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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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Bitcoin Hovers Near All-Time Peak as Crypto Draws Record Inflows

 

Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is experiencing a remarkable surge, propelled by an unprecedented influx of capital into crypto products and the anticipation of a reduction in the digital token’s supply growth. On Monday, it reached an all-time peak of nearly $72,881, and as of Tuesday morning in Singapore, it was trading at $72,165.

Here are the key highlights:

  1. Record Inflows: Last week, a staggering $2.7 billion flowed into crypto assets, with the majority directed toward Bitcoin. This surge in investment reflects growing interest from institutional players and retail investors alike.

  2. Spot Bitcoin ETFs: The success of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) launched in the US on January 11 has been a driving force behind recent momentum. ETFs from BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments have collectively attracted a net inflow of approximately $9.5 billion so far. Additionally, the London Stock Exchange now accepts applications for Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded notes, while Thailand’s securities regulator signals openness to overseas crypto ETFs for retail buyers.

  3. Institutional Adoption: Ophelia Snyder, co-founder and president of 21Shares, notes that institutional adoption is still in its early stages in the US. Not all institutions and wire houses have access to Bitcoin, but the landscape is evolving as more players enter the market.

  4. Market Outlook: Analysts suggest further gains may be on the horizon. Tony Sycamore from IG Australia Pty predicts Bitcoin could push toward $80,000 in the coming months, while technical analyst Katie Stockton of Fairlead Strategies LLC also sees this level as achievable in the medium term.

As Bitcoin continues its ascent, the crypto market remains dynamic and full of potential. Investors and enthusiasts alike are closely monitoring developments, and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming halving event scheduled for April 20 adds to the excitement.

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