Canada’s main stock index was little changed on Monday amid light trading, as investors returned from the Easter break and weighed reports that the United States and Iran had received a peace proposal, fuelling cautious optimism about a possible end to the Middle East conflict.
US markets were coming off a strong showing last week, with the S&P 500 climbing nearly 6 per cent, its best weekly performance since late November and enough to halt a five‑week losing streak. Axios reported that the US, Iran and regional intermediaries were discussing the outlines of a potential 45‑day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent resolution, though prospects for securing even a partial agreement ahead of Tuesday’s deadline appeared limited. Separately, Reuters said Iran and the US had received a framework to end hostilities that would trigger an immediate ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to an unnamed source, with Pakistan involved in crafting the proposal.
| TSX | 33,181.97 | +73.75 |  |
| TSXV | 981.51 | +4.08 | |
| CSE | 167.64 | +3.26 | |
| DJIA | 46,669.88 | +165.21 | |
| NASDAQ | 21,996.34 | +117.16 | |
| S&P 500 | 6,611.83 | +29.14 | |
The Canadian dollar traded for 71.83 cents US compared to 71.85 cents US on Thursday.
US crude futures traded US$1.39 higher at US$112.90 a barrel, and the Brent contract rose US$1.34 to US$110.40 a barrel.
The price of gold was down US$20.69 to US$4,656.77.
In world markets, the Nikkei was up 290.19 points to ¥53,413.68, the Hang Seng remained at HK$25,116.53, the FTSE was up 71.50 points to ₤10,436.29, and the DAX was down 130.81 points to €23,168.08.
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