<div id="readability-page-1"><div> <div>Equity markets in Canada picked themselves up off the ground, mostly in the resource field, as investors warmed to the latest news out of the Middle East.The TSX Composite Index popped 420.58 points, or 1.3%, to conclude Wednesday at 34,161.82. The Canadian dollar edged higher 0.02 cents to 72.75 cents U.S. Gold stocks led the way, with Iamgold up 58 cents, or 2.6%, to $22.79, while Aya Gold &amp; Silver climbed 74 cents, or 3.3%, to $23.37. In consumer stocks, Aritzia rocketed $5.32, or 4%, to $139.58, while Pet Valu Holdings conquered 68 cents, or 3.9%, to $17.93. In materials, First Majestic Silver climbed $1.56, or 6%, to$27.43, while Perpetua Resources captured $3.95, or 4.6%, to $37.85.Energy stocks led the side down, however, as Strathcona Resources faded $2.52, or 4.9%, to $48.81, while Vermilion Energy dipped 84 cents, or 4.6%. to $17.33U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the war in the Middle East would be over &#34;very quickly&#34;, while Vice President J.D. Vance talked up progress in negotiations for a peace deal.ON BAYSTREET The TSX Venture Exchange jumped 22.43 points, or 2.3%, to 979.68. All but one of the 12 TSX subgroups gained ground, with gold and consumer discretionary stocks climbing 2.9% each, and materials powering ahead 2.4%. Only energy stocks missed out, sagging 2%. ON WALLSTREETStocks jumped on Wednesday as oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields slid amid growing optimism that the conflict in the Middle East could soon be resolved. Traders also looked ahead to the release of Nvidia’s first-quarter earnings report.The Dow Jones Industrials shot higher 645.65 points, or 1.3%, to 50,009.53.The S&amp;P 500 index jumped 79.28 points, or 1.1%, to 7,432.89.The NASDAQ rebounded 399.65 points, or 1.6%, to 26,270.36.West Texas Intermediate futures shed 5.66% to close at $98.26 per barrel. Brent crude pulled back 5.63% to settle at $105.02 a barrel. That’s after President Donald Trump told reporters the administration was in the “final stages” of negotiations with Iran, per a pool report.Treasury yields also cooled following the developments. The 10-year Treasury yield dropped more than eight basis points on Wednesday, and the 30-year Treasury yield shed six basis points. (one basis point equals 0.01%.).Investors are also turning their attention toward Nvidia, which reports its first-quarter earnings after the close. The report will be an important view into the artificial intelligence trade and provide the latest update on demand for chips. Shares of the company were last 2% higher.The stock has risen 20% this year, and experts noted that while there is skepticism build into the chipmaker and AI darling, especially given its massive run of more than 1,400% in the last five years, expectations are “somewhat muted” going into the report.Prices for the 10-year Treasury climbed sharply. lowering yields to 4.57% from Tuesday’s 4.67%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions. Oil prices caved $5.89 to $98.26 U.S. a barrel. Gold prices gained $38.70 to $4,550.30 U.S. an ounce.</div> </div></div>

GOLD

Equity markets in Canada and the U.S. surged amid optimism for peace in the Middle East, with the TSX Composite Index rising 1.3% and the Dow Jones up 1.3%. Gold and consumer stocks led gains, while energy stocks fell. Oil prices dropped significantly, and Treasury yields decreased following positive developments in negotiations with Iran. Investors are also anticipating Nvidia's earnings report, which could impact the AI sector.

Stocks Take Cheer from Iran Peace Prospects