World shares tracked Wall Street gains on Wednesday, while oil prices climbed amid uncertainty over the Iran war. Currency traders monitored screens at Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, on May 20, 2026.
Market Movements
Global equities rose as investors took cues from positive momentum on Wall Street. The gains were broad-based across major indices, though volume was light as traders weighed geopolitical risks.
Oil Prices
Crude oil prices edged higher due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict has kept energy markets volatile, with supply disruption fears supporting prices.
Other news included Ontario drivers speaking out after car wash passes were cancelled without warning. A boy is in life-threatening condition after a fight ended in a stabbing in Toronto. Conservatives say Ottawa's legal strategy failed property owners in the Cowichan case.
Political Developments
In Canada, B.C. and Alberta premiers ratcheted up tension ahead of a western premiers meeting. Alberta is set to vote on whether to hold a separation referendum. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said all Conservatives will campaign for Alberta to stay part of Canada.
China is 'trying to move the goal posts,' according to MP Michael Chong. James Moore wrote about the barrier-free Canada needed.
Business and Economy
Small businesses in Canada struggle to hire young people, according to the CFIB. A Hudson's Bay painting with a mysterious past sold for $217,250 at auction. There is a push to ban P.E.I. potatoes from the U.S.
In health news, Canadian doctors see a rise in parents refusing vitamin K shots for newborns. New Brunswick desperately needs more paramedics. A next-generation drug causes dramatic weight loss.
Entertainment: The CRTC says streamers must pay three times as much for Canadian content. An ex-girlfriend of a boy band member was charged with trying to hire a hitman. Stephen Colbert's exit leaves late night darker.
Sports: George Russell aims to recapture F1 momentum in Canada. NASCAR champion Kyle Busch died at 41. Taxi and ride-hailing drivers brace for World Cup traffic.
Lifestyle: Most couples prefer cash for down payments over traditional wedding gifts. Denmark will autopsy 'Timmy' the whale. Fuel shortages keep Canadians' summer travel plans in flux.
Climate: As permafrost thaws, some headwaters in Canada's North turn orange and toxic. Japan arrested Americans over a stunt at a baby monkey zoo. Over 17,000 are under evacuation orders as a Southern California wildfire threatens homes.
Sci-Tech: Provincial and federal governments lean on AI to cut red tape. Two men were charged with creating AI-generated porn under a new law targeting deepfakes. Could how well you sleep be linked to diseases like dementia?
