Market View

Weaker commodity prices weighed on TSX, while US indices declined slightly awaiting key inflation report. Canada's inflation rate came in at 3.1 per cent in June as prices for shelter and transportation rose quickly. On the other hand, increases for things like food, clothing and recreation slowed down compared to May's level. Concerns about the fast-spreading Delta variant and regulatory actions in China also weighed on international stocks. The US dollar steadied after a month-long rally and both gold and oil prices declined. The Canadian dollar was 80.46. U.S. S&P500 ended the week down 0.2%, while the TSX ended the week up 0.2%.

It was a week of more greens than red. Materials gained 4.0% throughout the week, followed by healthcare, which added 2.8%. Consumer staples rose by 2.2%, while financials and consumer discretionary, ended the week up 1.0% each. Energy slid 3.1%, while technology gave up 2.2%. Telecommunications and utilities ended the week flat. The most heavily traded shares by volume were Suncor Energy, Bank of Montreal, and Enbridge.

5 from 5i

Here are five reads we found interesting last week:

• Is the end near for US-listed Chinese companies? By Michelle Celarier of Institutional Investor
• The giant’s metastasis, in two charts, posted on Axios
• FTX US affiliate sees record daily trading volume in first half of 2021, by Jamie Crawley of Coindesk
• Snapchat is TikTok is Instagram is Facebook is Snapchat. What do we do now? Authored by David Pierce of Protocol  
• The Chobani story, posted on Neckar’s Notes

Happy Reading & Stay Safe!

Disclosure: Please note that the author does not hold a financial or other interest in stocks or funds mentioned.