The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that U.S. and Canadian stocks surged to their best day since last spring on Tuesday on hopes about a possible end to the war with Iran. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says Toronto's S&P/TSX Composite Index ended up a whopping 833.10 points, or 2.6 per cent, at 32,768.04. The rebound came as financial markets seized on a couple tenuous signals for hope about a possible end to the war. The moves also came as Wall Street marked the end of the year's first quarter, a milestone that can cause a flurry of trading as fund managers close their books. Analysts said optimism entered markets overnight after a news report quoted President Donald Trump telling aides he is willing to end his military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. Oil prices then took a sudden and sharp turn lower in midday trading following a news report from the Middle East quoting Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian as saying it has "the necessary will to end the war" as long as certain requirements are met, including "guarantees to prevent a recurrence of aggression." The price of West Texas Intermediate fell 1.5 per cent to settle at $101.38 (U.S.) a barrel.