Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today: TSX Hits Record High as Oil Crashes Below $80

  August 5, 2026 1. Gas prices are set to drop again Oil cratered to around $80 a barrel (Brent) today after President Trump called off a planned strike on Iran, easing fears of a Strait of Hormuz disruption. That's a sharp drop from levels above $95-100 just two weeks ago. What it means for you: Expect pump prices to keep sliding over the next few days as the drop works its way through supply chains. Worth holding off on a fill-up if you can. 2. The TSX just hit an all-time high Toronto's benchmark index jumped 1.63% to close at 35,801.59, a fresh record, riding the same wave of Middle East de-escalation and strong US earnings from companies like Palantir and Caterpillar. What it means for you: If you hold Canadian equity funds in your RRSP or TFSA, today's close is good news — but records like this are also a natural point to check you haven't drifted too heavily into any one sector. 3. The loonie is holding steady near 1.41 USD/CAD sat around 1.4072 today, little c...

article

Stock Market Today: Dow Nears 40,000 as Stocks Regroup Near Record Highs


US stocks remained relatively unchanged on Thursday following a record-setting rally. Signs of cooling inflation have fueled expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Market Performance:

    • The S&P 500 (^GSPC) edged slightly higher after closing above 5,300 for the first time.
    • The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) were trading near the flatline.
    • All three major indices ended Wednesday at all-time highs, leaving the Dow less than 100 points away from breaking through the 40,000 mark.
  2. Inflation and Rate Cut Speculation:

    • April’s tepid consumer inflation reading brought relief to a market anticipating higher interest rates. Trader bets on a Fed rate cut in September rose to over 70%, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
    • Investors also turned to bonds, pushing the 10-year Treasury yield (^TNX) down to near one-month lows at around 4.33%.
  3. Corporate News:

    • Walmart (WMT) posted better-than-expected quarterly profit, revenue, and same-store sales. The US retail giant’s shares surged over 5% as it raised its full-year forecasts.
    • Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BKR-B) revealed a $6.7 billion stake in Chubb (CB), ending months of suspense over a position kept concealed in regulatory filings. Chubb’s shares climbed about 8%.
  4. Insights from Walmart’s CFO:

    • Walmart’s CFO, John David Rainey, highlighted deflation in certain product categories but not disinflation. Sales in May started strong, benefiting from investments in same-day delivery and buy online, pick up in stores technology.
    • Walmart’s market cap crossed the $500 billion level.

In summary, the stock market remains resilient, with investors closely monitoring inflation trends and anticipating further Fed actions. The Dow’s march toward 40,000 continues, fueled by positive corporate earnings and strategic investments.


Comments