After enduring its worst week of the year (so far), Canada’s main stock index did not do much to impress on Monday, all in the face of rising oil prices. The losses came as renewed Israeli strikes on Iran and fresh attacks on Lebanon dampened optimism for a near-term resolution to tensions between the US and Iran. Investors are now turning their attention to the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision on Wednesday for further guidance on the policy outlook.
US markets were divided, driven by a rebound in chip stocks following recent declines. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East continued to weigh on overall investor sentiment, keeping caution in the market.
| TSX | 34,478.74 | +65.29 |  |
| TSXV | 947.91 | -8.70 |  |
| CSE | 183.15 | +3.63 | |
| DJIA | 50,786.01 | -80.77 | |
| NASDAQ | 25,929.66 | +220.23 | |
| S&P 500 | 7,405.73 | +21.99 | |
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.67 cents US compared to 71.72 cents US on Friday.
US crude futures traded $0.72 higher at US$97.70 a barrel, and the Brent contract rose US$1.14 to US$94.23 a barrel.
The price of gold was down US$3.53 to US$4,326.42.
In world markets, the Nikkei was down 2,563.52 points to ¥64,024.60, the Hang Seng was down 304.89 points to HK$24,657.06, the FTSE was up 5.15 points to ₤10,373.20, and the DAX was down 142.83 points to €24,616.22.
