Finance Archives - Saskatchewan Herald

Oil Prices Fall Nearly 3% as U.S. and Iran Prepare for Talks

Hunter W. — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:53:40 +0000

Oil prices dropped sharply on February 5, 2026, as traders reacted to news that the United States and Iran agreed to hold talks about oil and regional tensions. This eased some fears about supply shortages that had driven oil prices higher in recent weeks.

On Thursday, Brent crude fell about 2.75% to $67.55 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slid about 2.84% to $63.29 a barrel by the end of trading. These declines followed earlier volatility that had pushed prices up amid worries about supply from the Middle East.

The planned talks between Washington and Tehran are set to take place in Oman on Friday. They are seen as an attempt to reduce tension over oil shipments and broader political issues involving the U.S. and Iran. While traders welcomed the news, many analysts stressed that it is still unclear what the talks will achieve, and uncertainty remains high.

Oil markets have been uneasy because the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for world oil — lies between Iran and Oman. About a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow waterway, making political tensions there a major risk for global energy markets.

Analysts also said that market swings this week were affected by military build-ups in the Middle East and differing expectations about how far the upcoming discussions will go. Some traders have been weighing the possibility of conflict against hopes that diplomacy could ease risks.

In addition to geopolitical factors, higher U.S. dollar strength and price moves in other commodities, like precious metals, helped put downward pressure on oil. Stronger dollar values can make oil more expensive in other currencies, reducing demand pressure.

On the supply side, Russian oil exports to China have seen wider discounts this week, as sellers cut prices to attract buyers amid shifting global demand patterns. This is partly linked to India’s recent agreement with the U.S. to halt purchases of Russian crude, which has left a gap in demand that exporters are trying to fill.

Elsewhere, investment and trading trends in U.S. oil markets remain active. For example, the WTI Midland contract in Houston saw record trading volumes in January, reflecting continued investor interest in locking in prices despite uncertainty.

Overall, Thursday’s drop in oil prices shows how sensitive the market is to political signals, especially in major oil-producing regions, and how quickly prices can move when traders rethink risks and supply expectations.

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Gold and Silver Jump as Prices Rebound Strongly

Hunter W. — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:38:28 +0000

Gold and silver prices rebounded sharply on February 3, 2026, bouncing back after a recent sell-off and marking one of the biggest daily gains in years. This sudden rise shows how volatile precious metal markets can be, but also why many investors pay close attention to them in uncertain times.

On that day, gold climbed about 5.2 percent to roughly $4,907 per ounce, recovering from a recent low below $4,500. Futures for gold also jumped, with U.S. April contracts settling more than 6 percent higher. Meanwhile, silver rebounded about 4.8 percent to around $83 per ounce, after suffering large losses in previous sessions.

This rebound was the biggest single-day rise for gold since late 2008, driven in part by buyers moving back into the market after prices had dropped sharply earlier in the week. Many investors saw the lower prices as a buying opportunity, especially for metals long viewed as a “safe haven” when markets are shaky.

Analysts say several factors helped push prices up again. One was the recent news that Kevin Warsh is likely to become the next chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, which sparked expectations of slower interest rate cuts and shifts in monetary policy that often make gold and silver more attractive. Another was the higher margin requirements for metal futures trading, which had added pressure on prices earlier.

Despite the rebound, metals are still trading below earlier record highs. Gold earlier reached above $5,500 per ounce, and silver had seen very sharp moves before the bounce. Some analysts believe the overall long-term trend for precious metals remains upward, with prices continuing to rise slowly over time if economic and political concerns persist.

Gold is usually seen as a hedge against uncertainty, meaning it can hold value even when stock markets or currencies wobble. Silver also benefits from industrial demand, such as use in solar panels and electronics, as well as safe-haven buying.

However, experts warn that prices can swing widely in the short term, up or down, and that recent volatility shows why metals are considered high-risk, high-reward investments. Volatility means prices jump more than many other assets, which can mean big gains and big losses.

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Walmart First Retailer to Reach $1 Trillion Market Value

Hunter W. — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:35:39 +0000

Walmart made history on February 3, 2026, becoming the first retailer ever to reach a $1 trillion market valuation. This big milestone means investors now value all of Walmart’s shares together at an amount usually seen only with major technology companies.

Walmart’s stock has risen sharply over the past year, climbing nearly 26 percent, helping push its total market value past the $1 trillion mark. This growth has outpaced the S&P 500 index, showing confidence from investors in the company’s future.

A major boost for Walmart came from a strategic move in late 2025: the company switched its stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to the Nasdaq and was added to the Nasdaq-100 Index. This index is known for listing high-value non-financial companies like big technology names. Being part of this index often draws more attention and money from large investment funds.

