March 15-31, 2026

2026-03-31

[Bnn Bloomberg Canada]: Modest growth for Canadian economy: Canada’s economy grew modestly at the start of the year, ahead of the oil price shock fueled by the Iran war. Gross domestic product expanded by 0.1 per cent in January while preliminary data points to a 0.2 per cent increase in February. Statistics Canada data shows growth in January was driven by goods-producing sectors, which expanded by 0.2 per cent for the second month in a row. Gains in mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction offset a decline in manufacturing.

Trump tells allies to fight for their own fuel: U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at allies for not supporting the U.S. war in Iran, arguing the U.S. will not fight for their interests as they struggle to get jet fuel blocked from traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us,” he wrote in a social media post. Earlier, Iran hit a fully laden Kuwaiti oil tanker off the coast of Dubai during a fresh wave of attacks around the Persian Gulf, a sign it’s willing to escalate strikes on energy assets as the war drags on.

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2026-03-26

[Bnn Bloomberg Canada]: Oil rises on conflicting signals on Iran: Oil prices are climbing again and North American stock markets are poised to open lower after conflicting statements from Iranian and U.S. officials reduced hopes for progress on ending the war. U.S. President Trump has urged Iran to get serious about negotiations or face the consequences. Trump says Iranian negotiators are “begging” the U.S. to make a deal to end the war. However, officials in Iran say they have no intention of having talks with the U.S. WTI crude traded more than four per cent higher, and S&P500 futures indicated a decline of as much as one per cent.

Air Canada CEO apologizes: The CEO of Air Canada has apologized for his English‑only condolence video following the fatal crash at New York’s LaGuardia airport. Michael Rousseau says “despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately I am still unable to express myself adequately in French.” He added that he is saddened that his inability to speak French has shifted attention away from the grief of the families. The apology comes after Prime Minster Carney called the lack of a French statement very disappointing.

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2026-03-25

[Bnn Bloomberg Canada]: Oil down on reports of potential talks to end Iran war: Oil dropped early Wednesday amid media speculation that the United States reportedly sent a 15-point plan to end the war with Iran. The New York Times reported that it has not seen a copy of the plan. However, officials speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive details shared some of its broad outlines. They told the NYT that the proposal addresses Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs. The plan also discusses unblocking maritime routes, the NYT cited one of the officials. Israel’s Channel 2 reported that the U.S. is seeking a month-long ceasefire to discuss the plan, which includes the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, ceasing support for proxy groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the choke point for global crude oil flows, according to The Toronto Star.

Gold up on news of possible plan to end Iran war: Gold extended gains after snapping a nine-day losing streak, after the U.S. floated the proposal to end the war in the Middle East. Selloffs in global stocks and bonds have also forced investors to ditch their positions in gold to raise cash, further amplifying losses in gold. A reduction in investor positioning, reduced buying from the Middle East and expectations of rate hikes all weighed on gold, Mark Haefele, chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, wrote in a note Wednesday. “With some of these factors likely to reverse in the coming months, we view the current setback in gold prices as an opportunity to add positions.” The market remained on edge as details of the US proposal stayed unclear and Iran kept up missiles and drone attacks overnight on Arab Gulf states and Israel. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is set to deploy soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to a person familiar with the matter.

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2026-03-24

[Bnn Bloomberg Canada]: More private credit concerns: While the war in Iran, and its impact on energy and other sectors, has been top of mind for investors of late, there is also growing concerns about trouble in private credit markets – and the possible spinoff effects. The latest events include Apollo Global Management curbing redemptions from one of its largest non-traded private credit funds for retail investors, and Moody’s downgrading its rating on a private credit fund run by KKR and Future Standard to junk amid rising bad loans and a string of weak earnings. Retail investors have been rushing to withdraw investments in private credit funds amid concerns about upcoming credit losses, especially related to software loans. Many funds have responded by limiting redemptions.

Dollarama sales below estimates: Dollarama missed estimates for fourth quarter same store sales. The discount store says unfavourable weather conditions negatively impacted store traffic at key times. The Montreal-based company notes it reached new customers through the opening of 75 new stores. The company also raised its dividend by 12 cents per share

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2026-03-23

[BNN Bloomberg Canada]: Trump postpones Iran strikes, announces talks: U.S. President Donald Trump says strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and power plants will be postponed for five days following the start of talks with Iran to end the war. Trump also says the halt to attacks are subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. Trump had initially given Iran until this evening to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or the U.S. and Israel would start bombing the country’s power plants.

Stocks soar, oil plunges: Stocks and bonds rebounded after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. and Iran had “very good” conversations about an end to the conflict in the Middle East. Futures for the S&P 500 jumped 1.7 per cent. Brent crude oil was down more than seven per cent near US$104 a barrel. Gold trimmed losses. Before Trump’s comments, futures were pointing to more losses for equity markets under siege from skyrocketing oil prices and uncertainty about when the duration of the Iran conflict. However, stock futures were off their highest levels of the session after Iranian state media said there were no direct talks between the U.S. and Iran.

Fatal Air Canada collision: An Air Canada Express plane with 76 people aboard collided with a fire truck shortly after landing at New York’s LaGuardia airport. The two Air Canada pilots who were flying the plane died on impact. About 41 people were taken to the hospital and many in serious condition. Air Canada says it is cooperating with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the National Transportation Safety Board in the U.S. in the investigation of the cause of this incident.