Skip to main content

Featured

Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

article

Toronto Home Sales Fall in July After June Uptick, Prices Slightly Up

 

In July, Greater Toronto area home sales experienced a month-to-month decline of 1.7%, following a surprising 3.2% rise in June. These figures, reported by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), broke a four-month streak of declining home deals. Despite this dip, average home prices edged up by 0.2% to reach C$1.13 million, the highest since December. Meanwhile, new listings decreased by 0.8%. 

The market’s anticipation of further rate cuts from the Bank of Canada has contributed to rising demand, with the central bank already reducing its key policy rate twice this year. As the cost of borrowing is expected to decline further, TRREB President Jennifer Pearce predicts accelerated sales due to lower monthly mortgage payments. On a year-over-year basis, sales were up by 3.28% in July, and new listings increased by 18.47%. Toronto, accounting for two-thirds of the country’s condominium sales, remains a bellwether for other major metropolitan areas.

Comments