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Canadian Money Brief – June 1, 2026: Markets Kick Off June on a High Note

  Markets Kick Off June on a High Note A strong finish to May carries momentum into the first trading session of June, with tech leading the charge and a major Berkshire deal grabbing headlines. At a Glance — Friday May 29 Close (Most Recent Confirmed) Index / Asset Level Change S&P/TSX Composite 34,769 +0.73% S&P 500 7,580 +0.22% Dow Jones 51,032 +0.72% Nasdaq Composite 26,973 +0.20% CAD/USD 0.7249 –0.06% WTI Crude Oil US$87.36/bbl –1.73% Gold US$4,574/oz –0.42% Sources: Yahoo Finance, Trading Economics. Closing data as of May 29, 2026. June 1 intraday data referenced in body. May Goes Out on a High North American markets wrapped up May in fine form. All three major U.S. indexes — the S&P 500, the Dow, and the Nasdaq — finished Friday at record closing highs, capping a month that saw the tech-heavy Nasdaq surge roughly 8% and the S&P 500 gain around 5%. The TSX also had a solid run, closing above the 34,700 mark on Friday, supported by a rebound in financials and ...

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Black Friday shoppers pulling back on spending

 

 According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, Black Friday sales in the U.S. dropped by 28% compared to 2019, as shoppers avoided crowded stores and opted for online shopping instead.

Here ate the main reasons cited for this trend:

  • Online shopping surge: Online sales on Black Friday reached a record $9 billion, up 21.6% from last year, according to Adobe Analytics. Cyber Monday is expected to be the biggest online shopping day in U.S. history, with sales projected to reach $10.8 billion.
  • Pandemic impact: The coronavirus pandemic has changed consumer behavior and preferences, as people seek convenience, safety, and value. Many retailers have extended their sales period and offered curbside pickup or free delivery options to attract customers.
  • Holiday season outlook: Despite the lower turnout on Black Friday, the NRF predicts that overall holiday sales will increase by 3.6% to 5.2% over 2019, reaching between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. However, the uncertainty around the pandemic and the economy could affect consumer confidence and spending.

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