Canada’s main stock index moved lower on Wednesday as investors assessed interest rate decisions from the Bank of Canada, which held its interest rate steady at 2.5 per cent for the sixth straight month, and the US Federal Reserve, holding its rate at 3.50 per cent to 3.75 per cent. Attention is centred on policymakers’ guidance amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump said he was dissatisfied with Tehran’s latest proposal to resolve the war. At the same time, the Wall Street Journal reported that he had directed aides to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran’s ports. Investors also looked ahead to quarterly results from four members of the “Magnificent Seven,” along with the outcome of what could be Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s final policy meeting. Among notable stock moves, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) jumped 8.48 per cent by close after lifting its full-year outlook, while Robinhood (NASDAQ:HOOD) sank 13.87 per cent after Q1 earnings missed expectations.
| TSX | 33,318.39/td> | -265.95 |  |
| TSXV | 982.52 | -13.24 | |
| CSE | 181.85 | -1.82 | |
| DJIA | 48,861.81 | -280.12 | |
| NASDAQ | 24,673.24 | +9.44 |  |
| S&P 500 | 7,135.95 | -2.85 | |
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.10 cents US compared to 73.11 cents US on Tuesday.
US crude futures traded US$8.14 higher at US$108.10 a barrel, and the Brent contract rose US$8.63 to US$119.90 a barrel.
The price of gold was down US$50.18 to US$4,543.90.
In world markets, the Nikkei remained at ¥59,917.46, the Hang Seng was up 432.06 points to HK$26,111.84, the FTSE was down 119.68 points to ₤10,213.11, and the DAX was down 63.70 points to €23,954.56.