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5 Things to Know Today: Inflation Data, a Tariff Countdown, and a Big Energy Deal

  August 17, 2026 Inflation data lands this morning, the clock on the U.S. tariff deadline is down to two days, and a long-running provincial energy dispute is about to be settled. Here's what's moving your money today. 1. Today's Inflation Report Could Set the Tone for September Statistics Canada releases July's Consumer Price Index this morning. Economists are expecting the annual rate to tick up to roughly 2.9%, from 2.8% in June, mainly because gasoline prices swung higher again in July after the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices back up. Core inflation measures, which the Bank of Canada watches most closely, aren't expected to move much. What it means for you: A hotter-than-expected print would make it less likely the Bank of Canada cuts rates at its September 2 meeting, which matters if you're renewing a variable-rate mortgage or carrying a line of credit. A softer number keeps a cut on the table. 2. The Tariff Deadline Is Two Days Away, and Talks Are...

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Dow Leads Gains Amid Earnings Surge

 

In today’s stock market, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) took the lead, rising approximately 0.3%. The broader market also saw positive movement, with the S&P 500 (^GSPC) climbing around 0.2%. Even the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) managed to erase earlier session losses and finish in the green.

Investors are closely monitoring earnings season, which is now halfway done. The question on everyone’s mind: Can strong earnings results reignite the stock rally?

Here are some notable highlights from today’s market:

  1. Spotify (SPOT): Shares of the music streaming giant surged after the company provided robust guidance.

  2. Eli Lilly (LLY): The pharmaceutical company’s stock popped as its 2024 profit forecast exceeded estimates.

  3. New York Community Bank (NYCB): Unfortunately, investor concerns over the health of this commercial real estate lender caused its shares to plummet by more than 22%.

Additionally, comments from Federal Reserve officials added to the market chatter. Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester emphasized caution in moving interest rates down too soon, while Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari acknowledged positive inflation data but stressed that the Fed isn’t fully prepared to tackle higher prices yet.

As the market navigates these dynamics, investors remain vigilant about the possibility of interest rate cuts and the impact on their portfolios. 

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