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Oil Swings, Records Fall, and Bank Earnings Roll In: Markets Update — May 28, 2026

  Thursday is shaping up to be an eventful one for markets. A sharp rebound in oil prices — triggered by fresh U.S. military strikes in Iran overnight — is rattling futures this morning, even as Wall Street closed at fresh records on Wednesday. Here in Canada, the TSX pulled back sharply, weighed down by energy-sector volatility and mixed signals from the big banks. Traders are also keeping a close eye on two major U.S. data releases due today: April PCE inflation and the Q1 GDP second estimate. Canada The TSX had a rough Wednesday. The S&P/TSX Composite shed 241.82 points — roughly 0.70% — to close at 34,412.05, as energy stocks were dragged lower by falling crude prices. The loonie dipped slightly as well, with the Canadian dollar trading at 72.29 cents U.S., compared with 72.40 cents the day before. It's a big week for Canadian bank earnings, and results so far have been mixed but largely solid. Bank of Nova Scotia and BMO Financial Group both reported stronger second-quar...

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Judge Holds Trump in Contempt, Fines Him $9,000 in Hush Money Trial

 

Former President Donald Trump faced a stinging rebuke in court today as Judge Juan M. Merchan held him in contempt and fined him $9,000. The charges stem from Trump’s repeated violations of a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors, and others connected to his New York hush money case. Prosecutors had alleged ten violations, but the judge found nine to be substantiated.

The historic trial centers around Manhattan prosecutors’ claims that Trump and his associates participated in an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 presidential campaign by burying negative stories. The allegations involve hush money payments and attempts to suppress unflattering rumors and claims about Trump and women. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The courtroom was tense as Trump, accompanied by his son Eric, faced the consequences of his actions. The judge’s warning loomed: if Trump violates the gag order again, he could face jail time.

Prosecutors are meticulously building their case, relying on detailed testimony about email exchanges, business transactions, and bank accounts. Their argument is that Trump is guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with the hush money payments. The trial is leading up to crucial testimony from Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, who went to federal prison after pleading guilty to campaign finance violations and other crimes.

As the trial unfolds, the world watches closely, witnessing a former U.S. president facing criminal charges in a courtroom. The outcome will have far-reaching implications, shaping the legacy of a presidency marked by controversy and legal battles. Stay tuned for further updates as the trial continues.

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