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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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Anticipation Builds on Wall Street as Federal Reserve Meeting Nears

 


In a climate of cautious optimism, Wall Street experienced a modest rise in early trading on Monday. Investors are keenly awaiting the outcome of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, which is expected to provide critical cues on the future of monetary policy and interest rates.

The S&P 500 futures saw a 0.7% increase, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures edged up slightly. This uptick comes amidst a broader context of fluctuating tech stocks and a recovering Nasdaq, spurred by Nvidia’s commencement of its AI conference.

The financial community is abuzz with speculation, as the Federal Reserve is anticipated to maintain borrowing costs steady. The central bank’s decision will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the U.S. economy, which has been grappling with inflation rates that soared as high as 9.1% in 2022.

As the week progresses, all eyes will be on the Federal Reserve, with investors hoping for signals that could confirm a rate cut in June. The outcome of this meeting could either fuel the rally that began in October or further stall the market’s momentum.

In Europe, markets have shown a slight increase, with Germany’s DAX adding 0.3% and both the FTSE 100 in London and the CAC 40 in Paris edging 0.2% higher. Meanwhile, Asian markets have also advanced, with the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo making a significant leap.

The anticipation is palpable as the world waits to see how the Federal Reserve will steer the course of the U.S. economy amidst ongoing inflation concerns and a complex global financial landscape.

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