Market Update

The USD/CAD pair surged past the 1.3600 mark amidst rising US bond yields and US political uncertainty. The US economy displayed recovery signs with lower-than-expected jobless claims and an upwardly revised Q1 GDP, while the Fed hints at a pause in rate hikes. On the Canadian front, Manufacturing Sales declined …

ECB policymaker Klaas Knot said that the ECB needs to raise the policy rate at least two more times. Knot further argued that rates should stay put for a significant period of time following these increases.“Headline inflation peak behind us but not sure if at peak of underlying inflation”, Knot …

This week, senior American trade officials will meet with China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao in the US. The meetings will be another attempt by the two largest economies in the world to warm chilly bilateral relations. Beijing said on Thursday that Wang Wentao plans to use his trip to …

Canadian shares hit a near-two month low on Thursday, as the losses in the country’s top lenders overshadowed the gains in tech stocks. The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index was down 99.28 points, or 0.5%, at 19,828.41. Royal Bank of Canada slid 2.0% on a quarterly earnings decline, while …

Oil price declines as traders take profit. The US dollar continues rallying after US macroeconomic data reinforces an optimistic view of the economy. Oil, however, is supported by EIA inventory data, showing a steep drawdown in the prior week, reflecting rising demand.The comments by the Saudi Oil Minister warning short-sellers …

Despite fears of an economic slowdown or recession, Wall Street’s first-quarter earnings season provided a ray of hope, as the results largely suggested that things may not be as bad as previously anticipated. The data are in, and they reflect a narrative of resilience, with over 95% of S&P 500 …

The US Bureau of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) second estimate revealed that the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose at an annualised rate of 1.3% in the first quarter. This number was higher than the advance estimate and the market forecast of 1.1%. “The increase in real GDP reflected increases …

Best Buy Co. Inc. reported higher-than-expected net income in the first quarter and reaffirmed its full-year forecast, as gaming and services demand helped offset a drop in discretionary spending that has hit other retail competitors. The retailer known for high-priced products such as televisions and computers reported adjusted net earnings …

The CBI said sales balance decreased to -10 in May from +5 the previous month, falling short of consensus estimates of +10. “Retailers continue to face a challenging trading environment, with firms reporting disappointing sales and formidable inflationary pressures,” said CBI chief economist Martin Sartorius. As a result, they must …

As the first quarter earnings season proved to be stronger than expected, Bank of America analysts increased their forecast for what the S&P 500 may earn in 2023. The updated S&P 500 profits per share forecast is $215, up from $200 before, marking a 5% earnings beat in Q1. According …