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TSX Steadies After Bond Rout | Canadian Money Brief — May 19, 2026

  TSX Steadies After Bond Rout — But Iran Uncertainty Keeps a Lid on Gains Canadian equities attempt a cautious bounce this morning after last week's sharp sell-off. Oil near US$100 props up energy shares, while gold cools in Canadian-dollar terms and the loonie holds a fragile grip at 72–73 cents US. Canadian Money Brief  ·  moneysavings.ca  ·  May 19, 2026 TSX ~34,020 ▲ Recovering CAD/USD $0.727 → Flat WTI Oil ~US$100 ▲ Elevated Gold (CAD) ~$6,243/oz ▼ Pullback BoC Rate On Hold → Patient Overview Canadian markets opened cautiously higher this Tuesday after the S&P/TSX Composite suffered its worst single-session drop in weeks on Friday, closing at 33,833 — a decline of 1.27% — as a global bond-market selloff combined with stalled US–Iran negotiations hammered sentiment. Today's session opened around 34,027 , with the index trading in a tight range of roughly 33,745 to 34,175, suggesting investors are rebuilding positions but remain wary. The dominant story...

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U.S. and Israeli Defense Chiefs Discuss Strategies Amid Escalating Tensions in Gaza

 

As tensions escalate in the Gaza region, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a crucial meeting to address the ongoing crisis. Here are the key points from their discussion:

  1. Cease-Fire and Humanitarian Concerns:

    • The United States recently abstained from using its veto power in a United Nations Security Council vote, which called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
    • Israel canceled a high-level delegation’s visit to Washington in response to the vote.
    • The focus of the meeting was on Israel’s plans to launch an offensive in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, where over a million displaced people have sought shelter.
    • U.S. officials emphasized the need to address the threat posed by Hamas while ensuring civilian safety.
  2. Israel’s Determination and Challenges:

    • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed determination to launch a military operation in Rafah.
    • He believes that Hamas cannot be defeated unless Israel targets four battalions, consisting of thousands of fighters, who are sheltering in the city.
    • The offensive has already resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza.
  3. Lessons from Urban Operations:

    • The discussions included insights from the U.S.'s own experiences in conducting operations in urban environments.
    • Balancing military objectives with civilian safety remains a critical challenge.
  4. U.S. Position and International Pressure:

    • The U.S. abstention at the Security Council vote was a departure from its consistent stance during the conflict.
    • Israel expressed concern that this move might give Hamas hope that international pressure could force a cease-fire without securing the release of hostages.

In this delicate situation, both nations grapple with the complexities of military action, humanitarian needs, and regional stability. The outcome of their discussions will have far-reaching implications for the people of Gaza and the broader Middle East. 

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