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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.
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Toronto Housing Market: Sales Dip, Prices Climb After Sluggish Period


Toronto’s real estate landscape is showing signs of a turnaround as we transition into spring. After a year of subdued sales activity, the market is witnessing renewed vigor. Here’s a snapshot of the recent developments:

Sales Activity:

  • February Sales Decline: Greater Toronto area home sales dipped in February, breaking a two-month streak of gains. Despite this, the market remains resilient.
  • Buyer Competition: Last month, competition between buyers started to re-emerge. Listings are attracting more attention, and buyers are increasingly competing with each other.
  • Regaining Confidence: Prospective homebuyers are regaining confidence, even as borrowing costs rise due to interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada. Unlike last year, when the market was sluggish, buyers are now actively participating.

Price Trends:

  • Average Home Price: In March, the average home price in the Toronto area reached $1,108,606, surpassing the average list price for the first time since May 2022.
  • Still Below 2022 Peak: Despite the recent uptick, prices remain far from their 2022 peak. Detached homes, semi-detached properties, townhouses, and condos all saw price adjustments.
  • Composite Benchmark Price: The composite benchmark price for March was $1,118,500, reflecting a 16.2% year-over-year drop but an increase on a month-over-month basis.
  • Sales Volume: March concluded with 6,896 sales, up from 4,765 in February, although still down nearly 37% from March 2020.

The Toronto housing market is in transition. While prices are recovering, buyers are approaching the market more cautiously. As we head into spring, all eyes are on how this delicate balance between supply, demand, and affordability will evolve.


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