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TSX Ends April Under Pressure as BoC and Fed Hold Rates Amid Iran Tensions

April 30, 2026 | Canadian Money Brief TSX Closes Lower to End April as Central Banks Hold Firm, Oil Stays Elevated Canadian equities slipped on Wednesday, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index falling 0.8% to close at 33,318 as both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates. Rate Holds on Both Sides of the Border The BoC kept its policy rate at 2.25%, maintaining a wait-and-see approach amid ongoing US-Iran tensions that are stoking inflationary fears. South of the border, the Fed held its benchmark rate in the 3.5%–3.75% range, citing the spike in oil prices and heightened economic uncertainty from the Iran conflict. Banks Dragged, Energy Lifted The rate holds weighed on Canada's big banks. BMO was down 2%, Royal Bank of Canada fell 1.3%, and TD dropped 0.8%. Energy stocks were a bright spot, however. Canadian Natural Resources gained nearly 2% while Agnico Eagle lost nearly 3%, as gold prices softened while crude surged. Oil and OPEC+ in Focus WT...

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Russia's Diplomatic Dance: Lavrov Lauds Trump, Criticizes Europe

In a recent statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his "pragmatic" approach to ending the Ukraine conflict. Lavrov highlighted Trump's "common sense" and his willingness to shift U.S. foreign policy dynamics, contrasting it with Europe's stance, which he described as perpetuating global conflicts over centuries.

Lavrov accused European nations of being the "crucible of all the tragedies of the world," citing historical events like colonization, the Napoleonic Wars, and World Wars I and II. He criticized European leaders for their continued support of Ukraine, suggesting that their actions prolong the conflict rather than seek resolution.

The remarks come amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, with the Ukraine war remaining a focal point of international diplomacy. Lavrov's comments underscore Russia's strategic narrative, positioning itself as a counterbalance to what it perceives as Western decadence and aggression.

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