Verma Private Wealth At Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management

Brent crude is back above $100, but the real story is the escalating risk around the Strait of Hormuz.

A misread tanker route briefly eased nerves, yet Iran's blockade, attacks on vessels, and rising infrastructure threats keep supply fears front and center. Can emergency releases and policy moves stabilize markets, or is this just the beginning of a prolonged energy shock?

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-drops-after-us-issues-license-countries-buy-russian-oil-stranded-sea-30-days-2026-03-13/

AI is reshaping corporate strategy, and markets are taking notice.

Block's shares surged 16% after announcing plans to nearly halve its workforce in favour of AI-driven operations. But can AI-driven productivity gains sustain margins long term, or is this a short-term sugar rush?

Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/sustainable-finance-reporting/block-shares-soar-dorsey-leans…

AI-linked technology stocks have faced turbulence in recent months due to concerns about high valuations and limited evidence that massive investments in AI are driving revenue and profit growth. "We're at a moment in the cycle where you realize that not everyone's going to win and not all expectations are going to be met."

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/us-stock-futures-slip-focus-turns-ai-worries-walmart-earnings-2026-02-19/

U.S. jobs came in well above expectations in January. The data reinforces the case for the Fed to hold rates steady at its next meeting, with markets now pricing in a 94% probability of no change in March. As one strategist put it: "I think this report today caught a lot of people by surprise."

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/view-us-jobs-beat-january-affirms-steady-fed-view-2026-02-11/

Tech stocks wavered as markets weighed massive AI infrastructure investments against uncertain returns, highlighting investor concerns about profitability timelines for unprecedented capital spending.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/sp-nasdaq-futures-subdued-markets-digest-alphabets-ai-spending-plans-2026-02-05/

The price of silver vaulted above $100 per ounce on Friday, extending a remarkable rally in precious metals that also saw gold and platinum hit fresh record highs. Analysts cited continued safe-haven flows and expectations for U.S. interest rate cuts as key drivers of the surge. For more market insights, contact us.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/gold-silver-platinum-extend-recordsetting-rally-2026-01-23/

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a strategic partnership with China this week, unveiling a trade deal that will slash tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. As part of the agreement, Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese EVs at a 6.1% tariff. Carney also expects China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola exports. Markets are watching closely as improved ties could reshape trade flows and investment. For more market insights, contact us.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/canada-china-set-make-historic-gains-new-partnership-says-carney-2026-01-16/

The U.S. seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers on Wednesday, with one sailing under Russia's flag. The seizures are part of a larger effort to enforce sanctions and control oil flows in the region. Trump's administration also pressed for a deal to divert Venezuelan oil exports, previously intended for China, to the U.S. Crude oil prices fell as markets anticipated increased supplies released by the President's plan. For more market insights, contact us.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-venezuela-oil-deal-angers-china-pushes-prices-down-2026-01-07/

On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a deal removing the planned federal emissions cap. The deal eases clean-energy rules and could allow a West Coast pipeline for "low-emission" Alberta oil. Ottawa says the move helps diversify exports and boost Canada's economy amid global shifts, aiming to finalize industrial carbon pricing by April 1, 2026. For more market insights, contact us.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/canada-drops-emissions-cap-oil-gas-sector-agreement-with-alberta-2025-11-27/

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed legislation ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Trump's signature on the bill, which cleared the Senate earlier in the week, allows federal workers idled by the 43-day shutdown to return to work. Many economists estimate the shutdown shaved more than a tenth of a percentage point from GDP over each of the roughly six weeks of the outage. Most of that lost output is expected to be recouped in the months ahead. For more market insights, contact us.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-house-vote-deal-end-longest-government-shutdown-history-2025-11-12/

Canada's deficit will more than double, rising to $78.3B, as Prime Minister Mark Carney spends to counter U.S. tariffs, boost defense, and diversify trade. The latest federal budget is a key test for Carney's minority government, which needs NDP support to survive a confidence vote. Economists question its fiscal prudence, warning of a lasting structural deficit despite moderate growth forecasts. For more market insights, contact us.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/carneys-first-budget-promises-generational-investments-tough-choices-canada-2025-11-04/