Walmart’s success is not just about size, it’s also about change. The company has been investing heavily in e-commerce, faster delivery services and technology. This has helped Walmart appeal to wealthier customers while still serving its traditional base of budget-minded shoppers. In a tough economic environment marked by inflation and wage pressures, many consumers have turned to Walmart for value and convenience.

Walmart now joins a small group of U.S. companies worth $1 trillion or more, a list that includes giants such as Apple, Microsoft and Amazon — even though Walmart’s core business is selling everyday goods like groceries and clothing. Its shift to Nasdaq and new tech initiatives have helped it look more like a tech-friendly retailer, attracting demand from a broader range of investors.

Despite this success, Walmart still faces competition from other big names in retail and e-commerce. Amazon, another retail powerhouse, continues to lead in online sales and remains much larger in market cap overall, even though Walmart’s rapid rise shows its strength in both physical and digital shopping.

This $1 trillion valuation marks a key moment in Walmart’s evolution, from a classic discount store to a modern retail leader with a powerful mix of technology, online growth and scale.

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OPEC+ Oil Output Stays the Same as Prices Climb

Hunter W. — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:00:18 +0000

OPEC+, the group of major oil-producing countries, has decided not to raise oil output in March 2026, even as global crude prices climb near multi-month highs. This move shows the alliance is trying to balance global supply and demand while managing political and economic risks.

At a meeting of eight key producers, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria and Oman, OPEC+ agreed in principle to keep oil production unchanged for March. The decision follows similar pauses for January and February, part of a previously agreed plan to slow output hikes during a season of weaker demand.

Oil prices have been rising recently. Brent crude, a global benchmark, neared US $72 per barrel, its highest level in about six months, as traders weigh concerns that tensions involving Iran could disrupt supply. These geopolitical worries have boosted prices even though analysts had expected a possible oversupply in 2026.

OPEC+ first boosted production quotas by roughly 2.9 million barrels per day from April through December 2025, about 3 percent of global demand, to help meet rising energy needs. But the group then froze further increases for the first quarter of 2026, citing seasonally lower consumption.

What this means is that OPEC+ is not yet ready to add more oil to the market, even though world demand forecasts vary. The lack of forward guidance beyond March suggests the alliance is being cautious and wants to keep its options open. Analysts say the group may be waiting to see how geopolitical events and supply trends evolve later in the year.

Another factor supporting prices is political risk, especially related to Iran, where tensions with the United States, including talk of military options, have added a risk premium to markets. News of possible conflict or sanctions can push oil prices up because traders fear supply disruptions.

OPEC+ also has a panel called the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) that checks how well members follow production agreements, but it does not set policy. The next full OPEC+ meeting is scheduled for March 1, 2026, and analysts will be watching closely to see whether the group decides to change course for the spring and summer oil market.

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Gold and Silver Prices Soared to Records Then Crashed Fast

Hunter W. — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:19:36 +0000

The start of 2026 saw a dramatic rush into gold and silver, two metals people often buy when markets feel shaky. Prices reached all-time highs, only to crash sharply within days, showing how risky and unpredictable precious metals can be for investors.

Record Prices, Then a Big Drop
In late January, gold prices climbed above US $5,500 per ounce, their highest level ever, as investors rushed to safe-haven assets amid rising global uncertainty. Silver also surged, topping around US $120 per ounce, one of its strongest runs in decades.

But by the end of the week, both metals fell sharply. Gold dropped below US $5,000 per ounce, and silver slid back toward US $98.50 per ounce. This sudden reversal wiped out huge gains in a short time.

Why Metals Spiked
Gold and silver often climb when investors fear economic or political instability. Safe-haven demand can rise during tensions, trade fears, or questions about interest rates and central bank policies. Many buyers use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or coins to invest without holding physical metal.

Silver’s rise was especially strong because it has a unique mix of uses. Unlike gold, mostly held for its investment appeal, silver is also used in industrial sectors such as solar panels, electric vehicles and technology. This dual demand can push prices higher when markets are uncertain and industrial growth remains strong.

The Sudden Crash
The sharp downturn happened quickly after news about U.S. economic policy changes, including expectations around the Federal Reserve’s leadership and interest rate strategy, reduced urgency for safe-haven buys. Many investors then sold their positions to lock in earlier profits, which pushed prices lower fast.

What Everyday Investors Should Know
Precious metals don’t pay interest or dividends, so you only make money if prices go up, and as the recent move showed, prices can fall just as fast as they rise. Metals markets can be very volatile, meaning big price swings are normal.

Experts usually suggest that gold and silver play only a small role in a diversified portfolio, often around 5–15 percent, so losses in one part don’t wipe out an entire investment plan.

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Saskatchewan Aluminum Find Could Reshape Supply Chains

Hunter W. — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:52:44 +0000

magine a new source of aluminum that could reshape how industries across North America make cars, planes and electronics. That idea is getting closer to reality after a very large aluminum-related discovery in east-central Saskatchewan. Experts say this find might become a “game changer” for the supply chain.

