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Gas Prices Are Spiking Again — Here's How to Protect Your Wallet as the Iran Conflict Escalates

  Published July 20, 2026 If it feels like you're filling up more often for the same money lately, you're not imagining it. Oil markets jolted higher to start the week, and Canadian drivers are almost certain to see it at the pump in the next few days. What just happened Brent crude — the global benchmark that drives Canadian gas pricing — jumped nearly 4% on Monday to trade above US$90 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$84. The move came after the United States and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, including strikes on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and an attack on an oil facility in Kuwait. That strait matters enormously to your gas bill: roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through it. When shipping through it slows or stalls, traders price in a "risk premium" almost immediately — and that shows up at Canadian pumps within days, not weeks. What it mea...

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Retail Sales Decline, Cisco Announces Layoffs, and Fast Food Chains Report Earnings: A Snapshot of Economic Trends

 

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and finance, several key events have recently unfolded. Below are three significant developments:

1. Retail Sales Fall

The retail sector faced headwinds as Sabre Corporation, a technology services provider to the travel industry, reported a loss of $96.5 million in its fourth quarter. Despite exceeding Wall Street expectations in terms of adjusted losses, the company’s revenue of $687.1 million fell short of forecasts. As consumer behavior continues to shift, retailers must adapt to changing market dynamics.

2. Cisco’s Workforce Restructuring

Cisco, a network giant, is embarking on a strategic overhaul. The company plans to lay off thousands of employees as it redirects its focus toward high-growth areas. This move underscores the need for agility and adaptability in the tech industry, where innovation and efficiency drive success.

3. Fast Food Earnings

In the fast-food arena, Restaurant Brands International (RBI) delivered better-than-expected results. Fueled by robust sales at Tim Hortons, RBI reported fourth-quarter net income of $508 million, up significantly from the previous year. Adjusted earnings per share stood at 75 cents, beating analysts’ estimates. The company’s net sales rose by 8%, reaching $1.82 billion. As the fast-food industry continues to thrive, investors closely monitor the performance of major chains.

In summary, these developments offer insights into the broader economic landscape. Retailers, tech companies, and fast-food chains must navigate challenges and seize opportunities to remain competitive in an ever-changing world.

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