TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, March 18

Strengthening commodity prices could lift the TSX at the open today as investors’ focus remains on inflation trends and the Fed’s upcoming rate decision.

| More on:
tsx today

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Canadian stocks continued to rebound for a second consecutive session on Monday as recent signs of easing inflationary pressures in the U.S. boosted hopes that the Federal Reserve may slash interest rates further in the near term. These expectations, coupled with surging commodity prices, drove the S&P/TSX Composite Index up by 232 points, or 0.9%, to 24,785 — extending its two-day gains to 2.4%.

While nearly all key sectors, except healthcare, ended the session in green, solid gains in commodity-linked, financial, and real estate stocks provided strong support for the TSX, helping it extend its rebound.

Top TSX Composite movers and active stocks

Shares of TerraVest Industries (TSX:TVK) led the TSX rally as they jumped by over 20% to $131.04 apiece. TVK stock began its rally after announcing the acquisition of a North American tank trailer manufacturing firm EnTrans International for US$546 million, with an extra US$46 million tied to performance.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3TerraVest Industries PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

The deal, which is TerraVest’s largest to date, represents about a seven times multiple of EnTrans’s trailing 12-month EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) and is expected to be immediately accretive to its earnings per share. To fund this acquisition, TerraVest also amended its credit facility to $800 million. TVK stock is now up 17.2% year to date.

B2Gold, K92 Mining, First Majestic Silver, and StorageVault Canada were also among the top performers on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with each surging by at least 5.6%.

On the flip side, Algoma Steel, NFI Group, Lundin Gold, and Bausch Health slipped by at least 2.1% each, making them the worst-performing TSX stocks for the day.

According to the exchange’s daily trade volume data, Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor Energy, Manulife Financial, Whitecap Resources, and Pembina Pipeline were the five most active stocks.

TSX today

Commodity prices were largely bullish in early trading on Tuesday, pointing to a slightly higher opening for the resource-heavy main TSX index today.

Canadian investors may want to keep a close eye on the important domestic consumer inflation report this morning as it could set the tone for the Bank of Canada’s future interest rate decisions. Overall, stocks may remain volatile as investors keenly await the U.S. Fed’s interest rate decision due tomorrow, which will play a key role in shaping global market sentiment.

On the corporate events front, the TSX-listed Alimentation Couche-Tard and Orla Mining will announce their latest quarterly financial results today after the market closing bell.

Market movers on the TSX today

Should you invest $1,000 in Canadian Utilities right now?

Before you buy stock in Canadian Utilities, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Canadian Utilities wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has positions in Alimentation Couche-Tard, Canadian Natural Resources, and Pembina Pipeline. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alimentation Couche-Tard. The Motley Fool recommends B2Gold, Canadian Natural Resources, NFI Group, Pembina Pipeline, TerraVest Industries, and Whitecap Resources. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Stock Market

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, April 17

The TSX is tracking toward another winning week, rising 2.2% week to date as markets head into the Good Friday…

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, April 16

Besides the Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell’s speech on the economic outlook, TSX investors will closely watch BoC’s latest monetary…

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

Investors: It’s Time to Buy the Dip Now and Reap the Rewards Later 

Buying the dip takes courage because you don’t want to buy into an uncertain future. But investors who buy the…

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, April 15

Besides Canada’s consumer inflation report for March, TSX investors will also continue to monitor developments on the global trade front…

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Stock Market

Seize the Dip: 2 Investment Opportunities to Grab Now

The tariff-induced market dip has created an opportunity to seize the opportunity to buy the dip in these investment trends.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, April 14

Mixed commodity prices and continued trade uncertainties could keep the TSX index flat at the open today.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Stock Market

How I’d Invest $2,000 in 2 Canadian Stocks as Trump Tariffs Impact Markets

Trump tariffs have made many investors fearful and value investors greedy. These stocks can help you benefit from the current…

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, April 11

A fresh record rally in gold could give TSX mining stocks a boost at the open today, with investors eyeing…

Read more »