Trade tides shift and gold chills
2026 is already setting the pace. Canada struck a breakthrough trade agreement with China, easing tariffs and opening key lanes for agri-exports and electric vehicles, a move that could reshape cross-Pacific commerce. Meanwhile, gold took a healthy pause after a record-setting run, as upbeat U.S. data lifted the dollar and brought rate cut expectations back down to earth. Investors are watching closely, and so are we.
What's next for markets?
2026 is already setting the pace. Canada struck a breakthrough trade agreement with China, easing tariffs and opening key lanes for agri-exports and electric vehicles, a move that could reshape cross-Pacific commerce. Meanwhile, gold took a healthy pause after a record-setting run, as upbeat U.S. data lifted the dollar and brought rate cut expectations back down to earth. Investors are watching closely, and so are we.
Stay sharp with B-TV’s latest feature.
Visit www.b-tv.com for exclusive updates and breaking news, helping you make informed investment decisions before the rest of the market catches on.
Let’s see where the markets take us next.
4 Minute Read:
Here's how some major markets/indexes performed in the last 5-days:
- Dow Jones: 49,408 (-0.18%)
- Nasdaq 100: 25,537 (-0.31%)
- TSX: 33,061 (1.18%)
- BTC: 94,863 (4.42%)
- Ethereum: 3,269 (4.83%)
(USD)
As of 01/16/2026 at 11:30AM PST
Ottawa and Beijing Strike New Trade Terms
Prime Minister Mark Carney has wrapped up a high-stakes trip to Beijing with a “preliminary but landmark” trade deal aimed at mending strained relations and boosting bilateral commerce. Under the agreement, China will roll back punishing tariffs on key Canadian exports, including a drop in the canola seed duty from 84% to 15% and suspend additional levies on seafood, peas, and canola meal. In exchange, Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter its market annually at a reduced 6.1% tariff.
The deal marks a significant shift for both countries after years of escalating tensions. It also includes commitments to expand cultural and tourism exchanges and even introduces visa-free travel for Canadians visiting China. While critics, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, voiced concerns over the potential impact on domestic automakers, others hailed the deal as a major win for Canadian farmers and exporters.
Why this matters: This is one of the most consequential economic moves for Canada in years. With trade diversification a top priority, the agreement not only opens key Asian markets for Canadian goods but could also reframe how Canadian investors view sectors like agriculture, auto manufacturing, and clean tech in the months ahead.
For over 16 years, BMO ETFs has stood out as a trailblazer in the Canadian investment space, managing over $160 billion* in assets and offering solutions designed by Canadians, for Canadians.
Gold Takes a Breather Ahead of Fed Meeting
What happened: After hitting a record high earlier this week, gold prices eased slightly as strong U.S. jobs data lifted the dollar and tempered hopes for imminent rate cuts. February futures fell to $4,606.70 per ounce, pulling back from a peak of $4,642.
Catch up: Demand for gold has surged in recent weeks on geopolitical tensions and central bank caution. But a surprise drop in U.S. jobless claims and a firmer dollar have chipped away at gold’s momentum. The easing of tensions in the Middle East has also softened investor appetite for safe-haven assets.
Why it matters: When rates are high and the dollar strong, gold tends to struggle. With the Fed’s next meeting set for January 27–28, all eyes are on whether policymakers believe inflation has cooled enough to warrant rate cuts, or if they’ll hold steady, pressuring non-yielding assets like gold.
Bottom line: A modest retreat doesn’t mean gold’s rally is over. The metal remains up over 2% this week and continues to be a key hedge as 2026 kicks off with a volatile mix of policy shifts and global uncertainty.
From the team behind a 10-million-ounce discovery, G2 Goldfields (TSX: GTWO; OTCQX: GUYGF)is proving lightning can strike twice.
Moon River Moly (TSX.V: MOO) is advancing two of Canada’s most promising molybdenum projects to meet growing global demand.
📢 This Week's Selected Company News:
OpenAI to Start Testing Ads in ChatGPT
OpenAI has announced it will begin testing ads inside ChatGPT for U.S. free and Go users, marking a step toward monetizing its massively popular AI platform. The ads will be clearly labeled and excluded from paid tiers, as the company explores new revenue streams to support its growing infrastructure demands.
Highland Copper Sells White Pine Stake for $30M
Highland Copper has finalized a deal to sell its 34% interest in the White Pine North Project to joint venture partner Kinterra Copper USA for approximately US$30 million. The funds will be used to support Highland’s flagship Copperwood Project and streamline its corporate structure. The transaction is expected to close by February 27, pending regulatory approvals.
Kinross Greenlights Major U.S. Gold Projects
Kinross Gold has committed nearly US$1.4 billion to advance three organic growth projects in Nevada and Washington. The company says these investments will add three million ounces to its life-of-mine production and enhance long-term cost performance. Funded from operating cash flow, the move signals Kinross’s confidence in stable gold prices and long-range production strategy within its U.S. portfolio.
📬 That’s a wrap for this week!
Want more? Visit www.b-tv.com and subscribe for breaking updates, company features, and actionable insights straight from the market’s front lines.
What sector are you interested in? BTV wants to know! Send your thoughts here!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next time!
