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Weekly Market Snapshot: TSX Holds Firm, Loonie Under Pressure as Energy Prices and Rate Uncertainty Dominate | May 23, 2026

  Markets navigated a week of competing signals — elevated energy prices, persistent U.S. inflation, and a Bank of Canada holding steady at 2.25% — as the TSX showed resilience while the Canadian dollar faced modest headwinds. Here's everything that moved the needle this week. 📊 Key Numbers at a Glance S&P/TSX Composite ~34,268 ▲ +7.1% YTD USD/CAD Rate 1.37 ▼ Off Apr. 30 high of 1.358 WTI Crude Oil ~$99/bbl ↑ ~50% since Iran conflict onset BoC Policy Rate 2.25% Held — May 2026 Canada CPI (April) 2.8% ↑ from 2.4% in March TSX Equities — Resilience Holds The S&P/TSX Composite has maintained its upward trajectory through the first half of 2026, up roughly 7.1% year-to-date as of the end of April — and analysts at CIBC continue to project an 11% overall gain for the full year . The energy and materials sectors have been the primary engines of that performance, with oil-price tailwinds from Middle East tensions providing a significant boost to Canadian producers. On the blue-c...

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Pope Leo XIV Calls for Church to Illuminate the World in First Mass

 

 In his first Mass as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV urged the Catholic Church to serve as a guiding light in a world facing spiritual darkness. Speaking in the Sistine Chapel, where he was elected less than 24 hours earlier, the newly appointed pope emphasized the importance of faith and outreach.

Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first American pope in the Church’s history. During his homily, he acknowledged the challenges of modern society, where faith is often dismissed or misunderstood. He expressed his vision for the Church as a beacon of hope, illuminating the “dark nights” of the world and offering guidance to those searching for meaning.

Dressed in simple white and gold vestments, Pope Leo XIV spoke briefly in English before continuing his homily in Italian. He described his role as a “faithful administrator” of the Church and called on Catholics to embrace their mission with joy and conviction.

The Mass was attended by over 130 cardinals, who had gathered for the conclave that elected Leo XIV as the 267th pope. Following the service, the new pontiff was scheduled to have lunch with the cardinals before they departed for their respective dioceses.

Leo XIV’s election marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, and his first words as pope suggest a commitment to unity, faith, and renewal. As he embarks on his papacy, many will be watching to see how he leads the Church into this new chapter.

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