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Markets Soar to Record Highs as Loonie Rebounds Amid Trade Optimism

North American stock markets kicked off July with a bang, as the TSX, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all closed at record highs  on Monday, buoyed by strong tech performance and renewed optimism around global trade negotiations. The S&P 500 rose 0.52% to 6,204.95 , while the Nasdaq climbed 0.48% to 20,369.73 , both notching fresh all-time highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 275 points , closing at 44,094.77. Canada’s TSX Composite Index also surged , reflecting investor confidence in the domestic economy and easing geopolitical tensions. Driving the rally were heavyweight tech stocks like Nvidia, Meta, and Microsoft, which continued to benefit from investor enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The momentum was further supported by Canada’s decision to scrap its digital services tax, a move seen as a goodwill gesture to advance trade talks with the U.S.. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar (loonie) rebounded  from last week’s dip, recovering g...

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French Election Outcome: Leftist Coalition Gains Majority, Macron Faces Uncertainty

 

The French election results have yielded an intriguing outcome. While the far-right party, led by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, increased its seats in the National Assembly, it did not secure an outright majority. Instead, French voters granted the most parliamentary seats to a broad leftist coalition, keeping the far right away from power. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance came in second. 

Now, with no clear figure emerging as a possible future prime minister, Macron faces uncertainty. He has stated that he will wait to decide his next steps and is heading to Washington this week for a NATO summit. The new legislators can begin work in parliament on Monday, with their first session scheduled for July 18. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal offered his resignation, but Macron asked him to remain temporarily as head of the government. Macron’s term runs until 2027, and despite his weakened position, he still holds significant powers over foreign policy, European affairs, defense, and international treaties negotiation. 

For now, France remains in an unprecedented situation, and the challenge lies in navigating this delicate political landscape.

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