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Oil Surges Past $103 as TSX Extends Losing Streak

  Markets are lower this morning as oil surges past US$103 and tech stocks remain under pressure, with the TSX coming off a fourth straight decline. Below is your ready-to-publish Canadian Money Brief update for April 29, 2026 , built from today’s market data and news. TSX slips as oil spikes and global tensions rise The S&P/TSX Composite opened at 33,584 , down 0.69% from yesterday’s close as weakness in tech and materials continues to weigh on the index. Rising geopolitical tensions and renewed uncertainty around the Iran conflict have pushed WTI crude above US$103 , lifting Canadian energy names but not enough to offset broader declines.  U.S. markets are also softer, with the S&P 500 down 0.49% and tech stocks retreating amid renewed AI growth concerns.  Oil rallies on OPEC turmoil Crude prices are up more than 3% , driven by the UAE’s announcement that it will exit OPEC and by expectations of prolonged supply disruptions tied to the Iran war.  ...

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Federal Feserve Lowers Interest Rates Amid Economic Uncertainty

 

In a move aimed at bolstering the economy, the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing the new target range to 4.50%-4.75%. This decision marks the second consecutive rate cut by the central bank, following a larger 50-basis-point reduction in September.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) justified the rate cut as a necessary step to support its dual mandate of maintaining stable prices and maximizing employment. Recent economic data has shown mixed signals, with inflation cooling but the labor market showing signs of softening. The latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index indicated that inflation rose 2.1% in September, close to the Fed’s 2% target, but core inflation remained steady at 2.7%.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the importance of this adjustment in a press conference, noting that the central bank is committed to navigating the complex economic landscape to ensure sustainable growth. The unanimous vote by the FOMC reflects a cautious approach to monetary policy as the Fed continues to balance the risks of inflation and employment.

This rate cut is expected to make borrowing slightly cheaper for consumers and businesses, potentially stimulating economic activity. However, the Fed’s removal of certain language from its policy statement has raised questions about the pace and number of future rate cuts.

As the economic outlook remains uncertain, the Federal Reserve’s actions will be closely watched by markets and policymakers alike.


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