The S&P/TSX Composite Index edged up 0.2% to close at 33,271 on Tuesday, as domestic equities sought to stabilize after sharp volatility driven by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Markets initially experienced pronounced swings, largely influenced by erratic moves in oil prices, but sentiment steadied as investors weighed remarks from President Trump indicating the hostilities might be approaching a resolution.
Gold miners advanced as investors turned to traditional safe havens, with Agnico Eagle, Barrick Gold, and Wheaton Precious Metals each gaining around 1%. These increases helped offset weakness in the energy sector, where shares fell in tandem with crude benchmarks pulling back from recent highs.
Major financial institutions also remained in the spotlight, as market participants assessed corporate developments—such as National Bank of Canada’s amended share repurchase program—alongside fresh economic data for signals on the future trajectory of monetary policy.