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Daily Markets Update: Oil Rattles TSX Ahead of BoC Hike Week | Oct 26

  Canadian Money Brief • Daily Markets Update Monday, October 26, 2026 • Covers Friday’s North American and European closes plus Monday’s Asian session Oil took over from AI as the market’s main worry on Friday. Crude jumped above US$100 on fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia, the S&P/TSX Composite finished the week lower, and Wall Street logged a second straight weekly loss for the S&P 500. Monday brought a small reprieve: oil slipped after no weekend escalation in the Iran war, and most Asian and European markets steadied — just ahead of a week stacked with central bank decisions, including the Bank of Canada on Wednesday. The 30-second version TSX: 35,788.18 , down 185.27 points (−0.52%) Friday; −1.07% on the week. Wall Street: Dow −1.2%, S&P 500 −0.5%, Nasdaq −0.2%. Oil: WTI settled at US$103.27 ; Brent at US$116.72 . Loonie: 71.46¢ US , a five-week high. Bank of Canada: markets price roughly an 80% chance of a hike to 2.50% on Wednesday. Canada: TSX Ends the Week in the...

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Canada Braces for Lasting Economic Impact Amid U.S. Trade Tensions

 

The Bank of Canada’s Governing Council has issued a stark warning: a protracted trade conflict with the United States could permanently depress the nation’s GDP level. In recent meeting minutes, officials noted that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy—exacerbated by the threat of significant tariffs—could lead to a lasting reduction in economic output.

With nearly 75% of Canadian exports destined for the U.S., even temporary disruptions could force businesses to recalibrate their investment plans and supply chains, resulting in a permanent shift in the country’s economic potential. The central bank’s decision to trim its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 3% underscores the urgency of addressing these risks amid rising inflation pressures and subdued business confidence.

While the exact outcomes remain uncertain, the consensus among policymakers is clear: unless the trade tensions are resolved, Canada may face a long-term decline in GDP growth, along with accompanying inflationary pressures that could complicate future economic recovery efforts. The Bank of Canada plans to monitor the situation closely, ready to adjust its policy stance as needed to mitigate these challenges.


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