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Weekly Market Snapshot: TSX Rises as Oil Rebounds and U.S. Markets Cool

  TSX Edges Higher on Energy Strength The TSX posted a modest gain this week, supported by rising energy and financial stocks as oil prices rebounded from recent lows. Investor sentiment improved as commodity demand projections stabilized and geopolitical tensions eased. S&P 500 Cools After Strong Run The S&P 500 paused its recent rally, with tech names seeing mild pullbacks as traders reassessed earnings expectations and upcoming Federal Reserve commentary. Defensive sectors saw renewed interest as investors rotated toward value. Oil Rebounds, Supporting Canadian Markets Oil prices climbed on supply concerns and improving global demand forecasts. The rebound helped lift Canadian energy producers and contributed to the TSX’s relative outperformance. Canadian Dollar Holds Steady The CAD traded in a narrow range, balancing stronger commodity prices against softer domestic economic data. Markets continue to watch for Bank of Canada signals on future rate direction. Wi...

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Small Businesses in Canada Face Bankruptcy Risk Amidst Pandemic-Era Support Withdrawal

 


According to a recent report, thousands of small businesses in Canada are at risk of bankruptcy after the government ended pandemic-era support last month with the economy slowing at a time of high interest rates. 

Small firms that employ fewer than 100 people are critical to the Canadian economy as they give jobs to almost two-thirds of the country’s 12 million private workers. A spike in bankruptcies, which jumped 38% in the first 11 months of 2023, would weigh on economic growth, lobby groups and economists warn. 

Last month, small businesses faced a deadline to repay interest-free loans of C$60,000 ($44,676) made available to each of them during the pandemic. Of the 900,000 who had taken the government support, a fifth have not yet repaid their loans, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Monday. Katherine Cuplinskas, a spokesperson for the Finance Minister said in an emailed response that the Department of Finance did not expect there will be a negative impact on the economy on account of repayment of the loans given as support during the pandemic. She said loan recipients have long had full information on timelines and have been able to plan accordingly.


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