Skip to main content

Featured

TSX Rebounds as Oil Climbs and Canada’s Jobs Data Lands

  Friday, May 8, 2026  ·  Canadian Money Brief  ·  moneysavings.ca TSX Opens Higher After Thursday Dip Canadian stocks are staging a recovery Friday morning, with the S&P/TSX Composite climbing back after a rough Thursday. The index shed 0.4% to close at 33,857 as investors locked in recent gains ahead of U.S. and Canadian jobs data due Friday — with energy shares dragging it lower as oil pulled back. As of Friday morning, the TSX had recovered to around 33,932, up roughly 1.1% , following positive cues from Wall Street futures. Oil Back in Focus: Geopolitics Drive WTI Toward $96 WTI crude futures climbed toward $96 per barrel on Friday , recouping some of the week’s losses as fresh clashes between the U.S. and Iran threatened to derail diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. U.S. Central Command confirmed American forces intercepted Iranian attacks and carried out defensive strikes, while guided missile destroyers passed through the Strait of Ho...

article

EU-Israel Relations Strain as Spain and Ireland Recognize Palestinian State

 

Relations between the European Union (EU) and Israel have taken a sharp downturn following the formal recognition of a Palestinian state by EU members Spain and Ireland. The situation escalated on the eve of this diplomatic recognition, with Madrid suggesting that sanctions should be considered against Israel due to its continued attacks in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Spain’s Decision and Israeli Response Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, announced the recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that has drawn strong reactions from Israel. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Katz informed Spain that its consulate in Jerusalem would no longer be allowed to assist Palestinians. The tension between the two nations reflects the broader complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

EU’s Stance and the International Criminal Court Adding to the strain, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell (a Spaniard), expressed support for the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC’s prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders, including those from Hamas. Borrell’s endorsement of the ICC’s actions further fueled the heated exchange between the EU and Israel.

The Weight of Antisemitism Accusations Borrell’s statement also touched on the sensitive issue of antisemitism. He acknowledged that the term “antisemitic” carries significant weight and emphasized the importance of using it judiciously. His remarks underscore the delicate balance between addressing legitimate concerns and avoiding inflammatory language.

Spain’s Move: Rewarding Terror or Diplomatic Gesture? Israeli Foreign Minister Katz accused Spain of “rewarding terror” by recognizing a Palestinian state. He invoked historical references, stating that “the days of the Inquisition are over.” The recognition decision has implications not only for bilateral relations but also for the broader dynamics in the Middle East.

As the situation unfolds, the EU-Israel relationship remains strained, and the impact of these diplomatic moves reverberates across the international stage. The recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain and Ireland has set the tone for further discussions and potential actions in response to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Comments