The discovery, known as the Thor Project, was announced by Canadian Energy Metals Corp. (CEM) after a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) showed the site contains a huge amount of alumina, the key material used to make aluminum.

According to the company, the Thor Project has a measured and indicated resource of about 49.5 billion tonnes, containing 6.8 billion tonnes of alumina. There is also an inferred resource of 86.6 billion tonnes. These amounts are so large that analysts say the deposit is one of the biggest known sources of alumina in the world.

Why It Matters
Alumina is vital because it is turned into aluminum, a metal used in everything from car bodies to power lines and airplanes. Most of the world’s alumina comes from bauxite mining overseas, often far from major markets. Having a secure, home-grown source in Canada could lower reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthen North America’s supply chain.

“It’s a possible game changer for North America’s aluminum supply chain,” said Christopher Hopkins, president and CEO of CEM. He explained that aluminum is used in many essential products and industries, and having a local source of alumina could help move goods, transmit power and store energy more reliably.

Economic Impact and Future Steps
The PEA also looked at economics. It suggested the project could produce about 1.8 million tonnes of alumina per year over 25 years, with initial costs of around US $6.3 billion and operating costs of about US $1.6 billion a year. The assessment projected very strong returns and large overall value, though it noted that more detailed studies are needed next.

If developed, the Thor Project could create new high-paying jobs, boost tax and royalty revenue, and help growth in towns near the mine site. The project is also exploring cleaner production methods and partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Saskatchewan’s Political Support
The province’s Premier, Scott Moe, said the discovery highlights Saskatchewan’s potential as a major mineral player and could attract more investment and industry to the region.

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Amazon Choose AI and Efficiency Over People: Cuts 16,000 Job

Hunter W. — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:46:27 +0000

In a major move that highlights big changes in the tech world, Amazon announced it will cut 16,000 corporate jobs as part of a larger plan to streamline the company and expand its use of artificial intelligence (AI). The job cuts are one of the largest in Amazon’s history and show how companies are reshaping their workforces to focus on automation and efficiency.

The job reductions were confirmed on January 28, 2026, and come after Amazon already cut 14,000 jobs in October 2025. When combined, these layoffs bring the total to about 30,000 corporate roles eliminated since last fall, nearly 10 percent of Amazon’s corporate staff. Most of Amazon’s roughly 1.58 million employees work in warehouses and delivery, but the latest cuts hit office and tech teams across the company.

Amazon says the layoffs are part of a plan by CEO Andy Jassy to reduce bureaucracy, remove underperforming units and make the company more agile. Beth Galetti, Amazon’s top human resources executive, said the goal is to cut “layers” and give employees more ownership over their work, while also focusing on areas that drive the most growth.

At the same time, Amazon is closing its remaining Amazon Fresh grocery stores, shutting Go markets (its cashier-less convenience stores), and dropping the Amazon One palm-scan payment system, all moves that affect jobs tied to those projects.

The layoffs reflect a larger trend in the tech industry, where major companies like Microsoft, Meta (Facebook’s parent) and others have also cut workers after rapid hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many tech firms expanded staff when online demand soared, but now are trimming roles as growth slows and technology like AI takes on more tasks.

A leaked internal email with a project name thought to refer to the layoffs, “Project Dawn,” mistakenly went out to some Amazon Web Services (AWS) employees, causing confusion and anxiety among staff. Departments affected include AWS, Alexa voice assistant teams, Prime Video, advertising, Kindle, and supply chain roles.

AI plays a big role in Amazon’s strategy. Company leaders say that as AI tools improve, tasks from scheduling and customer service to coding and data analysis can be automated more often, reducing the need for some jobs but potentially creating others. However, analysts caution that while AI may help productivity, it can also drive more job cuts if companies use automation to replace human workers.

Amazon’s share price also reacted to the news, sliding about 2 percent in trading after the announcement, showing how the market is watching the tech giant’s reshaping closely.

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Bank of Canada Says U.S. Fed Is Fueling Economic Uncertainty

Hunter W. — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:32:18 +0000

Global economic confidence took a hit this week as Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem warned that recent political pressure on the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) is adding to uncertainty in markets around the world. His comments highlight growing concerns that the independence of central banks, especially the Fed, is important not just for the U.S., but for Canada and other economies too.

Macklem made the remarks on January 28, 2026, after the Bank of Canada decided to keep its key interest rate at 2.25 percent amid unusual market uncertainty. The rate hold was expected, but what drew extra attention was Macklem’s warning about threats to the Fed’s independence.

In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has been publicly critical of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, pushing for interest rate cuts and reportedly supporting efforts to remove other Fed officials. There have even been reports of a Justice Department inquiry tied to Powell, which many see as political interference in monetary policy.

