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Weekly Market Snapshot: TSX Hits Record High, Then Retreats as Fed Shocks Markets

  Week of June 16–20, 2026  |  Published June 20, 2026 It was a week of records and reversals for Canadian investors. The TSX touched an all-time high midweek before a hawkish surprise from the U.S. Federal Reserve and falling oil prices — triggered by the U.S.–Iran interim peace deal — pulled markets lower into Thursday's close. Here's everything that moved the needle for your portfolio and wallet this week. 📊 Weekly Market Scorecard Index / Asset Level (June 19 Close) Week Change S&P/TSX Composite 34,857 ▼ Mixed (high: 35,629 Wed.) S&P 500 (USD) 7,500.58 ▲ +1.08% (Wed.) Dow Jones (USD) 51,564.70 ▲ +0.14% (Wed.) Nasdaq (USD) 26,517.93 ▲ +1.91% (Wed.) WTI Crude Oil (USD/barrel) ~$76.54 ▼ Sharp weekly decline Gold (USD/oz) ~$4,157 ▼ Fell on hawkish Fed CAD/USD (Loonie) ~$0.7068 ▼ Under pressure Note: U.S. markets were closed Friday, June 20, for the Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday. TSX figures reflect Thursday's close. 🇨🇦 TSX: A Record High That Did...

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Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Jump from Animals to Humans

 

Zoonotic diseases are those that naturally transfer from vertebrate animals to humans. These infections can pose risks to human health, and some of the most notable examples include:

  1. COVID-19: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated from animals, likely bats, and spread globally. Although the risk to humans is generally low, the virus continues to impact lives worldwide.

  2. Avian Flu (H5N1): Also known as bird flu, this zoonotic disease has affected both birds and humans. While human cases are relatively rare, scientists remain concerned about its potential to spread further.

  3. Ebola Virus: Ebola outbreaks have occurred in Africa, with the virus crossing from animals (likely bats or primates) to humans. These outbreaks can be severe and deadly.

  4. Salmonellosis: Caused by Salmonella bacteria, this zoonotic infection often results from consuming contaminated food or water. It can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in humans.

Understanding zoonotic diseases is crucial for preventing future outbreaks. Factors like climate change and increased human-animal interactions contribute to their emergence. As we navigate these risks, vigilance and research remain essential to safeguarding public health. 

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