The TSX has struggled to find its footing this week, weighed down by escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. The geopolitical unrest has injected fresh volatility into global markets, with investors seeking safe havens amid fears of broader regional destabilization.
The timing of the conflict has added pressure to an already tense gathering of G7 leaders—representing the U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the U.S.—alongside the European Union in Alberta. The summit, intended to foster economic cooperation, has been overshadowed by strained relations stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial tariffs. Trump, whose sparsely attended US$45 million taxpayer birthday celebration and military parade were met with mass “No Kings” protests across the U.S., departed the summit early on Tuesday to address the Middle East crisis. Maybe they just had really good camouflage at the parade?
What the “Buzz”
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Despite the broader market unease, several stocks have made headlines this week, offering investors both cautionary tales and potential opportunities.
Taco supreme
Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (NASDAQ:DJT, Forum), the parent company of Truth Social, Truth+, and Truth.Fi, it announced a bold new venture: the filing of an initial registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the Truth Social Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF, ticker symbol B.T. The ETF aims to directly hold Bitcoin (75 per cent ) and Ether (25 per cent ), offering investors exposure to the two largest cryptocurrencies.
Crypto.com has been tapped as the exclusive custodian and execution agent, also providing staking and liquidity services. The ETF’s launch is contingent on the SEC’s approval of both the registration statement and a Form 19b-4 filing. If approved, the ETF will be listed on NYSE Arca, with Yorkville America Digital acting as sponsor. It is sure to be as successful as Trump University, or Trump Steaks, or rump watches (the T fell off), or 2/3rds of his marriages (including Elon).
Despite the ambitious move into digital assets, DJT stock has been under pressure, down 45.72 per cent year-to-date and 40.88 per cent year-over-year.
Oil be there for you
With oil prices surging due to the Middle East conflict, energy stocks have seen renewed investor interest. MEG Energy Corp. (TSX:MEG, Forum) is in the spotlight after rejecting an unsolicited takeover bid from Strathcona Resources Ltd.
Strathcona’s offer, made on May 30, 2025, proposed 0.62 Strathcona shares and C$4.10 in cash per MEG share. MEG’s Board, following a comprehensive review by a Special Committee and external advisors, unanimously deemed the offer “inadequate and opportunistic.” The Board is urging shareholders to reject the offer by taking no action.
The bid remains open until September 15th, 2025, but MEG’s firm stance suggests a drawn-out battle may be ahead. Investors are watching closely, especially as oil prices remain elevated and the sector continues to consolidate.
Staying healthy
Oncolytics Biotech (TSX:ONC, Forum) has surged more than 20 per cent this week following the appointment of Jared Kelly as CEO and director. Kelly brings a wealth of experience in biotech M&A, including his role in the $2 billion sale of Ambrx Biopharma to Johnson & Johnson.
His arrival is seen as a catalyst for the advancement of pelareorep, Oncolytics’ flagship intravenously-administered immunotherapy. The drug has received Fast-Track Designation from the U.S. FDA for both metastatic breast cancer (mBC) and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).
Clinical trials have shown promising results, including a 60 per cent + objective response rate in mPDAC and significantly improved survival rates in mBC. With a growing pipeline and strong leadership, Oncolytics is positioning itself as a potential breakout in the oncology space.
Food for thought
As global markets navigate geopolitical shocks and shifting economic alliances, investors must remain vigilant. Stocks like DJT, MEG, and ONC are making headlines for vastly different reasons—ranging from crypto innovation to takeover defenses and biotech breakthroughs.
Now more than ever, it’s essential for investors to deepen their due diligence. Staying informed and agile can make all the difference in ensuring portfolios remain resilient and responsive to the fast-changing market landscape.
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