AI Stocks Tumble as Anthropic Nears IPO Filing
AI Stocks Tumble as Anthropic Nears IPO Filing

Canadian markets are moving higher this morning as strength in commodities, crypto assets, and improving retail data help offset lingering concerns about inflation and energy prices. The TSX is up 0.86%, while the TSX Venture Index is gaining 1.49%, supported by broader risk sentiment and continued strength in resource-related sectors.

In the U.S., markets are mixed. The Dow is up 0.59%, while the Nasdaq is down 0.04% as investors continue digesting higher energy costs, retail-sector weakness, and the latest economic data. Added context suggests markets are finding some stability as bond market volatility eases, while commodity and crypto strength continue to attract investor flows. US stocks rise as the bond market steadies a bit and Stocks trade higher, lifted by crypto, commodities: AlphaCheck highlight the improving tone across several asset classes.

Market numbers

TSX: Up (+0.86%) 36,679.79

TSXV: Up (+1.49%) 987.62

DOW: Up (+0.59%) 53,096.7

NASDAQ: Down (‑0.04%) 29,229.3

FTSE 100: Up (+0.78%) 10,811.75

In the headlines

  • Walmart hit by fuel-driven consumer pressure: Walmart (TSX:WMT), the world’s largest retailer, fell sharply after investors reacted to concerns that rising fuel costs are putting pressure on consumer spending. Higher gasoline prices are increasingly impacting household budgets and discretionary purchases, weighing on retail sentiment.
  • Canadian retail sales rise, but slowdown expected: Statistics Canada reports retail sales up 0.6 per cent in June at $74.3B. Canadian retail sales rose for a seventh consecutive month, reaching $74.3 billion. However, Canadian retail sales look set to fall after seven months of gains suggests momentum may be fading as higher living costs begin to weigh on consumers.
  • Transat warns about higher fuel costs: Transat (TSX:TRZ), the Canadian travel and leisure company, expects approximately $105 million in additional jet fuel costs during the third quarter. Rising energy prices continue to pressure airline profitability and create uncertainty for the broader travel sector.

Currencies

USD: Up (+0.29%) $0.7271

GBP: Up (+0.17%) $0.5327

EUR: Up (+0.26%) $0.62262

JPY: Up (+0.11%) ¥115.496

AUD: Down (‑0.56%) $1.0139

Bitcoin (BTC/CAD): Up (+5.51%) 106,205.3

(Conversion to C$1)

Commodities

Copper: Up (+1.54%) 6.67167

Gold: Up (+1.46%) 4,585.53

WTI: Down (‑0.25%) 86.30

Natural Gas: Up (+0.80%) 2.775

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 Walmart and Transat on August 21st, 2026, on Stockhouse’s stock forums and message boards.


More From The Market Online

How could bank stocks benefit from a Bank of Canada rate hike?

Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSX:LB) could benefit from a potential Bank of Canada rate hike if higher loan rates expand lending margins.

Viridian Metals reports step-out drill assays at Kraken project

Viridian Metals reported first assays from southern step-out drilling at its Kraken copper-nickel-cobalt project in Labrador, with more results pending.

Southern Silver Exploration to present at Red Cloud mining showcase

Southern Silver Exploration plans to present at Red Cloud’s Fall Mining Showcase 2026 in Toronto on Oct. 28–29, with a 1:40 pm talk.

Antimony Resources closes $3 million private placement

Antimony Resources closed a $3.0 million private placement to fund exploration and development at its Bald Hill Antimony Project and working capital.