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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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Greek Islands Grapple with Water Scarcity Amid Tourist Boom

 

As the sun-kissed Greek islands gear up for a record-breaking tourist season, they’re facing an unexpected challenge: a severe water crisis. Let’s dive into the details:

  1. Naxos Island’s Dry Reservoir: The largest reservoir on Naxos, a popular Aegean Sea island, has run dry. It’s now home only to turtles navigating its muddy shallows. Downstream, sea water has infiltrated empty irrigation wells, affecting the island’s prized potato crop.

  2. Karpathos and Thasos: On Karpathos, authorities have imposed restrictions on filling swimming pools. Meanwhile, officials in Thasos are seeking a desalination unit to make seawater drinkable. These measures highlight the strain on water supplies across the Greek islands.

  3. Climate Change Impact: Greece, known for its ancient sites and turquoise waters, relies heavily on tourism. However, climate change—manifested through higher temperatures, erratic rainfall, and wildfires—threatens this vital economic sector. Last month, heatwaves claimed the lives of at least six tourists.

  4. Drought and Future Concerns: Most of Greece has seen little or no rain for months. Experts warn that the worst may be yet to come. Andrea Toreti, from the European and global drought observatory, emphasizes the need for prevention and preparedness rather than emergency responses.

  5. Farmers’ Plight: Naxos, with its mountainous terrain and 20,000 residents, faces a stark water shortage. The island’s two reservoirs hold only a third of last year’s water levels. While portable desalination units will provide safe drinking water for houses and hotels, farmers continue to struggle with contaminated wells.

In summary, the Greek islands are caught between the allure of tourism and the harsh reality of water scarcity. Urgent action is needed to safeguard their future.








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