Macklem called the Fed “the biggest, most important central bank in the world” and said that if its independence were weakened, it would affect everyone, especially Canada because of the two countries’ close economic ties. He stressed that central banks need independence so they can make hard decisions based on facts and evidence, not political pressure.

Carolyn Rogers, the Bank of Canada’s senior deputy governor, echoed this view, saying a strong, independent Fed helps keep markets stable and inflation predictable. That stability matters for investors, businesses, and ordinary people who make long-term plans.

Experts point out that when major central banks are free from political influence, they can focus on keeping prices stable and supporting steady economic growth, goals that benefit all countries linked by trade and finance. The Canadian Press notes Macklem’s emphasis on independence is rooted in the idea that this freedom allows central banks to take the “difficult decisions” that help overall economic health.

In a world where markets are closely connected, any threat to the Fed’s independence, real or perceived, can ripple through global confidence, affecting currency values, investment decisions, and even interest rate expectations. That’s why the Bank of Canada’s head is sounding the alarm now.

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Gold Breaks All-Time Record Above $5,100

Hunter W. — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:08:30 +0000

Gold prices have soared to historic highs this week, setting yet another record as worries about global politics push investors toward safer places to park their money. On January 26, 2026, the price of gold climbed above US $5,100 per ounce, marking one of the biggest milestones ever for the precious metal.

Gold is often called a “safe-haven” asset because people buy it when they feel uneasy about the world economy or politics. Right now, rising concerns from conflicts abroad, tensions between major countries, and uncertainty in financial markets are making investors nervous, and that is helping gold prices jump.

By midday on Monday, spot gold, the current price for immediate delivery, was up over 2 percent and trading near $5,090 per ounce after earlier touching a record $5,110.50. U.S. gold futures also climbed near that level.

This rally didn’t start overnight. Gold prices climbed dramatically in 2025, rising about 64 percent over the year, the biggest annual gain since the late 1970s. Continued buying by central banks and strong interest from investors have helped push prices even higher into 2026.

Silver and other metals are also making history. Silver hit fresh highs above $110 an ounce, and metals like platinum and palladium reached multi-year peaks as part of the broad rally in precious metals.

Analysts say the gold surge reflects wider global worries, including political risk, concerns over currencies like the U.S. dollar, and expectations about central bank interest-rate decisions later this year. Some forecasts now even suggest gold could reach $6,000 per ounce by the end of 2026, though predictions vary widely.

However, experts also warn that while gold is rising quickly, such sharp gains can be risky. Prices can fall just as fast if market tensions ease or economic conditions change. Safe-haven demand tends to rise when confidence is low and may pull back once uncertainty decreases.

For everyday investors and watchers of the global economy, gold’s record run highlights how uncertainty and geopolitics can strongly influence markets, and why traditional assets like bullion remain central in times of risk.

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Oil Prices Jump as U.S. Sends “Armada” to Iran

Hunter W. — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:51:11 +0000

Oil prices climbed sharply last week as global markets reacted to rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Traders and investors worry that conflict in the Middle East could disrupt oil supplies, pushing prices higher.

On January 23, 2026, Brent crude oil, a global benchmark, rose about 2.8 percent to around US $65.88 per barrel, its highest level in more than a week. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also jumped approximately 2.9 percent to around US $61.07 per barrel. Both prices recorded weekly gains of more than 2.5 percent.

The price increase followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said an “armada” of American warships, including an aircraft carrier group, was heading to the Middle East, particularly near Iran. This deployment, along with new sanctions on nine ships and eight companies involved in transporting Iranian oil, sparked concern that oil exports could be affected if tensions escalate.

Iran is a major oil producer. According to OPEC data, it is typically ranked as the fourth-largest crude oil producer among members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Its oil plays a big role in global supply, and any threat to those exports can influence prices.

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has targeted vessels said to be part of Iran’s “shadow fleet”, older tankers that transport oil and petroleum products to markets despite sanctions. These sanctions aim to limit Iran’s ability to earn revenue from oil sales.

Markets in Kazakhstan are also adding pressure on prices. Production at the Tengiz oil field, one of the world’s largest, has been delayed due to a fire, meaning less oil supply is available from that source too.

Oil prices had dipped earlier in the week when Trump eased other international tensions, including backing away from military threats linked to Greenland. But renewed pressure on Iran shifted attention back to geopolitical risk, which tends to push up energy prices as traders price in possible supply disruptions.

The market’s latest move shows how political and military tensions in key oil producing areas can quickly affect energy costs worldwide, even without any direct conflict. Investors and governments will continue watching the situation closely, as further developments in U.S. – Iran relations or disruptions at major oil fields could influence prices even more in the coming weeks.

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