Canadian equities retreated on Friday, pressured by a global selloff in semiconductor stocks that dampened investor confidence. Energy markets, however, remained supported as tensions between the US and Iran intensified, raising concerns about the security of oil shipments through Iran’s Strait of Hormuz.
Technology stocks faced renewed pressure, sending the NASDAQ sharply lower as investors questioned the sustainability of heavy spending on artificial intelligence initiatives. Meanwhile, the escalating conflict in the Middle East remained firmly in focus, with higher oil prices reflecting concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
| TSX | 35,263.85 | -76.30 |  |
| TSXV | 854.89 | +0.52 |  |
| CSE | 153.65 | -0.26 | |
| DJIA | 52,146.42 | -406.55 | |
| NASDAQ | 25,520.24 | -361.70 | |
| S&P 500 | 7,457.69 | -76.08 | |
The Canadian dollar traded for 71.38 cents US compared to 71.17 cents US on Thursday.
US crude futures traded US$3.28 higher at US$82.23 a barrel, and the Brent contract rose US$3.47 to US$87.70 a barrel.
The price of gold was up US$23.48 to US$4,011.26.
In world markets, the Nikkei was down 2,694.42 points to ¥64,141.12, the Hang Seng was down 446.36 points to HK$24,562.24, the FTSE was up 28.13 points to ₤10,600.37, and the DAX was down 84.51 points to €24,830.98.