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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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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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