Canada's main stock index, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), reached a record closing high on Tuesday, buoyed by rising oil and gold prices following escalating tensions in the Middle East. The S&P/TSX composite index closed at 24,033.99, marking a significant milestone in a quarter that has already seen impressive gains.
The TSX's performance was notably strong compared to its U.S. counterparts, which faced declines as investors reacted to geopolitical developments. The energy sector was a standout performer, driven by a 2.4% increase in oil prices, which settled at $69.83 per barrel. This rise in oil prices is attributed to heightened concerns in the Middle East, particularly after Iran launched missiles at Israel.
The materials sector, which encompasses metal mining and fertilizer companies, also saw a positive uptick, gaining 1%. However, other major sectors struggled, with technology stocks falling by 1.6% and industrials down by 0.8%.
The TSX's impressive performance in the third quarter is noteworthy, with a remarkable 9.7% increase, marking its largest quarterly gain in four years. This surge can be attributed to several factors:
Lower borrowing costs have also positively impacted domestic manufacturing. The S&P Global Canada Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 50.4 in September, up from 49.5 in August. This marks the first time the index has moved above the neutral 50.0 mark since April 2023, indicating a potential recovery in the manufacturing sector.
As the TSX continues to break records, the interplay between geopolitical tensions and commodity prices remains a critical factor for investors. The market's resilience amid external pressures highlights the strength of Canada's resource-linked economy. Investors will be closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global markets in the coming weeks.
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