Skip to main content

Featured

Weekly Market Snapshot: Mideast Tensions and Chip Selloff Rattle Global Markets (July 13–17)

  Week of July 13–17, 2026 It was a rough week to be a tech investor and a good week to own oil. Escalating conflict between the US and Iran pushed crude sharply higher and rattled global markets, while a fresh wave of selling in semiconductor stocks dragged US and Asian indices lower. Closer to home, the Bank of Canada held its key rate steady, and the TSX—less exposed to chipmakers—held up noticeably better than its US and Asian peers. Here’s how the week broke down across every major market, and what it means for your wallet. 🇨🇦 Canada: TSX Day Close Change Mon, Jul 13 35,252.72 -0.15% Wed, Jul 15 (BoC day) 35,416.20 +0.27% Thu, Jul 16 35,340.15 -0.21% Fri, Jul 17 ~35,262 -0.22% Week total (Fri-to-Fri) — ~flat (about -0.1%) The TSX had a choppy but ultimately quiet week compared with its global peers. Monday's session opened with the Strait of Hormuz blockade headlines and closed lower. Wednesday brought a relief rally after the Bank of Canada's rate hold, with financials ...

article

U.S. Unveils Bold Roadmap for Peace: Hezbollah Disarmament and Israeli Withdrawal by Year-End

 

Peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon drive past the site of an overnight Israeli strike in the southern Lebanese village of Deir Seryan on August 7.


The United States has presented a sweeping proposal aimed at stabilizing Lebanon and ending hostilities with Israel by the close of 2025. The plan, delivered by President Donald Trump's envoy Tom Barrack, outlines a four-phase strategy that calls for Hezbollah’s complete disarmament and Israel’s withdrawal from five military positions in southern Lebanon.

Under the proposal, Lebanon’s government must issue a decree within 15 days committing to Hezbollah’s disarmament. In return, Israel would halt all military operations—land, air, and sea. The second phase involves the Lebanese Army taking control of all weapons within 60 days, while Israel begins its phased withdrawal and releases Lebanese prisoners in coordination with the Red Cross.

By Phase 3, Israel would vacate its remaining positions, and international funding would be secured for rubble removal and infrastructure rehabilitation. The final phase demands Hezbollah dismantle its heavy weaponry, including missiles and drones. An economic conference led by the U.S., France, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar would support Lebanon’s reconstruction and economic revival.

While the Lebanese cabinet is actively discussing the plan, Hezbollah has strongly condemned it, calling it a surrender to U.S.-Israeli pressure and a threat to national sovereignty. The group insists that disarmament cannot proceed until Israel fully withdraws and ceases its airstrikes.

The proposal marks the most detailed U.S. effort yet to resolve the long-standing conflict and restore Lebanese state authority. Whether it succeeds will depend on the delicate balance of diplomacy, regional cooperation, and internal consensus.

Comments