Canadian stock market experiences a downturn on Thursday, U.S. markets exhibit mixed results
July 24, 2025
In a market landscape fraught with uncertainty, major North American equity indices and commodities have shown remarkable resilience amid tariff concerns, with some caution. As of July 24-25, 2025, the market trends have generally moved higher.
The S&P 500, the benchmark index for the U.S. stock market, reached an all-time high at 6,388.64 points. This impressive gain was supported by solid economic data and an upward revision in earnings growth expectations for the quarter, which was increased from 4% to 5.5%.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average also showed broad market strength, rising by about 208 points to 44,901.92. Despite worries around trade tariffs, the Dow Jones managed to maintain its upward trajectory.
The Nasdaq Composite continued its record-setting streak, climbing 50.36 points to 21,108.32. The gains in technology stocks helped lift indices across North America, boosting the Nasdaq's performance.
The S&P/TSX Composite, the primary index of the Toronto Stock Exchange, advanced about 122 points to 27,494.35. The index closed the week roughly 0.66% higher overall, supported by strong Canadian employment data and corporate earnings.
However, not all sectors were equally buoyant. The September crude oil futures price declined by about $0.87 to $65.16 per barrel, reflecting some near-term weakness despite the positive equity trends. This decline comes despite the recent surge in oil prices.
Similarly, gold prices dropped around $37.90 to $3,335.60 per ounce, indicating a pullback from recent highs in precious metals. This decline may be attributed to a variety of factors, including interest rate expectations and safe-haven demand.
Markets are showing resilience despite looming tariff deadlines (notably August 1), with investors cautiously optimistic as central banks weigh rate cuts and as trade negotiations remain uncertain. Overall, equities have climbed on solid fundamentals, while commodities like crude oil and gold have experienced modest declines near this date.
This snapshot reflects the market situation as of July 24-25, 2025, before the opening of markets on July 26. The market's response to the tariff deadlines and ongoing trade negotiations will be closely watched in the coming days.
[1] MarketWatch. (2025, July 25). U.S. stocks end higher as tech stocks lead gains; S&P 500 reaches record high. Retrieved from https://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-end-higher-as-tech-stocks-lead-gains-sp-500-reaches-record-high-2025-07-25
[2] CNBC. (2025, July 25). Stocks rise, S&P 500 hits record high as tech stocks lead gains. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/25/stocks-rise-sp-500-hits-record-high-as-tech-stocks-lead-gains.html
[3] Bloomberg. (2025, July 25). U.S. Stocks Rise After S&P 500 Hits Record High. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-25/u-s-stocks-rise-after-s-p-500-hits-record-high
[4] The Globe and Mail. (2025, July 25). TSX closes higher as energy, financials lead gains. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/tsx/article-tsx-closes-higher-as-energy-financials-lead-gains/
[5] BNN Bloomberg. (2025, July 25). TSX ends higher, led by energy and financials. Retrieved from https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/tsx-ends-higher-led-by-energy-and-financials-1.1709699
- In the finance industry, various business sectors demonstrated different responses: while North American equities showed remarkable resilience, the September crude oil futures price and gold prices experienced modest declines.
- Despite occasional marred performances from sectors like commodities, the finance industry as a whole thrived; for instance, the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the Nasdaq Composite reached all-time highs, boosted by solid economic data and increased earnings growth expectations.
