Skip to main content

Featured

Markets Digest Iran Peace Progress and Fed Rate-Hike Risk — June 22, 2026

  Markets are easing into a cautious start this Monday as investors return from a long weekend — U.S. markets were closed Friday for Juneteenth — and assess a mixed backdrop: tentative optimism over U.S.–Iran peace talks, a newly hawkish Federal Reserve, and a key week of economic data and earnings ahead. Oil is steadying, the Canadian dollar is under modest pressure, and Asian markets rallied while European and U.S. futures drifted slightly lower in early trading. 🍁 Canada — TSX & the Loonie The S&P/TSX Composite Index heads into Monday trading with a cautious tone, sitting near the 34,857 level after slipping 0.32% on Thursday — the last day Canadian markets were open. Energy stocks will be in focus as oil prices stabilize following weeks of volatility tied to the U.S.–Iran conflict and the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Canadian dollar is trading at approximately 70.52 cents U.S. (CAD/USD: 0.7052), down about 0.22% on the session. The loonie remains und...

article

Gaza Ceasefire Talks End with No Breakthrough Ahead of Ramadan

 

Ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and mediators concluded in Cairo without any significant progress. With just days remaining before the start of Ramadan, the urgency to halt the fighting in the Gaza Strip remains critical.

During the two-day talks, Hamas presented its proposal for a ceasefire agreement, but the Israeli delegation chose to stay away from this round. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim expressed frustration, stating, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t want to reach an agreement, and the ball now is in the Americans’ court” to press for a deal.

Israel has not officially commented on the Cairo talks. However, their stance remains firm: they demand that Hamas provide a list of 40 elderly, sick, and female hostages who would be the first to be released as part of an initial six-week truce. Meanwhile, Hamas insists on allowing large-scale humanitarian aid into Gaza and facilitating the return of Palestinians displaced from their homes in the northern part of the coastal strip.

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches, the situation remains precarious. The informal deadline for a deal looms, and the fate of civilians caught in the conflict hangs in the balance. While the world watches, the hope is that diplomatic efforts will yield results and prevent further suffering.


Comments