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Market Minutes
Read snapshots of the latest market news
US–Iran tensions lift oil prices; Canadian inflation accelerates
Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, coupled with near ceasefire deadline, have propelled oil prices upwards by more than 5%. Simultaneously, Canadian headline inflation rose to 2.4% in March, primarily driven by surging energy costs.
Global stocks advance as Strait of Hormuz reopens; Bank reports lifts markets
Global equity indices rose in tandem following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Investor sentiment was bolstered by burgeoning optimism surrounding potential diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran, alongside exceptionally strong Q1 2026 earnings from major financial institutions, including JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs.
China’s GDP beats forecasts; Eurozone inflation accelerates; US production declines
China’s Q1 2026 GDP grew 5%, exceeding forecasts despite weak demand and geopolitical risks. Simultaneously, Eurozone inflation reached 2.6% due to high energy costs. Conversely, US industrial production fell 0.5% in March.
US stocks set new highs amid hopes of conflict resolution in the Middle East
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indices have scaled record highs, propelled by growing optimism regarding potential diplomatic deliberations in Pakistan aimed at resolving the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Simultaneously, a significant drawdown in US energy inventories suggests a strengthening in demand, while a mounting political pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell raises critical questions regarding the continued independence of the central bank.
China trade and Aussie sentiment weaken, but markets rally on geopolitical relief hopes
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have disrupted global trade corridors, causing China’s trade balance to contract significantly to $51.13 billion and sending Australian confidence to multi-year lows. However, optimism surrounding potential peace negotiations in Pakistan bolstered US equity markets and gold prices.
Strait of Hormuz tensions bolster oil prices; US existing home sales retreat
Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have propelled oil prices toward the $100 threshold as the United States threatens a maritime blockade. Concurrently, US existing home sales have retreated to a 2025 low, with mortgage rates climbing to 6.37%, reflecting a broader environment of economic uncertainty and heightened consumer caution.
US consumer sentiment plunges, inflation speeds up; China inflation eases
US consumer sentiment has plummeted to levels not seen since 1980, while headline inflation reached 3.3%, driven largely by surging energy costs. Conversely, inflationary pressures in China cooled to 1.0%, falling short of market forecasts. Despite the evident economic strain and heightened Middle Eastern tensions, US markets remain mixed as investors pivot their attention toward critical diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran.
US personal income falls, GDP revised down—yet stocks continue to rise
US equity markets advanced in tandem following renewed optimism regarding a potential resolution to Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions. This rally persisted despite lacklustre economic data, including a contraction in personal income and a downward revision of fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures.
US–Iran ceasefire lifts global markets, sends oil prices tumbling
A potential ceasefire negotiated between the United States and Iran has bolstered global equity markets, as investors price in the possibility of a more accommodative monetary stance from central banks should inflationary risks remain contained. Concurrently, crude oil prices have retreated sharply amid renewed optimism regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and higher-than-anticipated US crude inventories.
Trump ultimatum hits stocks; US durable goods down, Canada PMI contracts
Western equity markets are under significant pressure as the deadline for President Trump’s ultimatum to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Concurrently, US durable goods orders retreated in February amidst broader economic instability, while Canada’s Ivey PMI slumped into contractionary territory, driven by escalating energy costs and persistent supply chain disruptions.