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Oil Swings, Records Fall, and Bank Earnings Roll In: Markets Update — May 28, 2026

  Thursday is shaping up to be an eventful one for markets. A sharp rebound in oil prices — triggered by fresh U.S. military strikes in Iran overnight — is rattling futures this morning, even as Wall Street closed at fresh records on Wednesday. Here in Canada, the TSX pulled back sharply, weighed down by energy-sector volatility and mixed signals from the big banks. Traders are also keeping a close eye on two major U.S. data releases due today: April PCE inflation and the Q1 GDP second estimate. Canada The TSX had a rough Wednesday. The S&P/TSX Composite shed 241.82 points — roughly 0.70% — to close at 34,412.05, as energy stocks were dragged lower by falling crude prices. The loonie dipped slightly as well, with the Canadian dollar trading at 72.29 cents U.S., compared with 72.40 cents the day before. It's a big week for Canadian bank earnings, and results so far have been mixed but largely solid. Bank of Nova Scotia and BMO Financial Group both reported stronger second-quar...

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Differing Reactions: Mexico Shows Commitment While Canada Misreads Tariff Mandate

 

The White House has observed a stark contrast in responses to President Trump’s latest tariff order. In official remarks on Monday, senior economic adviser Kevin Hassett noted that Mexico has demonstrated a “very, very serious” approach to meeting the conditions outlined in the executive order. In contrast, Canadian officials and commentators have interpreted the tariff imposition as the start of an all-out trade war.

The tariffs—imposed on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China—are part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at curbing illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the country. Hassett stressed that while the measures are designed to pressure trading partners to address these issues, “Canadians appear to have misunderstood the plain language of the executive order,” suggesting that Canada’s reaction is disproportionate compared with Mexico’s measured response.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, for her part, has maintained a calm and pragmatic stance, indicating readiness to negotiate and implement additional steps if required. U.S. officials believe that this cooperative posture could help de-escalate tensions and set the stage for further discussions.

Critics on both sides warn that misinterpretations and overreactions could have serious economic repercussions. As the debate over tariffs continues, the administration appears keen to highlight Mexico’s commitment as a model of compliance—contrasted sharply against what it views as Canada’s excessive alarm.


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