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Weekly Market Snapshot: Geopolitical Fog Meets Earnings Season as Markets Grind Higher

Week ending April 24, 2026 | Canadian Money Brief – moneysavings.ca Markets this week found themselves caught between two powerful forces: a roaring U.S. earnings season pushing stocks to fresh records, and a simmering Middle East conflict keeping oil elevated and investor nerves frayed. For Canadians, that makes for a complicated but important picture heading into the last week of April. TSX Composite: Stuck in the Mud The S&P/TSX Composite spent the week trading in a tight band near the 34,000 mark, unable to mount a meaningful rally. Tuesday delivered a sharp blow — the index plunged over 550 points to close at 33,808 as U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks collapsed after U.S. Vice President JD Vance abruptly cancelled his Pakistan trip, where he was set to lead negotiations. Wednesday brought a partial recovery, with the TSX adding roughly 0.4% to close at 33,955 , helped by gains in energy and mining stocks following President Trump's announcement of an indefinite ceasefire ex...
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French Left Wants to Govern, but Centrists Assert Their Role

 

Following Sunday’s legislative election, France’s left-wing leaders find themselves in a precarious position. The New Popular Front (NFP), a coalition of left-leaning parties, secured the most seats in the National Assembly but fell short of an absolute majority by about 100 seats. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrists came second, and the far-right National Rally third.

The Dilemma

The unexpected election outcome has plunged France into uncertainty just before the Paris Olympics. With no clear path to a stable government, the NFP faces the challenge of governing without a majority. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the hard-left France Unbowed, insists that the NFP should fully implement its program, which includes raising the minimum wage, lowering the retirement age, and capping prices for essential goods. He rejects the idea of forming a coalition with parties outside the NFP, emphasizing the need to stay true to their principles.

Centrists’ Perspective

Centrists, however, argue that the NFP cannot govern effectively without support from their own parliamentary bloc. Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, leader of Macron’s Renaissance party, suggests that the NFP should break up, allowing its more moderate elements to form a broader coalition. Their red lines include support for the EU, fighting racism and antisemitism, transitioning to a green economy, and maintaining France’s appeal as an investment destination.

Uncertain Path Ahead

As NFP leaders meet behind closed doors to decide on a prime minister and governing strategy, France remains in political turmoil. The challenge lies in balancing the left’s ambitions with the centrists’ demands, all while navigating a fragmented parliament.


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