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TSX steadies as oil retreats from $100 — but Middle East tensions keep markets on edge
| Index / Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| S&P/TSX Composite | 33,938 | ▲ +0.09% |
| WTI Crude Oil (USD) | $100.71 | ▼ −4.15% |
| CAD / USD | 0.7342 | ~ flat |
| Gold (USD/oz) | $4,637 | ▲ +0.16% |
Canadian stocks are clawing back ground on Wednesday after a rough Monday session, with the S&P/TSX Composite edging above 33,900 in morning trade. The partial recovery follows a 0.7% drop on May 5, when fresh US–Iran clashes near the Strait of Hormuz rattled global markets and briefly pushed oil close to $106 a barrel.
The biggest relief valve today: crude is retreating. WTI oil is down more than 4% to around $100.71 a barrel as of mid-morning, easing fears that sustained triple-digit energy prices could reignite inflation. That’s breathing room for the Bank of Canada, which held its policy rate steady at its most recent meeting — a decision reaffirmed as markets price out aggressive tightening for the rest of 2026.
Canada’s banks, which were dragged lower on Monday — BMO fell 1.6% and Royal Bank dropped 0.7% — are bouncing back today. RBC and TD Bank are both modestly higher, helped by the softer oil outlook and steadier bond yields. The 10-year Government of Canada yield remains anchored in the 3.0%–3.5% range that analysts have flagged as the likely home base for 2026.
Miners are catching a bid as gold ticks higher again. Barrick Gold and Wheaton Precious Metals are each up around 1%, recovering from Monday’s slip when bullion sold off alongside other haven assets during the initial Strait of Hormuz shock. Analysts at several Canadian institutions continue to view gold and materials as structural tailwinds this year, citing ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and a still-supportive commodity price environment.
Shopify remains in focus after Monday’s 10% plunge. The e-commerce giant beat Q1 revenue estimates and grew gross profit year-over-year, but net income fell short of expectations. Shares are trying to find a floor today, though sentiment remains cautious heading into further US earnings releases this week.
The loonie is trading near 0.7342 against the US dollar — roughly $1.36 USD/CAD — a range currency analysts expect to hold through the spring as rate differentials between Canada and the US gradually narrow. NBC Economics sees limited near-term CAD upside until Ottawa’s energy policy signals become clearer and global Middle East risks recede.
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