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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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Trump’s Last-Minute Demands Throw Government Funding Plan into Disarray


In a dramatic turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has rejected a bipartisan plan aimed at preventing a government shutdown just days before the deadline. This unexpected move has left House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans scrambling to renegotiate the terms to keep the government operational.

Trump's sudden demands have sent Congress into chaos as lawmakers rush to conclude their work and head home for the holidays. The president-elect's proposal includes a controversial provision to raise the nation’s debt limit, a measure often opposed by his own party.

Democrats have criticized the Republican opposition to the stopgap measure, which was intended to keep federal offices running and provide significant disaster aid. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of being instructed to shut down the government, thereby harming working-class Americans.

The bill, already on shaky ground, faced further rejection from hard-right conservatives and Trump’s ally, Elon Musk. Many lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the increased spending and other provisions in the 1,500-page bill.

As the deadline looms, the situation underscores the challenges Republicans will face next year as they take control of the House, Senate, and White House. It also highlights the significant influence Trump holds over the party’s legislative agenda.

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