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Markets Slip as U.S.–Iran Standoff Deepens and Risk Sentiment Weakens

  North American markets opened the week under pressure as renewed U.S.–Iran tensions rattled global risk sentiment. Major indexes across Canada and the U.S. slipped, with investors shifting toward defensive sectors and safe‑haven assets. The latest escalation — including heightened military posturing and stalled diplomatic channels — pushed oil prices higher and injected fresh volatility into energy markets. While rising crude typically supports Canadian producers, the broader uncertainty weighed on equities, particularly in rate‑sensitive and cyclical sectors. Bond yields edged lower as investors sought safety, and the Canadian dollar softened slightly against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a cautious tone across global markets. For Canadian investors, the key risk remains prolonged geopolitical instability feeding into energy prices, inflation expectations, and central‑bank policy paths. Until tensions ease, markets are likely to remain headline‑driven and choppy.

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China’s Stance on NATO’s Accusations

In a recent statement, China has firmly opposed NATO’s characterization of the nation as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson denounced NATO’s claims as unfounded and cautioned the alliance against instigating turmoil in Asia, similar to the chaos in Europe. China maintains that its trade relations with Russia are legitimate, conforming to World Trade Organization rules, and insists that its stance on the Ukraine issue is impartial and objective.

  • Rejection of NATO’s Claims: China rejects the notion of being an enabler of the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the legitimacy of its trade with Russia.
  • Warning Against Chaos: The spokesperson warned NATO not to transfer the chaos it created in Europe to the Asian region.
  • Call for Non-Interference: China urges NATO to refrain from meddling in its internal affairs and to stop smearing its image.
  • Defense of Trade Practices: The country defends its trade practices with Russia as reasonable and based on international rules.

China’s response comes as a rebuttal to NATO’s recent communique, which urged China to cease all material and political support to Russia’s war efforts. The exchange highlights the growing tensions between China and NATO amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict.



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