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...
Netanyahu Warns of Escalating Tensions as Gaza Operations Wind Down
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced that the current phase of fighting against Hamas in Gaza is winding down. However, his statement comes with a caveat: the war against Hamas is not over, and Israel may soon shift its focus to another front—the northern border with Lebanon.
In a lengthy TV interview, Netanyahu explained that while the Israeli army is close to completing its current ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, this does not signal the end of hostilities. Instead, he emphasized the need to free up forces to confront Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group backed by Iran. Netanyahu’s decision to re-deploy troops to the northern border raises concerns about escalating tensions in the region.
Hezbollah, a formidable force compared to Hamas, has been engaging in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israel since Hamas’ cross-border attack in October. The recent escalation has heightened fears of a larger conflict involving other Iranian proxies and potentially Iran itself. Such a war could result in heavy damage and casualties on both sides of the border.
While Netanyahu expressed hope for a diplomatic solution, he also asserted that Israel is prepared to fight on multiple fronts. Any resolution would require Hezbollah to move far from the border, an effective enforcement mechanism, and the return of displaced Israelis to their homes. Tens of thousands of people remain evacuated since the conflict erupted.
As the situation remains tense, international efforts continue to find a peaceful resolution. However, Netanyahu’s warning underscores the delicate balance between winding down Gaza operations and the potential for a new conflict in Lebanon.
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