Canada: TSX Edges Lower Ahead of BoC Decision.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index edged 0.1% lower to close at 35,253 on Monday following military exchanges between the US and Iran. US and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone attacks over the weekend and into Monday, pushing oil prices higher on renewed concerns over crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Bond yields rose as inflation concerns reinforced expectations that interest rates will remain higher for longer in North America. Financials posted losses, with RBC down 0.3%, Brookfield retreating 0.9%, and CIBC losing 0.6%. Meanwhile, gold prices fell on expectations of a hawkish Fed, weighing on mining stocks. Agnico Eagle lost 2.2%, Barrick shed 2.1%, WPM fell 2%, and Franco-Nevada sank 8.4%. In contrast, energy stocks gained on higher oil prices. Canadian Natural rose 3.1%, Suncor gained 3.5%, and Cenovus added 4.7%. Investors also await the BoC's policy decision on Wednesday, with the central bank widely expected to keep its key interest rate unchanged.