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TSX Steadies After Bond Rout | Canadian Money Brief — May 19, 2026

  TSX Steadies After Bond Rout — But Iran Uncertainty Keeps a Lid on Gains Canadian equities attempt a cautious bounce this morning after last week's sharp sell-off. Oil near US$100 props up energy shares, while gold cools in Canadian-dollar terms and the loonie holds a fragile grip at 72–73 cents US. Canadian Money Brief  ·  moneysavings.ca  ·  May 19, 2026 TSX ~34,020 ▲ Recovering CAD/USD $0.727 → Flat WTI Oil ~US$100 ▲ Elevated Gold (CAD) ~$6,243/oz ▼ Pullback BoC Rate On Hold → Patient Overview Canadian markets opened cautiously higher this Tuesday after the S&P/TSX Composite suffered its worst single-session drop in weeks on Friday, closing at 33,833 — a decline of 1.27% — as a global bond-market selloff combined with stalled US–Iran negotiations hammered sentiment. Today's session opened around 34,027 , with the index trading in a tight range of roughly 33,745 to 34,175, suggesting investors are rebuilding positions but remain wary. The dominant story...

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Ishiba Stands Firm Amid Resignation Rumors Following Election Setback

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has firmly denied reports suggesting he plans to resign, despite mounting pressure after his ruling coalition suffered a historic defeat in the recent upper house election.

Speaking at Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters on Wednesday, Ishiba dismissed media claims that he would step down by the end of July, calling them “completely unfounded.” He emphasized his commitment to ensuring the proper implementation of a newly announced trade agreement with the United States, which lowers tariffs on Japanese auto exports and spares Tokyo from additional levies.

The speculation about Ishiba’s resignation intensified after the LDP and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, lost their majority in the 248-member upper house—compounding an earlier loss in the more powerful lower house last October. The dual setbacks have left the government without a majority in either chamber, complicating its ability to pass legislation and deepening political instability.

Despite calls from within his party to step aside, Ishiba insists that stepping down now would create a political vacuum at a critical moment. “I will stay in office and do everything in my power to chart a path toward resolving these challenges,” he said during a press briefing.

While some media outlets continue to report that Ishiba may resign after key national events in August, including commemorations of World War II and an international development conference, the prime minister has reiterated that no such decision has been made.

The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal for Ishiba’s leadership, as he navigates internal party dissent, public dissatisfaction, and the implementation of the U.S.-Japan trade deal.

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