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Weekly Market Snapshot: TSX Holds Firm, Loonie Under Pressure as Energy Prices and Rate Uncertainty Dominate | May 23, 2026

  Markets navigated a week of competing signals — elevated energy prices, persistent U.S. inflation, and a Bank of Canada holding steady at 2.25% — as the TSX showed resilience while the Canadian dollar faced modest headwinds. Here's everything that moved the needle this week. 📊 Key Numbers at a Glance S&P/TSX Composite ~34,268 ▲ +7.1% YTD USD/CAD Rate 1.37 ▼ Off Apr. 30 high of 1.358 WTI Crude Oil ~$99/bbl ↑ ~50% since Iran conflict onset BoC Policy Rate 2.25% Held — May 2026 Canada CPI (April) 2.8% ↑ from 2.4% in March TSX Equities — Resilience Holds The S&P/TSX Composite has maintained its upward trajectory through the first half of 2026, up roughly 7.1% year-to-date as of the end of April — and analysts at CIBC continue to project an 11% overall gain for the full year . The energy and materials sectors have been the primary engines of that performance, with oil-price tailwinds from Middle East tensions providing a significant boost to Canadian producers. On the blue-c...

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China Stands Firm Amid Escalating Trade Tensions with the U.S.

In a bold move, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that China is "not afraid" of external pressures as Beijing raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. This escalation marks a significant chapter in the ongoing trade war between the world's two largest economies. Xi emphasized China's resilience, stating that the nation has thrived on self-reliance and hard work for over 70 years, and it will not bow to what he described as "unjust suppression".

The tariff hike comes as a response to the U.S.'s recent increase in levies on Chinese imports, which now stand at a staggering 145%. Both nations have engaged in a tit-for-tat exchange of economic measures, fueling fears of a global recession and unsettling international markets. Despite the tensions, Xi expressed confidence in China's ability to navigate these challenges, focusing on strengthening ties with other global partners.

This development underscores the deepening rift between the two economic powerhouses, with no clear resolution in sight. The world watches closely as the trade war continues to reshape global economic dynamics.

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