Published July 5, 2026 Your morning rundown on the Canadian economy, markets, and money moves — TSX hits a record close, CUSMA talks roll past the deadline, the first CGEB payment lands, and what to expect ahead of the Bank of Canada's July 15 decision. 1. TSX closes at a record high on gold-miner strength The S&P/TSX Composite climbed 0.9% to close at a record 35,275 on Friday, July 3, powered by gold mining stocks. Gold prices firmed after U.S. nonfarm payrolls for June came in at roughly half the expected pace, fuelling bets that the Federal Reserve could turn more dovish. Agnico Eagle, Wheaton Precious Metals, and Barrick all posted solid gains, while financials like Scotiabank and BMO also moved higher on easing oil-supply concerns. Why it matters: if you hold Canadian equity index funds in your TFSA or RRSP, resource and financial-sector strength has been doing a lot of the heavy lifting this year — worth knowing if your portfolio feels more concentrated than you'd...
Who Was St. Patrick?
- Saint Patrick, born in Roman Britain during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle.
- At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned to Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
- One of the most well-known legends associated with St. Patrick is that he used the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock, to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
Early Observance in Ireland:
- For over 1,000 years, the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday.
- During the Christian season of Lent, Irish families traditionally attended church in the morning and celebrated in the afternoon.
- Lenten prohibitions against meat consumption were waived, allowing people to dance, drink, and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
First St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
- Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade did not take place in Ireland but in America.
- Records show that a parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.
- Homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772, to honor the Irish patron saint.
- Enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City, Boston, and other American cities continued to grow.
Growth of Celebrations:
- Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, leading to the rise of “Irish Aid” societies.
- These societies held annual parades featuring bagpipes and drums.
- In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies united their parades to form the world’s oldest civilian parade: the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which remains the largest in the United States with over 150,000 participants.
So, as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let’s raise a glass to the enduring legacy of this beloved holiday!
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