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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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Market Turmoil: Stocks and Bond Yields Plunge Amid U.S. Recession Fears

 

In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. stocks and bond yields plummeted sharply on Friday as recession fears intensified following a disappointing jobs report. The latest data revealed an unexpected rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3%, sparking concerns about the health of the economy and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.

The labor market, which had shown resilience despite the Fed’s aggressive rate hikes, now appears to be weakening. This shift has led investors to reassess their expectations for future interest rate cuts. Traders are now betting on significant rate reductions for the remainder of the year, nearly doubling their previous estimates.

Treasury yields, which move inversely to prices, saw a sharp decline. The two-year yields hit their lowest levels since March last year, while the benchmark 10-year yields reached their lowest since December. The yield curve, which has been inverted for over two years, is now closer to turning positive, a historical indicator of an impending recession.

The bond market’s reaction underscores the growing anxiety among investors about the potential for a recession. The Sahm rule, an early indicator of recession, was triggered as the three-month moving average of the national unemployment rate rose by 0.53 percentage points. This rule has been a reliable predictor of economic downturns, adding to the mounting concerns.

As the market grapples with these developments, the Federal Reserve faces increasing pressure to adjust its policies to prevent a deeper economic contraction. The coming weeks will be crucial as investors and policymakers navigate this uncertain economic landscape.


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