Mixed messages from inflation readings have been playing a game of tug-of-war with investor sentiment. Earlier this week, hotter-than-expected U.S. CPI numbers triggered a selloff, but the subsequent days saw a remarkable recovery. Kevin Burkett, portfolio manager at Victoria-based Burkett Asset Management, explains, “The numbers themselves aren’t bad. I think that the issue is people’s expectations, in particular at the end of December, had become so aligned to this view that we would see imminent and steep rate cuts.”

However, Burkett tempers expectations. “Right now, there’s very little chance that either the Bank of Canada or the U.S. Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates in March,” he asserts. The specter of stubbornly elevated inflation looms large, making rate cuts a precarious proposition.

Recent earnings reports in Canada underscore the divergence between companies. While Manulife soared nearly nine percent after reporting robust earnings, Canadian Tire grappled with tougher economic conditions and softer consumer spending. Their stock price remained relatively stable.

As the markets sway, the Canadian dollar dances at 74.11 cents US, and commodities play their part. The April crude oil contract surged US$1.23, settling at US$77.59 per barrel. Meanwhile, gold glimmered, with the April gold contract adding US$10.60, reaching US$2,014.90 per ounce. Copper, too, caught the bullish wave, climbing six cents to US$3.76 per pound.

In this financial tango, investors watch closely, balancing optimism with caution. The rhythm of recovery continues, and the markets sway to their own beat.


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