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Markets Digest Iran Peace Progress and Fed Rate-Hike Risk — June 22, 2026

  Markets are easing into a cautious start this Monday as investors return from a long weekend — U.S. markets were closed Friday for Juneteenth — and assess a mixed backdrop: tentative optimism over U.S.–Iran peace talks, a newly hawkish Federal Reserve, and a key week of economic data and earnings ahead. Oil is steadying, the Canadian dollar is under modest pressure, and Asian markets rallied while European and U.S. futures drifted slightly lower in early trading. 🍁 Canada — TSX & the Loonie The S&P/TSX Composite Index heads into Monday trading with a cautious tone, sitting near the 34,857 level after slipping 0.32% on Thursday — the last day Canadian markets were open. Energy stocks will be in focus as oil prices stabilize following weeks of volatility tied to the U.S.–Iran conflict and the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Canadian dollar is trading at approximately 70.52 cents U.S. (CAD/USD: 0.7052), down about 0.22% on the session. The loonie remains und...

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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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