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Markets Digest Iran Peace Progress and Fed Rate-Hike Risk — June 22, 2026

  Markets are easing into a cautious start this Monday as investors return from a long weekend — U.S. markets were closed Friday for Juneteenth — and assess a mixed backdrop: tentative optimism over U.S.–Iran peace talks, a newly hawkish Federal Reserve, and a key week of economic data and earnings ahead. Oil is steadying, the Canadian dollar is under modest pressure, and Asian markets rallied while European and U.S. futures drifted slightly lower in early trading. 🍁 Canada — TSX & the Loonie The S&P/TSX Composite Index heads into Monday trading with a cautious tone, sitting near the 34,857 level after slipping 0.32% on Thursday — the last day Canadian markets were open. Energy stocks will be in focus as oil prices stabilize following weeks of volatility tied to the U.S.–Iran conflict and the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Canadian dollar is trading at approximately 70.52 cents U.S. (CAD/USD: 0.7052), down about 0.22% on the session. The loonie remains und...

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Senate Republicans Advance Trump's Tax Cut Agenda Amidst Controversy


In a significant political move, U.S. Senate Republicans have passed a budget blueprint aimed at extending President Donald Trump's 2017 tax cuts. The measure, approved after an intense late-night session, allows Republicans to bypass the Senate's filibuster and proceed with tax, border security, and military priorities without Democratic support.

The blueprint proposes making the 2017 tax cuts permanent, which reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. However, the individual tax cuts, set to expire this year, are also included in the plan. Critics argue that the measure could add $5.7 trillion to the federal debt over the next decade, though Republicans estimate the cost at $1.5 trillion.

Democrats have voiced strong opposition, warning that the plan could jeopardize Medicaid and other essential programs. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the move as favoring the wealthy at the expense of middle-class Americans.

The measure now heads to the Republican-led House of Representatives for further debate. Its passage marks a pivotal step in advancing Trump's economic agenda, though it faces significant scrutiny and potential hurdles in the coming weeks.

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