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TSX Gains, US Futures Dip as Iran Talks Stall and Salesforce Earnings Loom

  Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Canadian Money Brief — moneysavings.ca Global markets are starting Wednesday on a cautious note. After a strong Tuesday session on Wall Street and a solid gain on the TSX, pre-market futures are pointing lower as geopolitical uncertainty around the US-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz reasserts itself. Meanwhile, a packed earnings calendar — led by Salesforce after the bell — is keeping traders on their toes. TSX — Canada The S&P/TSX Composite closed Monday (May 25) at 34,830.89, up 1.04% (+359.53 points) — its highest level in weeks — riding optimism around a potential US-Iran agreement and a surge in mining stocks. Gold-linked names were front and centre: Agnico Eagle gained 4.6%, Barrick rose 4.2%, and Wheaton Precious Metals added 5.6% as gold prices climbed. Energy stocks were the main laggards, with Canadian Natural falling 3.6% and Suncor losing 3% as crude pulled back below $100 on hopes of a Hormuz reopening. Investor attention this we...
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Are rate hikes over for Canada


The Canadian economy is expected to show a modest growth of 0.4% in the third quarter of 2023, according to the latest estimates from Statistics Canada. This is lower than the 0.6% expansion in the previous quarter, and well below the 2.1% growth rate that the Bank of Canada projected in July.

The weak GDP numbers have fueled the speculation that the country may be heading into a recession, as global trade tensions, lower oil prices, and household debt weigh on the economic outlook. 

However, not everyone is convinced that the situation is so dire. Some forecasters argue that the third quarter slowdown was mainly due to temporary factors, such as a strike at a major auto plant, a drop in agricultural output due to drought, and a slowdown in housing construction. They expect that the economy will rebound in the fourth quarter, as these factors dissipate and consumer spending picks up.

Moreover, some forecasters point out that the inflation rate remains within the central bank's target range of 1% to 3%, suggesting that there is no need for further monetary stimulus. They also note that the labour market remains strong, with the unemployment rate at a near-record low of 5.5%, and wage growth at a solid 3.2%.

Therefore, some forecasters believe that the Bank of Canada will maintain its wait-and-see approach, and keep interest rates unchanged until there are clear signs of either a sustained recovery or a prolonged downturn. They argue that the central bank has already done enough to support the economy, by cutting interest rates three times in 2022, and that any further easing could fuel financial imbalances and inflationary pressures.

In summary, the GDP numbers for the third quarter of 2023 are likely to spark more debate about the state of the Canadian economy and the direction of monetary policy. However, some forecasters are more optimistic than others, and think that the rate hikes are over for now, unless there is a significant change in the economic conditions.

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