The S&P/TSX Composite Index declined 0.5% to close at 33,120 on Wednesday, as investors weighed persistent U.S. inflation against ongoing geopolitical tensions. Higher energy prices lent support to producers such as Cenovus (up 4.6%) and Canadian Natural Resources (up 3.3%), but these gains were not enough to counter losses in the mining sector, where Agnico Eagle fell 1.9% and Barrick Gold slipped 1.5%.
Consumer price data showing inflation at 2.4% reinforced concerns that central banks may delay policy easing. Domestic financial stability also came under pressure after shares of goeasy tumbled 18.2% following substantial charges to its loan portfolio. In contrast, the technology sector found support from strong quarterly results at Oracle.
Market participants remain focused on how evolving supply chain conditions and higher energy costs will shape the broader North American monetary policy outlook, particularly as regional conflict continues to intensify.
