Canada: TSX Loses Ground Amid Risk Aversion.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index retreated 0.8% to close at 32,841 on Thursday as intensifying conflict in the Middle East and spiking crude oil prices fueled widespread risk aversion. Investors moved away from equities as threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz deepened concerns regarding global supply chain disruptions and persistent inflation. While the energy sector found support from higher oil prices, the broader market suffered under pressure from the financial and technology sectors as major banks and firms like Shopify (-2.3%) faced significant selling. Miners Agnico Eagle, Barrick, and Wheaton Precious lost between 1.6% and 1.8% as bullion prices faced offsetting pressure from a stronger US dollar and climbing Treasury yields. Markets remained focused on the evolving regional situation and its potential impact on future monetary policy decisions.