Stock market roller coaster. (Source: Adobe Stock. Generated by AI)

TSX futures drifted slightly higher on Wednesday morning driven by a consensus hold on interest rates from the Bank of Canada, as well as optimism about potential U.S. trade deals, with president Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping expected to speak later this week.

Market Numbers (Futures)

TSX: Up (0.3%), 26,326.84.
TSXV: Up (1.38%), 717.23.
DOW: Up (0.17%), 42,659.
NASDAQ: Up (0.23%), 21,738.75.
FTSE: Up (0.07%), 8,800.72.

In the Headlines

U.S. President Trump raised import tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25 to 50 per cent, with eyes on increasing domestic manufacturing and strengthening national security. Canada accounts for approximately half of aluminum imports and a quarter of steel imports into the U.S.

One company struggling under the weight of tariffs is toy maker Spin Master, which is reporting that it has cut jobs company-wide to lower costs. The company heavily relies on manufacturing in China, the bearer of the highest tariffs under Trump’s regime, and intends to diversify its supply chain away from the communist country in the coming years.

Currency Update (Futures)

The Canadian dollar rose to US$0.7296, up from US$0.7277 on Tuesday, and continued to gain on the Euro, rising from €0.6393 to €0.6412.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was down by 0.16 per cent trading at C$144,360.42.

Commodities (Futures)

Natural Gas: Down (0.11%), US$3.72.
WTI: Up (0.13%), US$63.42.
Gold: Down (0.15%), US$3,372.10.
Copper: Up (0.08%), US$4.83.

To stay up-to-date on all of your market news head to Stockhouse.com.

Join the discussion: Find out what everybody’s saying about the global market open on Stockhouse’s stock forums and message boards.

The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.


More From The Market Online

@ the Bell: Global markets weaken amid rising conflict and energy supply fears

Spring has sprung for Canada’s main stock index, which extended its decline on Friday, with losses...

Market Open: Super Micro Plunges on China Probe, Planet Labs Soars on Earnings | Mar 20th

TSX sinks as global markets turn risk‑off. Super Micro plunges on China shipment allegations, Planet Labs soars on earnings, oil rises and copper slides.

A deep‑value oil and gas candidate safe from Middle East drama worth a closer look

Long life, low decline oil sands assets give Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) exceptional production stability.

Inflation’s second wave? How higher oil prices could hit consumers, rates, and retail stocks

Higher fuel costs are pressuring consumers, raising food and goods prices through energy intensive supply chains and threatening spending.