TSX rises as Unitree explodes in its market debut, Moderna surges on positive cancer vaccine data, and gold, oil, and natural gas move higher.
TSX rises as Unitree explodes in its market debut, Moderna surges on positive cancer vaccine data, and gold, oil, and natural gas move higher.

Canadian markets are higher this morning as investors welcome news that proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods have been temporarily paused amid ongoing negotiations. The TSX is up 0.71%, while the TSX Venture Index is gaining 2.17%, reflecting stronger appetite for risk assets across the market. U.S. markets are also modestly higher, with the Dow up 0.27% and the Nasdaq advancing 0.24%, even as bond yields remain elevated and AI-related stocks face bouts of profit-taking. The FTSE 100 is also slightly higher.

Oil remains in focus as uncertainty surrounding exports through the Strait of Hormuz continues to support energy prices. Gold is surging nearly 3% as investors seek protection from geopolitical and interest-rate uncertainty, while natural gas is posting another strong gain. The latest reports suggest tariff discussions between Canada and the United States have bought both sides more time, while markets continue to monitor inflation, Federal Reserve policy, and ongoing AI-sector volatility. 50% tariffs on Canadian goods paused ‘for a three day period’ as Trump says there’s a last-minute deal reported that negotiations continue after a temporary three-day tariff pause.

Market numbers

TSX: Up (+0.71%) 36,626.80

TSXV: Up (+2.17%) 965.34

DOW: Up (+0.27%) 53,486.3

NASDAQ: Up (+0.24%) 29,498.9

FTSE 100: Up (+0.13%) 10,733.42

In the headlines

  • Unitree explodes in Shanghai debut: Unitree, the robotics company specializing in humanoid and quadruped robots, surged 629% in its Shanghai stock market debut. The extraordinary first-day performance highlights growing investor enthusiasm around robotics, automation, and AI-linked hardware.
  • Meta faces massive legal challenge: Meta Platforms (TSX:META), the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, is back in focus as a major legal battle begins. Investors are watching closely to determine whether the case could create meaningful financial or operational risks for one of the world’s largest technology companies.
  • Moderna jumps on breakthrough cancer vaccine results: Moderna (NDAQ:MRNA) surged after announcing positive late-stage trial results for its personalized melanoma vaccine developed with Merck. The treatment significantly reduced recurrence risk and could become a major growth driver beyond the company’s COVID-era business.

Currencies

USD: Up (+0.50%) $0.7229

GBP: Down (‑0.09%) $0.5308

EUR: Down (‑0.18%) $0.62055

JPY: Down (‑0.23%) ¥114.606

AUD: Down (‑0.04%) $1.0152

Bitcoin (BTC/CAD): Up (+0.01%) 89,899.5

(Conversion to C$1)

Commodities

Copper: Up (+0.21%) 6.55091

Gold: Up (+2.81%) 4,456.42

WTI: Up (+0.36%) 84.25

Natural Gas: Up (+3.35%) 2.872

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 Moderna and Meta on August 19th, 2026, on Stockhouse’s stock forums and message boards.


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