Here are five things you need to know this morning
Markets watch Middle East conflict: Traders and investors continue to watch the conflict in the Middle East, and assess what it means for markets. The U.S-Israeli war on Iran has entered a sixth day with little sign of easing, as the Islamic Republic vowed to intensify its retaliation. Arab states across the Middle East — as well as Israel — have reported interceptions of Iranian missiles and drones, with Qatar telling residents to remain indoors due to the high level of threat. The price of oil continues to rise -- Tehran says it struck an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.
Australia joins Canada-led critical minerals alliance: Canada and Australia have signed new agreements on critical minerals as Prime Minister Mark Carney made a landmark address to the Australian parliament, a sign of the developing bond between the “middle powers”. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a press conference that Australia would join Canada’s G7 critical minerals production alliance. The G7 alliance is a Canada-led initiative to diversify and secure global critical minerals production and supply. Canada and Australia together produce about a third of global lithium and uranium, as well as more than 40 per cent of global iron ore.
Canadian Natural Resources tops expectations: Canadian Natural Resources posted revenue that topped estimates, and reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit. The numbers were helped by record production that offset weaker oil prices. The country’s largest oil and gas producer increased output nearly 13 per cent from a year ago and raised its 2026 production forecast. The results come as crude prices remain under pressure from global oversupply concerns.
Profit rises at Maple Leaf Foods: Maple Leaf Foods reported solid fourth-quarter and full-year results, with sales up eight per cent in the quarter and profit sharply higher from a year ago. Maple Leaf says it expects continued revenue growth and further margin improvement in 2026, as it focuses on operational efficiency and strong demand for protein products. The company spun off its pork business as Canada Packers Inc. last year.
Toronto real estate market still sluggish: Canada’s largest real estate market is still looking sluggish. Home sales in the Greater Toronto Area declined in February, as both buyers and sellers remained on the sidelines. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board says over three thousand homes were sold during the month, down more than six per cent from a year ago. The average selling price also fell seven per cent to just over one million dollars. The board says if listings continue to tighten this spring, competition among buyers could pick up, pushing prices higher later in the year.
