The S&P/TSX Composite Index slipped 0.2% on Monday to close at 35,212, weighed down by weakness in mining and energy shares. Gold producers led the decline as a stronger U.S. dollar pressured bullion prices: Agnico Eagle fell 1.6%, Barrick lost 2.4%, WPM dropped 2.6%, and Franco-Nevada slid 3.4%.
Energy stocks also retreated after crude prices moved further below pre-conflict levels. Sentiment was hit by news that OPEC+ had agreed to lift output targets again starting in August, while recovering exports through the Strait of Hormuz improved the global supply outlook. Canadian Natural slipped 1.3%, Imperial Oil declined 1.6%, and Cenovus lost 1.9%.
By contrast, financials outperformed as softer oil prices helped pull bond yields lower and strengthened expectations that the Bank of Canada will keep interest rates unchanged. RBC rose 1.7%, TD Bank gained 0.8%, BMO advanced 1.2%, and Brookfield added 1.4%.