| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| S&P/TSX | 33,942.90 | +0.47% |
| USD/CAD | 1.36 | -0.29% |
| EUR/CAD | 1.58 | -0.33% |
| WTI Crude | 77.04 | +3.19% |
| Natural Gas | 2.97 | +1.92% |
| Gold | 5,176.20 | +1.09% |
| Brent Crude | 83.54 | +2.63% |
| Bitcoin | 72,930.20 | +0.30% |
| Canada 2Y Govt Yield | 2.25% | -0.06% |
| Canada 10Y Govt Yield | 3.40% | +0.41% |
| Data | Prior | Cons | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P Global Manufacturing PMI Index | 50.40 | - | 51 |
| Data | Prior | Cons | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday (2026-03-06) | |||
| Ivey PMI Seasonally Adjusted | 50.90 | 51.10 | 05:00 |
Canadian markets displayed resilience yesterday, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index closing at 33,942.90, up 0.47%, supported by strength in energy and mining sectors amid elevated commodity prices. The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI for February registered at 51.0, surpassing the previous 50.4 and signaling slight growth in the sector despite supply chain worries from Middle East unrest. USD/CAD declined 0.29% to 1.36, while EUR/CAD fell 0.33% to 1.58, bolstered by CAD gains on higher oil prices.
WTI Crude jumped 3.19% to 77.04, and Brent Crude increased 2.63% to 83.54, fueled by geopolitical tensions in Iran and risks of supply interruptions. Natural Gas rose 1.92% to 2.97, aided by demand outlooks, while Gold advanced 1.09% to 5,176.20 as a safe-haven asset. Bitcoin edged up 0.30% to 72,930.20.
Canada 2Y Government Yield slipped 0.06% to 2.25%, while the 10Y Yield rose 0.41% to 3.40%, reflecting mixed signals on inflation amid war jitters. Equities encountered pressure from conflict-related selloffs, but domestic data helped maintain overall sentiment.
Tomorrow features the Ivey PMI Seasonally Adjusted release at 05:00 ET on March 6, with consensus at 51.1 versus the previous 50.9, serving as a high-impact gauge of broader business activity. This could shape Bank of Canada policy expectations, particularly if it points to ongoing economic strength. No significant Canadian events are set for today, giving markets time to process global news such as the intensifying Middle East conflict.
Traders will watch commodity prices closely due to their vulnerability to geopolitical updates. Focus may also shift to corporate developments, including recent announcements from companies like Parex Resources, which reported 2025 results and a Q1 2026 dividend, and SSR Mining, which agreed to sell its stake in the Çöpler Mine for $1.5 billion.
Canadian economic trends emphasize ongoing inflation challenges, with CPI YoY at 2.32% as of March 2025, hindering the return to target levels. The energy sector plays a critical role, as climbing crude and natural gas prices enhance exports but could amplify domestic costs. (cont...)
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Small businesses faced the impacts of a fragmented global economy in late 2025, highlighting trade and supply chain risks. Recent corporate earnings, such as George Weston Limited's 15.2% growth in adjusted diluted net earnings per share for Q4, and Partners Value Investments' normal course issuer bid, reflect mixed resilience in consumer and investment areas. Housing stabilization hints and commodity volatility continue to influence broader activity.
Global markets are grappling with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which have reignited inflation fears and triggered a broad bond selloff. US Treasuries declined as investors reduced rate-cut wagers, echoing pressures in the euro zone where inflation unexpectedly accelerated amid war-related energy risks. Gold prices fluctuated after a rally, weighing Middle East premiums against a firmer USD.
Central banks, including the RBA, remain vigilant on conflict-driven inflation, with Australia's board alert to potential price expectation shifts. Poland's planned rate cuts are uncertain due to spreading risks from Iran. Oil markets rallied on Strait of Hormuz disruption fears, directly benefiting Canadian exports but heightening volatility.
Equity benchmarks like the S&P 500 risk corrections from war anxieties, affecting flows into the TSX. Euro-area dynamics and ECB caution underscore delayed easing, while reports on non-traditional data usage by central banks highlight adaptive policy approaches. These factors increase CAD cross volatility and foster a guarded global growth view for Canada.
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% in its latest decision as of January 2026, focusing on inflation monitoring amid external disruptions. Deputy Governor remarks stress non-traditional data, such as credit card transactions and border traffic, to assess resilience, noting potential rate hikes even in weaker economies if pressures escalate. The committee voted to hold rates, with guidance emphasizing data-driven decisions over rapid easing.
Quantitative tightening persists to normalize the balance sheet without market disruption. This approach indicates readiness for sustained higher rates if conflicts worsen inflation, as evidenced by CPI at 2.32%. Governing Council communications highlight tracking geopolitical events, allowing flexibility amid energy price swings.
Such positioning aids CAD firmness but strains yield-sensitive areas like housing.