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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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Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland Resigns Amid Budget Deficit Blowout

 

In a shocking turn of events, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced her resignation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet on Monday. The announcement came just hours before the release of the government's fall economic statement, which revealed a staggering budget deficit of C$61.9 billion, overshooting the target by C$20 billion.

Freeland cited disagreements with Trudeau over the government's economic policies as the primary reason for her departure. She expressed concerns about the "costly political gimmicks" and urged the Prime Minister to collaborate more closely with the country's premiers to address economic challenges.

The fall economic statement, tabled by Government House Leader Karina Gould in Freeland's absence, included over C$20 billion in new spending and highlighted the growing fiscal deficit. The government also pledged C$1.3 billion for border security measures in response to threats of steep tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Freeland's resignation has thrown the government into disarray, raising questions about the future direction of Canada's economic policies and the potential impact on the upcoming general elections.



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