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TSX Ends April Under Pressure as BoC and Fed Hold Rates Amid Iran Tensions

April 30, 2026 | Canadian Money Brief TSX Closes Lower to End April as Central Banks Hold Firm, Oil Stays Elevated Canadian equities slipped on Wednesday, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index falling 0.8% to close at 33,318 as both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates. Rate Holds on Both Sides of the Border The BoC kept its policy rate at 2.25%, maintaining a wait-and-see approach amid ongoing US-Iran tensions that are stoking inflationary fears. South of the border, the Fed held its benchmark rate in the 3.5%–3.75% range, citing the spike in oil prices and heightened economic uncertainty from the Iran conflict. Banks Dragged, Energy Lifted The rate holds weighed on Canada's big banks. BMO was down 2%, Royal Bank of Canada fell 1.3%, and TD dropped 0.8%. Energy stocks were a bright spot, however. Canadian Natural Resources gained nearly 2% while Agnico Eagle lost nearly 3%, as gold prices softened while crude surged. Oil and OPEC+ in Focus WT...
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Trump Considers Restoring Ukraine Aid Amid Peace Talks

President Donald Trump is contemplating the restoration of aid to Ukraine, contingent on the initiation of peace talks and the implementation of confidence-building measures, according to White House national security adviser Mike Waltz. Waltz shared this information during a Wednesday interview with Fox News, stating that if negotiations can be nailed down and confidence-building measures put on the table, the president will take a hard look at lifting the pause on aid.

The potential for aid restoration could have a significant impact on the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine. The decision to restore aid will ultimately rest with President Trump, who will take a "hard look" at the situation if these conditions are met. The proposed conditions include the establishment of peace talks and the introduction of measures aimed at building confidence.

The Trump administration has retorted that the minerals deal is a security commitment of its own and pushed to broker a quick resolution between Kyiv and Moscow. Zelensky reaffirmed his readiness to sign the deal in his statement on March 4, but CBS News reported that parameters are still unclear as Trump seeks better terms. 

The decision to restore aid will ultimately rest with President Trump, who, according to Waltz, will take a "hard look" at the situation if these conditions are met. The potential for aid restoration could have a significant impact on the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine.

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