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Gold Crashed 30% This Year — Now It's Climbing Again. Should Your TFSA or RRSP Be In It?

  August 12, 2026 If you've only glanced at the gold headlines this week, you've probably seen some version of "gold near two-month high." That's true — spot gold touched an intraday peak of US$4,434.84 an ounce on Tuesday, its best level since June 5, before settling back to around US$4,382. But "two-month high" undersells what's actually happened to gold in 2026, and that fuller story is the part that matters if you're deciding whether to put any of it in a TFSA, RRSP, or FHSA right now. Here's the short version: gold went nearly vertical in January, hit an all-time record, crashed by close to 30% within weeks, spent the spring and early summer languishing near US$4,000, and has spent the last six weeks clawing about 10% of that back. Where it goes from here is genuinely split among the banks that cover it professionally. That's the setup worth understanding before you buy. The wildest year gold has ever had Gold entered 2026 already o...
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The Self-Checkout Conundrum: Convenience or Chaos?

 

Self-checkout systems, a common sight in modern retail, are undergoing a critical evaluation. Initially hailed for their potential to streamline shopping and reduce labor costs, these systems have also brought frustration and challenges. Here’s a brief look at the current state of self-checkout:

  • Customer Frustration: Some shoppers express discontent with the cumbersome technology and feel that checking out has become a laborious task, meriting a discount for their efforts.

  • Retailer Reactions: Some stores are imposing item limits at self-checkout stations, while others, like British chain Booths, are removing them due to customer backlash. Theft and loss prevention remain significant concerns.

  • Labor Implications: The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a decline in cashier jobs, attributed to self-checkout and online sales. Some workers find the new system brings a different kind of monotony and concern for safety.

  • Technological Advances: Despite the issues, innovations continue. Kroger uses AI to detect scanning errors, and Amazon’s “just walkout technology” offers a checkout-free experience, hinting at the future of retail.

As the industry navigates these challenges, the fate of self-checkout hangs in the balance, with customer satisfaction and operational efficiency at the forefront of this retail revolution.

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