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Weekly Market Snapshot: Yields at Multi-Decade Highs, Oil Eases on Hormuz Hopes — Week of Sept. 22–26, 2026

Week of September 22–26, 2026 It was a week of two forces tugging in opposite directions. Bond yields surged to levels not seen since 2004–2007, driven by resilient US economic data, hawkish Fed signals, and oil-driven inflation fears — putting pressure on equities and the Canadian dollar. Then, late in the week, reports emerged that US and Iranian negotiators were exploring a phased deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil pulled back sharply Friday, yields stabilized, and markets found enough relief to post a partial recovery. The TSX finished the week slightly lower but well off its worst levels, while US indices managed a weekly gain. 🍁 Canada — TSX & the Loonie The S&P/TSX Composite entered the week near 35,800 and, after a volatile ride, closed Friday around the same level — giving up roughly 0.3% on the week. Mid-week selling was driven by the same forces pressuring global markets: surging US Treasury yields, a rising oil-inflation premium, and investor nervousness ahea...

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TSX Down Almost 100 Points, U.S. Markets Mixed Amid Ongoing Interest Rate Angst

 

Weakness in several sectors, including financials and utilities, led Canada’s main stock index down almost 100 points on Tuesday. Simultaneously, U.S. markets experienced a mixed day of trading. Here’s a closer look at the market dynamics:

Canadian Market Overview

  • The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 97.33 points at 21,642.87.
  • Industrials, utilities, and base metals were among the sectors that contributed to the decline.
  • Investors grappled with ongoing uncertainty surrounding interest rates, which impacted market sentiment.

U.S. Market Insights

  • U.S. equity markets showed resilience by bouncing back from Monday’s fall.
  • The Dow Jones industrial average gained 63.86 points, closing at 37,798.97.
  • The S&P 500 index dipped 10.41 points, settling at 5,051.41.
  • The Nasdaq composite declined 19.77 points, ending at 15,865.25.

Interest Rate Tensions

  • Recent strong economic data reports have made it clear that the U.S. Federal Reserve won’t cut interest rates as soon as many investors had hoped.
  • Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized that the central bank needs more confidence that inflation is sustainably heading toward its target before considering rate cuts.
  • Powell’s comments sent “tremors” through the market, leading to an immediate climb in Treasury yields.

Canadian Perspective

  • In Canada, the latest inflation data supports the case for the central bank to start cutting rates.
  • March’s inflation ticked higher to 2.9%, driven by rising gas prices, but core inflation continued to cool.
  • Senior economist Jules Boudreau believes it’s only a matter of time before the Bank of Canada implements rate cuts.

Currency and Commodities

  • The Canadian dollar traded at 72.35 cents US, slightly weaker than the previous day.
  • Crude oil prices remained steady, with the May contract at US$85.36 per barrel.
  • Natural gas prices saw a modest increase, with the May contract at US$1.73 per mmBTU.

In summary, the markets remain on edge due to interest rate uncertainties. Investors are closely monitoring economic indicators and central bank decisions as they navigate this volatile landscape. Stay tuned for further developments.


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