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Stocks Rise as Oil Slips Below $100 After Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire

North American markets opened higher this morning after President Trump extended the U.S.–Iran ceasefire, easing immediate geopolitical tensions and giving investors a reason to rotate back into risk assets. Oil prices slipped below the key $100 threshold for the first time in several sessions, reflecting reduced fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI both moved lower in early trading as traders unwound some of the geopolitical risk premium that had built up over the past week. Equities responded positively, with major U.S. and Canadian indexes posting early gains. Tech, financials, and consumer stocks led the advance, while energy names lagged due to the pullback in crude. For Canadian investors, the dynamic is mixed: lower oil prices weigh on the TSX’s resource-heavy sectors, but a calmer geopolitical backdrop supports broader market sentiment and reduces inflationary pressure tied to energy costs.

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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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