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Weekly Market Snapshot: Fed Hikes, Oil Above $100 and the TSX Finally Snaps Its Losing Streak (Sept. 15–19, 2026)

  September 19, 2026 It was the week everyone was waiting for. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years — and almost immediately, markets started debating whether there's more to come. Meanwhile, oil pulled back from the week's highs but stayed well above $100 a barrel, and the TSX managed its first weekly gain after four straight weeks in the red. Here's everything that moved markets — and what it means for your wallet. 🍁 Canada — TSX Index Friday Close Week Change S&P/TSX Composite 35,806.65 +0.3% After four straight weeks in negative territory, the TSX finally caught a break — though "break" is generous. The index eked out a 0.3% weekly gain while closing Friday down 69.58 points (-0.2%), as rising bond yields and lingering energy-sector pressures kept the mood cautious on Bay Street. Financials were mixed: RBC edged slightly lower, TD rose 0.6%, but Fairfax Financial slid 2.6%. Gold miners pulled back after rallying shar...

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UK Manufacturing Faces Turbulent Times Amid Trade Challenges

British manufacturers are grappling with a challenging economic landscape as trade uncertainties and rising costs weigh heavily on the sector. The S&P Global UK Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for manufacturing fell to 44.9 in March, marking its lowest point since October 2023. This decline reflects a contraction in activity, with new export orders dropping at the fastest rate since August 2023.

The downturn has been attributed to multiple factors, including the threat of tariffs from the United States, increased payroll taxes, and a rise in the national minimum wage. Smaller manufacturers have been hit particularly hard, with many reporting a decline in new orders and reduced business optimism. Only 44% of manufacturers expect output to increase over the coming year, a significant drop from 56% in the previous month.

Geopolitical tensions and economic slowdowns in key markets such as the US and Europe have further compounded the challenges. Despite these headwinds, the services sector has shown resilience, offering a glimmer of hope for the broader economy.

The manufacturing sector now faces an uphill battle to regain momentum, with industry leaders calling for government intervention to address the mounting pressures.

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