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Weekly Market Snapshot: Geopolitical Fog Meets Earnings Season as Markets Grind Higher

Week ending April 24, 2026 | Canadian Money Brief – moneysavings.ca Markets this week found themselves caught between two powerful forces: a roaring U.S. earnings season pushing stocks to fresh records, and a simmering Middle East conflict keeping oil elevated and investor nerves frayed. For Canadians, that makes for a complicated but important picture heading into the last week of April. TSX Composite: Stuck in the Mud The S&P/TSX Composite spent the week trading in a tight band near the 34,000 mark, unable to mount a meaningful rally. Tuesday delivered a sharp blow — the index plunged over 550 points to close at 33,808 as U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks collapsed after U.S. Vice President JD Vance abruptly cancelled his Pakistan trip, where he was set to lead negotiations. Wednesday brought a partial recovery, with the TSX adding roughly 0.4% to close at 33,955 , helped by gains in energy and mining stocks following President Trump's announcement of an indefinite ceasefire ex...

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Trump's Trade Moves: Relief for Automakers, New Levies on Semiconductors and Pharmaceuticals

In a significant shift in trade policy, President Donald Trump has hinted at potential tariff relief for automakers while advancing plans to impose new levies on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports. The administration has launched investigations into the national security implications of importing these items, signaling a move toward stricter trade measures.

Trump's remarks suggest a temporary reprieve for the auto industry, allowing car manufacturers more time to transition to U.S.-made parts. This comes as the administration continues to enforce a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, with additional duties targeting specific sectors.

The semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, heavily reliant on imports from Asia, are under scrutiny. Trump views this dependence as a national security concern and aims to incentivize domestic production through tariffs. However, critics warn that such measures could lead to shortages and disrupt supply chains.

These developments are part of Trump's broader strategy to reshape global trade dynamics, with implications for businesses and financial markets worldwide.

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