The S&P/TSX Composite Index advanced about 0.3% on Wednesday, briefly moving above the 32,900 level as global equities rallied on further signs of de-escalation in the Middle East. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio bolstered expectations for a swift resolution to the conflict with Iran, indicating that direct engagement could soon help restore regional stability.
Crude oil prices fell, easing inflation concerns and lending support to rate-sensitive financials. Major banks, including RBC and TD Bank, each gained nearly 1%. However, lower energy prices pressured producers such as Canadian Natural Resources, down 2.9%, and Imperial Oil, down 1.5%. The broader market was underpinned by declining bond yields and a softer US dollar.
Gold prices continued their ascent, lifting precious-metals miners. Agnico Eagle, Barrick Gold, and Wheaton Precious Metals each added roughly 2%. After a 4.6% pullback in March, the TSX opened the second quarter on a firmer footing, extending its run of seven consecutive quarterly gains through the end of March.
