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...
A series of powerful solar storms recently graced the night skies, making the northern lights unusually visible even in regions far south. This dazzling display was caused by a geomagnetic storm, which not only illuminated Canada but also extended its colorful auroras to parts of the northern United States and Europe.
The Solar Storm Phenomenon
Solar storms occur due to the sun’s activity cycle, which spans approximately 11 years. During the solar maximum, more sunspots appear on the sun’s surface. These sunspots are cooler regions that appear black when observed through solar telescopes. However, they are more than mere spots—they represent an entanglement of magnetic fields that can erupt with a solar flare.
Often, solar flares are followed by a coronal mass ejection (CME)—a massive burst of charged particles carried along the solar wind. In this recent case, the sun produced a series of CMEs, which are now heading toward Earth. The U.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for our planet, the first in nearly two decades.
A Spectacular Light Show
Where can you witness the northern lights? If Earth lies in the path of these charged particles, they interact with our magnetic field and molecules in the upper atmosphere, resulting in the mesmerizing aurora borealis. During this recent geomagnetic storm, the northern lights were visible not only in Canada but also in parts of the northern United States and Europe.
Clear skies in various regions allowed people to witness this celestial spectacle. From Vancouver to southern Canada and even central British Columbia, the colorful auroras danced across the night sky. If you were lucky enough to see them, you could capture the magic by sharing your photos with bcphotos@cbc.ca.
A Weekend of Wonder
- As the solar storm continued, scientists anticipated that the northern lights would continue to dazzle on Saturday night. However, it’s essential to note that while these auroras are awe-inspiring, the storm could also cause disruptions to communications over the weekend.
In summary, the recent geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights to unexpected latitudes, creating a celestial spectacle that captivated skywatchers across Canada and beyond. So, if you find yourself under clear skies during such an event, don’t miss the chance to witness this natural wonder
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