FX.co ★ TSX Rises on Middle East De-escalation Hopes

The S&P/TSX Composite Index climbed more than 0.5% on Friday to trade above 33,500, supported by optimism over a potential sustained ceasefire in the Middle East. Oil prices fluctuated as Pakistan prepared to host US and Iranian delegations, and with Israel and Lebanon scheduled for talks in Washington next week, easing some pressure on financial stocks despite persistent inflation concerns. Royal Bank of Canada and TD Bank each advanced 0.5%. Energy shares rebounded, with Canadian Natural Resources up 1% and Suncor Energy gaining 0.6%. Miners also benefited from stronger gold prices: Agnico Eagle added 0.5%, while Wheaton Precious Metals rose nearly 2%. Canada’s unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.7% in March, matching February’s level and coming in just below the 6.8% consensus forecast.