TSX Rises on Mining and Major Banks Gains

The S&P/TSX Composite Index trimmed early gains but still closed 0.2% higher at 32,930 on Tuesday with broad support from banks and the tech sector. Banks led the gains as yields eased and improved the credit outlook for the financial sector at a time of stress for lenders, with RBC, TD, and BMO closing firmly higher. The Bank of Canada is due to hold its rates tomorrow, although policymakers will likely warn of an uncertain macroeconomic outlook due to the energy shock from the war in Iran. The Federal Reserve is also due to hold its rates unchanged and update its economic projections. Elsewhere, Shopify spiked 1% amid momentum in tech stocks. On the other hand miners dropped due to the drop in gold prices.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index gained nearly 1% to trade above 33,000 on Tuesday with broad support from miners, banks, and tech companies. Gold benchmarks rose ahead of tomorrow's Fed expected hold, with Agnico Eagle, Wheaton, and Franco-Nevada gaining close to 2%. The Bank of Canada is also due to hold its rates tomorrow, contributing to a pullback in Canadian yields. Major banks traded positive with TD Bank and Royal Bank of Canada up 1%. Elsewhere Shopify spiked over 3.5% amid momentum in tech stocks. Meanwhile, energy producers were mixed as the outlook for oil supply remained clouded. Tourmaline Oil gained 1%, while Canadian Natural and Imperial inched lower.

Futures tracking the S&P/TSX Composite Index rose on Tuesday, supported by gains in energy and mining commodities. Oil prices climbed after fresh Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates rekindled supply fears, adding to ongoing shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Gold also edged higher, lending support to mining stocks. In other news, investors await the Bank of Canada's interest rate decision, due on Wednesday. Market expectations point to the BoC holding the base interest rate.