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TSX Eyes Gains as Trump-Xi Summit Looms and Oil Steadies Near $95

Canadian Money Brief · Monday, May 11, 2026 Canadian equities are set for a cautious but constructive open this Monday as investors balance a packed macro calendar against an energy sector still reeling from one of its most volatile weeks in recent memory. TSX at a Glance The S&P/TSX Composite closed Friday at 34,077.76 , up 221 points (+0.65%) to cap a week dominated by whipsaw oil moves and a fragile Middle East ceasefire. The energy sector has led TSX gains over the past seven days — up roughly 5% — even as WTI crude fell about 7% on the week, settling near $95.42 per barrel . That apparent contradiction reflects Canadian producers' longer-term optimism on supply tightness rather than any single day's price swing. For the year, the TSX is up approximately 35%, outpacing most major global benchmarks. The Big Story: Trump Heads to Beijing All eyes this week will be on Washington and Beijing. President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in China on Wednesday , with formal ...

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Ottawa Suspends Federal Fuel Excise Tax as Iran Conflict Sends Prices Soaring

The federal government has moved to blunt the latest surge in fuel costs, announcing a temporary suspension of Canada’s federal fuel excise tax as the Iran war pushes global oil benchmarks to their highest levels since 2022. Finance Minister Mark Carney said the measure is designed to “provide immediate relief to Canadians” as geopolitical tensions ripple through global supply chains.

The excise tax—10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents on diesel—has been lifted nationwide for an initial 90‑day period. Ottawa estimates the suspension will save the average driver $6–$10 per fill‑up, with larger savings for rural and northern households who rely heavily on long‑distance travel and diesel‑powered transport.

The move comes as crude prices spike on fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor for global oil flows. Canadian refiners and retailers have already passed higher wholesale costs through to consumers, with pump prices rising 12–18 cents per litre in major cities over the past week.

Economists warn the tax suspension won’t fully offset global price pressures, but it may help prevent another broad inflation flare‑up—especially in transportation, groceries, and home‑heating fuels. Carney said the government is prepared to extend the measure if market volatility persists.

For households already stretched by high borrowing costs and elevated food prices, even modest relief at the pump offers welcome breathing room.

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