On October 19, 1987, a market event now referred to as “Black Monday” occurred. That day, the TSX was down 11.3%, and the Dow fell 22.6%. Everything was down. This week was a not anywhere near that bad. World shares were mixed overnight as oil prices held at their highest levels since May (war with Iran). European markets remained troubled by political instability, and the main indices were down. The Asian markets were recovering, except for Japan. Investors were retreating

Global shares were mostly higher overnight in Europe and Asia, while oil prices fell back slightly. This week, oil prices jumped after Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militants, based in Yemen, launched drone and missile strikes on two major Saudi airports, killing three people and injuring 36 others. An ongoing global bond selloff has dominated currency markets in recent weeks, with yields rising again on Thursday. Both stock and metal markets are seeing selling as investors mo

September has ended, and with overnight lows expected to be in single digits this weekend in Ontario, frost is approaching the pumpkins. During the past month, global markets have mostly been on the losing side. September losses on European markets were sharp, as bond yields saw a significant jump and major indices were all in the red: (DAX -5.02%, CAC -5.99%, FTSE -3.66%). October has long been associated with some of the most dramatic moments in stock market history, from

The summer of uncertainty continues apace. Global bond markets have continued to be under pressure, sending yields to recent highs and prices lower. The Iran war raised energy prices, and investors worried about inflation, central bank rates, and rising government deficit spending. Asian markets have been weak for two months, as have the European markets. Oil prices fell below USD$100.00/barrel after both sides made peace offerings at UN meetings, even though reopening the St

The summer of uncertainty continues. Everything that was up yesterday is down, yet today everything that was down is back up. Oil prices have been jumping since early July as the summer war with Iran continues, but then it will end soon. This week, oil prices broke USD$100.00/bbl, stoking inflationary fears. Globally, bond yields are rising, and the higher rates have supported the U.S. dollar (USD). The “September Effect”, where markets tend to perform poorly during the month

Global markets have lurched through the summer with thin volumes and continuing investor confusion over inflation, interest rates, oil prices, Middle East conflict, and some degree of AI burnout, but have mostly turned positive since the beginning of August. AI-related stocks have come to dominate many of the indices, and the concerns about this “bubble” bursting and its potential impact on the global economic system are spreading. The TSX has continued to make new highs thro

The summer of uncertainty continues. Another peace agreement with Iran has failed, and hostilities continue to inject worries into global markets. Oil prices surged as a result, and concerns about renewed inflation increased. Stocks related to artificial intelligence (AI) have been under pressure due to their very high prices and increasing concerns that AI implementation might not produce the productivity gains expected or the promised profit levels. Some pundits are calling

World Markets are looking positive, and overnight, indices in Japan and South Korea hit fresh records on expectations that the U.S. and Iran will agree to extend the ceasefire in their war by 60 days. Even European markets are near or at all-time-high levels. The TSX set another all-time high on Wednesday, and the Venture exchange has not been this high in more than 13 years. Yet Canadians are facing persistent affordability concerns, as a new report from Equifax Canada says

World shares have been falling off today just as U.S. President Trump wrapped up his summit in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Investors continue to watch for developments from the Iran war. Trump’s visit ended on Friday after a series of meetings with Xi that touched on issues including U.S.-China trade, further economic cooperation, and differences over Taiwan. Investors are monitoring trade deal updates on areas such as American soybeans, beef, airplanes, and AI ch

The ups and downs of global markets continue as hopes for a Middle East peace deal rise and fall. Overnight, world shares retreated, and oil prices fell back as the ceasefire with Iran launched another round of missile and drone attacks. The U.S. forces replied with retaliatory strikes on Iranian military facilities. A one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) is unlikely to result in a long-term peace agreement. Restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz

Global shares were mixed this week, and many world markets will be closed today for May Day. Crude oil prices remain above USD$110.00/bbl, driving inflation fears and uncertainty, as prospects for a ceasefire deal in the Iran war remain distant. The TSX composite index closed the month on a high note, aiming for the all-time high hit at the beginning of March. The Venture exchange (TSXV) continues to suffer from erratic trading with unsettled commodity prices. Statistics Cana

Since the beginning of this month, global stock markets have appeared to assume that the war is over until further notice. World shares were mixed this week as investors watched for signs of more U.S.-Iran talks, with an “in-principal agreement” hoped for to extend the ceasefire in the Iran war, which is expiring next week. Investors were closely watching while oil prices rose and dipped, as markets assessed the prospects of a ceasefire extension. There may be optimism in som

World share prices were mostly up this week, especially after the biggest relief rally in nearly a year on Wednesday, as President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, easing fears of a prolonged energy crisis. Any optimism that the agreement would hold up quickly fell apart after both sides accused each other of violating the truce ahead of Iran-U.S. talks in Pakistan planned for this weekend. Iran continued missile barrages aimed at Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia,

World shares were mostly higher today after the worst day for Nvidia’s stock since last spring dragged U.S. stocks lower. The Canadian exchanges surged ahead on higher gold prices and spectacular results from Canada’s big six banks. The TSX closed at another all-time high, in a long and ongoing series. The Venture exchange index topped its 2021 high, closing at a level not seen since March of 2013. U.S. equities markets rallied on Wednesday as investors positioned ahead of N

According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the Year of the Horse begins on February 17, 2026, but this is also a “Fire” year in the 60-year Five Elements cycle. The Fire Horse energy supports bold actions, creative thinking, and entrepreneurship. It can be wild and unpredictable, bringing volatility across multiple sectors. Great for traders. World shares were generally down overnight following sharp losses led by Wall Street yesterday in a sell-off of technology-related issuer

World shares were mixed after Wall Street extended losses driven by heavy selling of technology stocks. Confusion about who Kevin Warsh, President Trump’s pick for the next Federal Reserve (Fed) chair, really is and what he stands for continues. It has been assumed that Warsh is a sort of "inflation hawk" and will raise interest rates. Warsh believes that the U.S. is undergoing a productivity-led growth boom and that fiscal policy’s role is to spur economic activity by keepin

Markets were troubled this week, waiting for an interest rate announcement by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed). A pending announcement by U.S. President Trump of his nominee to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair when Powell’s term ends on May 15 was also affecting global markets. European shares opened higher after markets retreated in Asia. Some have termed the markets as in a “yo-yo phase”. The TSX opened the week at a new all-time high but was down 1.25% by the close yester

Asian markets advanced while European shares were mixed as calm was restored after a tumultuous week. Markets are experiencing renewed volatility amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly over U.S. President Donald Trump’s perceived claims on Greenland. As they reposition for the year ahead, investors are weighing uncertainty against still-solid economics and earnings fundamentals. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney went on a nine-day trip around the world touted a

The opening days of a new market year can carry a symbolic and practical significance called the “January Barometer”, which suggests that a positive start to January can lead to stronger returns for the year. Historical data show that stocks that have finished higher in January have ended the year higher about 86% of the time. It is only the first two weeks of 2026, and globally, most markets are in an uptrend, though with some volatility. There are signs of continued strengt

December trading can be quiet as markets slide towards the end of the year, and there is a lot of uncertainty right now. World shares advanced overnight after the Bank of Japan raised its key policy rate to its highest level in 30 years and U.S. inflation cooled more than expected. The rotation out of big Tech to more reasonably priced sectors continued and will likely last well into 2026. The TSX was down slightly during the last week. Still, the commodity-heavy index remain