Canada: TSX Closes Losing Week Sharply Lower.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index faced a difficult week as the benchmark shed 0.9% to close at 32,542 on Friday amid intensifying regional conflict and a souring domestic economic outlook. Investors reacted to Statistics Canada data showing a surprise loss of 83,900 jobs in February and an unemployment rate that climbed to 6.7% as manufacturing sales also declined. This domestic labor market deterioration pressured financial and technology heavyweights while energy producers continued to navigate high volatility as the Strait of Hormuz blockade kept crude prices elevated. At the same time, major bullion miners Agnico Eagle, Barrick Gold, and Wheaton Precious Metals tumbled between 3.4% and 4.3% as bullion prices buckled under the pressure of a stronger US dollar. Tech and financials also finished firmly in negative territory.