12:20 PM EDT, 06/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The Toronto Stock Exchange is down 50 points with energy (+1.1%), and telecoms (+0.4%) the main gainers, as Middle East tensions continue.

U.S. President Donald Trump held another National Security Council meeting on Wednesday, with media reports saying President Trump has approved plans for strike on Iran.

Meanwhile, Reuters is reporting that Canada may produce its first LNG from Kitimat, B.C. this weekend. This is North America's first LNG facility with open access to the Pacific.

StatCan reports that Canada's population stalled in the first quarter, led by a significant drop in non-permanent residents.

In stocks, Empire Company (EMP-A.TO) is up 5% to $54.55, a fresh 52-week high, after it reported a fourth-quarter earnings beat, announced a 10% dividend hike and stock buyback.