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5 Things to Know Today: Markets Near Records, Rates Hold, Oil Eases

  Here's what Canadian money watchers need to know as we head into the week: 1. TSX Hits Record Territory Amid Diplomatic Optimism The S&P/TSX Composite Index is hovering near 35,000 , approaching record levels as markets digest positive signals from U.S.-Iran negotiations. Senior officials say a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be signed at next week's G7 summit, easing geopolitical tensions and supporting oil-sensitive sectors. Financial stocks led gains—RBC, TD, and BMO all rose about 0.5–1%—while mining names like Agnico Eagle and WPM climbed despite softer gold prices. What it means for your wallet: A more stable geopolitical backdrop and lower oil prices could ease inflation concerns, improving conditions for your savings and investments. 2. Bank of Canada Holds Rates at 2.25% for Fifth Time On June 10, the BoC kept its benchmark overnight rate steady at 2.25% —marking five consecutive holds since October 2025. Governor Tiff Macklem cited a "two-directi...
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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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