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Stocks Rise as Oil Slips Below $100 After Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire

North American markets opened higher this morning after President Trump extended the U.S.–Iran ceasefire, easing immediate geopolitical tensions and giving investors a reason to rotate back into risk assets. Oil prices slipped below the key $100 threshold for the first time in several sessions, reflecting reduced fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI both moved lower in early trading as traders unwound some of the geopolitical risk premium that had built up over the past week. Equities responded positively, with major U.S. and Canadian indexes posting early gains. Tech, financials, and consumer stocks led the advance, while energy names lagged due to the pullback in crude. For Canadian investors, the dynamic is mixed: lower oil prices weigh on the TSX’s resource-heavy sectors, but a calmer geopolitical backdrop supports broader market sentiment and reduces inflationary pressure tied to energy costs.

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Trump Proposes New Agency to Collect Foreign Revenue

 


In a recent announcement, President-elect Donald Trump revealed plans to establish a new government agency called the External Revenue Service. This agency aims to collect tariffs, duties, and other revenues from foreign sources. Trump stated that this move is intended to shift the tax burden away from American citizens and onto foreign entities that benefit from trade with the United States.

The announcement has sparked significant debate. Supporters argue that it will ensure foreign companies pay their fair share, while critics warn that it could lead to increased costs for American consumers and potential retaliation from trade partners. The specifics of how this new agency will operate remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether it will replace existing functions performed by agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Trump's proposal has also drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who view it as a rebranding effort that could result in a multi-trillion-dollar tax hike on American families and small businesses. As the inauguration approaches, the details and potential impacts of this new agency will be closely watched.


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