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Weekly Market Snapshot: Mideast Tensions and Chip Selloff Rattle Global Markets (July 13–17)

  Week of July 13–17, 2026 It was a rough week to be a tech investor and a good week to own oil. Escalating conflict between the US and Iran pushed crude sharply higher and rattled global markets, while a fresh wave of selling in semiconductor stocks dragged US and Asian indices lower. Closer to home, the Bank of Canada held its key rate steady, and the TSX—less exposed to chipmakers—held up noticeably better than its US and Asian peers. Here’s how the week broke down across every major market, and what it means for your wallet. 🇨🇦 Canada: TSX Day Close Change Mon, Jul 13 35,252.72 -0.15% Wed, Jul 15 (BoC day) 35,416.20 +0.27% Thu, Jul 16 35,340.15 -0.21% Fri, Jul 17 ~35,262 -0.22% Week total (Fri-to-Fri) — ~flat (about -0.1%) The TSX had a choppy but ultimately quiet week compared with its global peers. Monday's session opened with the Strait of Hormuz blockade headlines and closed lower. Wednesday brought a relief rally after the Bank of Canada's rate hold, with financials ...

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Gaza Truce and Hostage Deal Faces Last-Minute Crisis

 

In a dramatic turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a last-minute crisis with Hamas is delaying the approval of a highly anticipated ceasefire and hostage release agreement. The deal, which was set to be approved by the Israeli Cabinet, has been put on hold as Netanyahu accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement in an attempt to gain further concessions.

The ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Joe Biden and key mediator Qatar, was expected to bring a temporary halt to the 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas. However, Netanyahu's office stated that the Cabinet would not convene to approve the agreement until Hamas backs down from its new demands.

Hamas, on the other hand, has denied the allegations, with senior official Izzat al-Rishq asserting that the militant group remains committed to the ceasefire agreement. The delay has raised concerns about the implementation of the deal, which was scheduled to go into effect on Sunday.

The conflict, which began with a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 46,000 Palestinians, while Hamas' initial attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 Israelis. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread displacement and shortages of essential supplies.

A Fragile Hope for Peace in Gaza

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire and hostage release agreement can be salvaged. As negotiations continue, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that will bring much-needed relief to the war-torn region.


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