The most important stories from the week impacting your portfolio.

Instant Brands files for bankruptcy. The brand behind Instant Pot and Pyrex glassware has filed for bankruptcy, citing mounting debt, rising interest rates and tightening credit conditions. The Canadian-founded but Illinois-based brand said it simply doesn’t have enough cash to keep operating, bringing in only US$17.9 million in Q, a fraction of the US$500 million in debt its holds. 

Let’s all go to the lobby. People are returning to the theatre as Cineplex reported that its sales volume is returning to pre-pandemic levels, thanks to franchise blockbusters like “Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse.” The first 11 days in June saw ticket sales hit $26.1 million, exceeding the same period in 2019. 

Strike looms for B.C. ports. International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada members have voted 99.2% in favour of a strike if a new agreement can’t be reached with the B.C. Maritime Employers Association. The union is fighting for a “fair and balanced deal” for the 7,000 employees who handle 16% of Canada’s imported goods. The earliest date for work stoppage is June 24.