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Canadian Money Brief – June 1, 2026: Markets Kick Off June on a High Note

  Markets Kick Off June on a High Note A strong finish to May carries momentum into the first trading session of June, with tech leading the charge and a major Berkshire deal grabbing headlines. At a Glance — Friday May 29 Close (Most Recent Confirmed) Index / Asset Level Change S&P/TSX Composite 34,769 +0.73% S&P 500 7,580 +0.22% Dow Jones 51,032 +0.72% Nasdaq Composite 26,973 +0.20% CAD/USD 0.7249 –0.06% WTI Crude Oil US$87.36/bbl –1.73% Gold US$4,574/oz –0.42% Sources: Yahoo Finance, Trading Economics. Closing data as of May 29, 2026. June 1 intraday data referenced in body. May Goes Out on a High North American markets wrapped up May in fine form. All three major U.S. indexes — the S&P 500, the Dow, and the Nasdaq — finished Friday at record closing highs, capping a month that saw the tech-heavy Nasdaq surge roughly 8% and the S&P 500 gain around 5%. The TSX also had a solid run, closing above the 34,700 mark on Friday, supported by a rebound in financials and ...

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A Symbol of Hope: Tiny Christmas Tree Amidst Church Ruins in Lebanon

 

In the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, amidst the ruins of the 18th-century St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a tiny Christmas tree now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The church, devastated by an Israeli airstrike in October, once served as a vibrant community center. 

Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy to the holiday season. "This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for us, but we didn't want it to be a sad one for the town's residents and its church," Elia said. 

The modest tree, shorter than Elia himself, is decorated with a shining garland and a star. Despite the lack of lights and a traditional Nativity scene due to the war's destruction, the tree stands tall among the fallen stones and shattered pews. "But, of course, Christ is born in our hearts, lit with our love for him," Elia added.

The church's priest, Father Maurice el Khoury, who has served for 11 years, conducts Sunday Mass in a small underground room that once housed visiting bishops. "This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born," he said, reminding families of the true essence of the holiday season.

The community's faith remains unshaken, and despite the staggering financial toll of the damage, estimated at nearly $3 million, they continue to celebrate Christmas with hope and love.



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