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Weekly Market Snapshot: Trade Talks Collapse, 50% Tariffs Hit as Markets Wrap a Choppy Week

  Published August 22, 2026 · Canadian Money Brief BREAKING OVER THE WEEKEND U.S.-Canada trade talks collapsed late Friday night, and the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods just after midnight Saturday. Ottawa says it will retaliate dollar-for-dollar. Here's what happened on the markets before that news broke — and what it means for your wallet now. It was a genuinely strange week to be a Canadian investor. Stocks mostly rallied through Friday on hope that Washington and Ottawa were closing in on a trade deal. Then, hours after the closing bell, that deal fell apart. The 50% tariff that had been threatened, paused, and re-threatened for weeks finally landed. Markets haven't had a chance to react to it yet — that reaction starts Monday morning. Below is how the week actually traded, market by market, followed by what the tariff news means for you and what's on deck for next week. TSX: A Choppy Week That Ended With a Miner-Led Rally The S&P/...

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Trump Selects Ex-Soros Fund Manager Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary

 

Former President Donald Trump has named Scott Bessent, a former chief investment officer for George Soros’s fund management, as his choice for Treasury Secretary in his 2024 presidential campaign’s proposed Cabinet. The unconventional pick has raised eyebrows among both Trump loyalists and critics, given Bessent’s past association with the billionaire financier frequently criticized by Trump and conservative circles.

Bessent, who later founded Key Square Group, a successful hedge fund, is widely regarded as a savvy investor with deep expertise in global markets. Trump’s campaign praised Bessent’s financial acumen, citing his ability to navigate complex economic landscapes and his potential to steer U.S. economic policy effectively.

While some Trump allies have expressed concerns over Bessent’s ties to Soros, others see the appointment as a strategic move to bring proven financial expertise to the administration. “Scott’s track record speaks for itself,” a Trump campaign spokesperson said, “and his knowledge of global markets will be invaluable in revitalizing the American economy.”

Critics, however, have questioned whether Bessent’s Wall Street background aligns with Trump’s populist rhetoric and his "America First" economic agenda.

If confirmed, Bessent would take on significant challenges, including managing inflation, addressing debt concerns, and navigating the ongoing shifts in global trade dynamics.


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