The TSX has seen dramatic swings this week, closing significantly higher and lower on alternating days after reaching a record high last week. Investors are digesting a wave of economic data and central bank decisions that signal a shift in monetary policy.
In a move widely anticipated by economists, the Bank of Canada lowered its overnight rate from 2.75 per cent to 2.50 per cent, marking its first rate cut since March. The decision comes amid signs of a weakening job market and slowing economic growth, with unemployment rising to 7.1 per cent and GDP contracting at an annualized rate of 1.6 per cent in Q2. Similarly, the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to a range of 4.00 per cent–4.25 per cent, citing softening labor data and persistent inflationary pressures.
This article is a journalistic opinion piece which has been written based on independent research. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice.
These rate cuts reflect growing concerns about economic momentum in both countries and have added volatility to equity markets. Amid this backdrop, three stocks have captured investor attention:
A battle for control in Canada’s energy sector
Drama is unfolding in Canada’s oil patch as MEG Energy Corp. (TSX:MEG, Forum) faces competing takeover bids from Cenovus Energy (TSX:CVE, Forum) and Strathcona Resources Ltd. (TSX:SCR, Forum).
MEG’s Board of Directors reaffirmed its recommendation for shareholders to vote in favor of the Cenovus transaction and to reject Strathcona’s revised unsolicited offer. Strathcona responded forcefully, expressing disappointment and claiming its amended bid is “clearly superior”.
What the “Buzz”
Our Bullboards have up to 2 million pageviews a day. Get the inside scoop on conversations around the most significant trends and stock appreciations in our weekly wrap up.
Get “Buzz on the Bullboards” delivered to your inbox every third Thursday!
Buzz on the Bullboards | Sign Up Here
Strathcona’s revised offer values MEG at C$30.86 per share, an 11 per cent premium over the Cenovus proposal. It includes 0.80 Strathcona shares per MEG share, giving MEG shareholders 43 per cent ownership in the combined entity. In contrast, the Cenovus deal offers a mix of cash and shares, with MEG shareholders receiving only about 4 per cent ongoing exposure.
Strathcona responded what it calls “false and misleading claims” by MEG’s Board and is actively soliciting proxies. The offer expires October 20, 2025, following MEG’s October 9 shareholder meeting, where the Cenovus deal will be voted on.
Promising progress in cancer trials
Oncolytics Biotech (NASDAQ:ONCY, Forum), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company, recently provided an update on its GOBLET trial, which is evaluating its drug pelareorep for gastrointestinal cancers. The company’s recent announcements have highlighted promising progress and future data readouts.
A key highlight is the study of pelareorep in squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal, a rare but aggressive cancer. The company previously reported a 33 per cent overall response rate (ORR) in 12 patients, which is nearly triple the ORR of a comparable treatment. Enrollment for this cohort is at 20 patients and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. An efficacy update for this group is anticipated by Q4 2025.
The company is also making progress in its study of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Enrollment for this cohort is approximately 40 per cent complete and expected to be fully enrolled by the end of 2026. A Cohort 5 interim efficacy update, including overall survival data, is expected by Q1 2026.
To further accelerate the trial, Oncolytics has submitted an amendment to open new U.S. clinical sites, with Northwestern University and other academic institutions expected to participate.
“America First” ETFs
Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (NASDAQ:DJT, Forum), the company behind Truth Social, recently made waves by announcing the filing of an initial registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for five new America First themed exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move expands on the company’s previous digital asset ETF filings from earlier this year.
The new ETFs, which will be known collectively as the “Truth Social Funds,” are designed around specific thematic strategies:
- Truth Social American Icons ETF
- Truth Social American Security & Defense ETF
- Truth Social American Next Frontiers ETF
- Truth Social American Energy Security ETF
- Truth Social American Red State REITs ETF
Subject to regulatory approval, the company expects to launch these ETFs later this year.
Trump Media stock has steadily declined since announcing these ETFs in April. In a media statement unveiling this politically-charged investment opportunity, TMTG’s CEO and chairman Devin Nunes said, “This agreement is a major step forward in diversifying TMTG into financial services and digital assets.”
Fun fact about Nunes, he made US$47 million while Truth Social’s parent company reported US$401 million in losses in 2024.
Trump Media stock has given up nearly 50 per cent of its value since the year began.
Given monetary policy adjustments and continued geopolitical volatility investors need to be proactive
The stories of MEG Energy, Oncolytics Biotech, and Trump Media highlight how corporate actions, from takeover bids to clinical trial progress and new product launches, can rapidly impact a stock’s valuation and risk profile. As these situations develop, it’s crucial for investors to perform their own due diligence to ensure their portfolios are as current and informed as possible.
Get “Buzz on the Bullboards” delivered to your inbox every other Thursday!
Buzz on the Bullboards | Sign Up HereFor previous editions of Buzz on the Bullboards, click here.
Join the discussion: Find out what everybody’s saying about these stock on Stockhouse’s stock forums and message boards.
Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here.