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Markets Slip as U.S.–Iran Standoff Deepens and Risk Sentiment Weakens

  North American markets opened the week under pressure as renewed U.S.–Iran tensions rattled global risk sentiment. Major indexes across Canada and the U.S. slipped, with investors shifting toward defensive sectors and safe‑haven assets. The latest escalation — including heightened military posturing and stalled diplomatic channels — pushed oil prices higher and injected fresh volatility into energy markets. While rising crude typically supports Canadian producers, the broader uncertainty weighed on equities, particularly in rate‑sensitive and cyclical sectors. Bond yields edged lower as investors sought safety, and the Canadian dollar softened slightly against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a cautious tone across global markets. For Canadian investors, the key risk remains prolonged geopolitical instability feeding into energy prices, inflation expectations, and central‑bank policy paths. Until tensions ease, markets are likely to remain headline‑driven and choppy.

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Power begins to return after huge outage hits Spain and Portugal, Cause Still Unclear

 

Power has been almost fully restored across Spain and Portugal following one of the most significant blackouts in European history. The outage, which began on April 28, 2025, disrupted daily life for millions, grounding flights, halting metro systems, and leaving cities in darkness. By early April 29, over 99% of energy demand in Spain and all power substations in Portugal were back online.

Despite the restoration efforts, the root cause of the blackout remains a mystery. Initial investigations have ruled out cyberattacks and sabotage, with experts pointing to potential anomalies in the interconnected European power grid. Spanish and Portuguese authorities continue to work closely with energy operators to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the unprecedented outage.

As life returns to normal, questions linger about the resilience of the region's power infrastructure and the measures needed to prevent future disruptions. For now, the Iberian Peninsula breathes a sigh of relief as lights flicker back on and daily routines resume.

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