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Markets Brief: Iran Deal Hopes Drive Global Rally — TSX Eyes a Strong Open | May 29, 2026

It's been a week dominated by one headline: the U.S.-Iran war and the fragile hopes of a peace deal. Heading into the long weekend, markets are ending Friday on an optimistic note, with record-setting sessions in Asia and a strong tone across North America. Here's your full wrap. Canada — TSX After a rough patch mid-week, the TSX bounced back Thursday — its first gain since Monday's record close — finishing up around 0.7% to the 34,770s range, driven largely by a blockbuster round of Big Six bank earnings. All six of Canada's largest banks beat analysts' estimates for Q2 (quarter ended April 30), raising dividends and signalling cautious optimism despite the volatile global backdrop. RBC posted a standout quarter, with its Wealth Management division up 28% year-over-year. TD Bank earned $4.25 billion in adjusted net income ($2.38/share), topping expectations, and raised its dividend. CIBC's profit surged 43%, with adjusted EPS of $2.76 beating consensus by a wid...

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Revolutionary Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Deaf Toddler

 

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, an 18-month-old toddler named Opal Sandy has regained her hearing thanks to a pioneering gene therapy trial. Born deaf due to a rare genetic condition affecting the OTOF gene, which is responsible for producing a protein essential for hearing, Opal’s prospects for natural hearing were bleak. However, the innovative treatment at Cambridge University Hospitals in England has opened up a world of sound for her.

The procedure involved the infusion of a working copy of the OTOF gene into Opal’s right ear, a process that took a mere 16 minutes. Remarkably, within weeks, Opal began responding to loud noises, and after 24 weeks, she could hear whispers, indicating a near-normal level of hearing restoration.

Opal’s case is part of the Chord trial, which is recruiting more children from the UK, Spain, and the US to undergo similar treatment. The trial is being closely monitored, with participants followed up for five years to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of the therapy.

The success of this gene therapy is a beacon of hope for many suffering from genetic deafness, signaling the dawn of a new era in medical science where conditions once thought incurable are now within the realm of treatment. Opal’s story is not just a personal victory; it’s a milestone in genetic medicine, showcasing the incredible potential of gene therapy to change lives.

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