The S&P/TSX Composite Index was little changed around the 35,000 mark on Friday as investors reacted to the suspension of US–Iran talks. The negotiations, intended to address Iran’s nuclear program following a recently signed memorandum of understanding, were delayed after an escalation in regional tensions and the unexpected withdrawal of US Vice President JD Vance. Sentiment was also weighed down by the Federal Reserve’s surprise hawkish shift earlier in the week.
Financials were mixed, with Brookfield slipping nearly 1% while RBC added 0.6%. Persistently weaker gold prices pressured mining shares: Agnico Eagle fell more than 1%, Barrick declined over 1.5%, and WPM lost 2%. Energy stocks also traded mixed amid uncertainty surrounding US–Iran diplomacy, with Canadian Natural up 1% and Cenovus gaining 0.5%, while Suncor Energy and Imperial Oil hovered near flat.
