How do B-2 bomber strikes affect the geopolitical risk premium?

They raise event risk and uncertainty, so investors demand more compensation to hold equities and credit. That shows up as higher implied volatility, wider credit spreads, and stronger havens like the U.S. dollar and gold. Cyclicals often lag, while defense, energy, and utilities can gain relative strength.

Which Canadian sectors may benefit on a risk flare‑up today?

Energy and gold producers can see support if crude and bullion rise on supply or safety demand. Utilities and telecoms may hold better than cyclicals. Banks can be mixed as falling yields help funding but recession fears weigh on growth. Currency moves can add or subtract CAD returns.

What levels matter most for ^GSPC after the strikes?

We watch 6,896 as a tactical pivot, 6,799 as the first downside guardrail, and 6,993 as resistance. The 50‑day average at 6,898.62 and the 200‑day at 6,554.753 frame trend risk. ATR near 79.77 points suggests typical intraday swings that can be amplified by headlines.

Should I hedge USD exposure in my S&P 500 ETF now?

If you expect a stronger U.S. dollar on risk aversion, staying unhedged can soften equity drawdowns in CAD. If you expect quick de‑escalation and weaker USD, a hedge can reduce currency noise. Split exposure or a rules‑based hedge can manage uncertainty without making an all‑or‑nothing call.

Law and Government

^GSPC Today March 02: B-2 Iran strikes elevate geopolitical risk

ByDanny Kontos March 2, 2026

B-2 bomber strikes on Iranian missile sites are front and centre for stock market today. U.S. and Israeli officials say IRGC targets destroyed, which can lift the geopolitical risk premium and tilt flows to havens. For Canadians, this can affect USD/CAD, oil, gold, and cross‑border ETF returns. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) sits near key moving averages, so headlines may drive the next move. We outline the facts, the technical setup, and practical steps to protect portfolios in CAD.