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Oil Surges Past $103 as TSX Extends Losing Streak

  Markets are lower this morning as oil surges past US$103 and tech stocks remain under pressure, with the TSX coming off a fourth straight decline. Below is your ready-to-publish Canadian Money Brief update for April 29, 2026 , built from today’s market data and news. TSX slips as oil spikes and global tensions rise The S&P/TSX Composite opened at 33,584 , down 0.69% from yesterday’s close as weakness in tech and materials continues to weigh on the index. Rising geopolitical tensions and renewed uncertainty around the Iran conflict have pushed WTI crude above US$103 , lifting Canadian energy names but not enough to offset broader declines.  U.S. markets are also softer, with the S&P 500 down 0.49% and tech stocks retreating amid renewed AI growth concerns.  Oil rallies on OPEC turmoil Crude prices are up more than 3% , driven by the UAE’s announcement that it will exit OPEC and by expectations of prolonged supply disruptions tied to the Iran war.  ...

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Wall Street Eyes Labor Market Data and Powell’s Testimony

 

Wall Street drifted modestly lower before the opening bell on Monday, with investors focusing their attention on a trove of labor market data and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming appearances before Congress.

Here are the key points driving today’s market sentiment:

  1. Labor Market Data: This week, investors eagerly await several labor market reports. On Wednesday, the job openings and labor turnover report will provide insights into employment trends. Additionally, the more comprehensive February jobs report, due on Friday, will shed light on the health of the U.S. job market.

  2. Powell’s Testimony: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to make his semi-annual appearance before the House on Wednesday, followed by testimony to the Senate on Thursday. Investors will closely monitor his remarks for any signals regarding the timing of a highly-anticipated round of interest rate cuts. The Fed has already raised its main interest rate to the highest level since 2001 in an effort to combat surging inflation following the COVID-19 recession of 2020. Powell’s statements may provide clarity on whether further rate cuts are imminent.

  3. Inflation and Economic Strength: Despite the Fed’s hawkish stance, unexpectedly strong economic data has pushed back market expectations for rate cuts from March to June. The central bank’s decision will likely hinge on inflation trends. If inflation continues to retreat toward the Fed’s 2% target, rate cuts may be on the horizon.

  4. Market Reaction: Futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.1% before the bell, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.3%. Investors remain cautious as they await Powell’s insights and assess the impact of labor market developments.

In summary, Wall Street’s attention is squarely on labor market indicators and Powell’s testimony this week. As the economy continues to recover, investors are keenly watching for signals that could shape monetary policy decisions in the coming months.


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