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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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Stock Futures Point to Continued Record-Setting Run on Wall Street

                                        

In a bullish start to the day, US stock futures are indicating a higher open as Wall Street aims to extend its record-setting run. Here are the key points:

  1. Futures on the S&P 500 (symbol: ^GSPC) have risen nearly 0.4%.
  2. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (symbol: ^DJI) are up by about 0.2%.
  3. Nasdaq Composite futures (symbol: ^IXIC) lead the way, rising approximately 0.5%.

Despite a brief pause in the rally on Monday, where all three major indexes dipped slightly, the overall mood remains bullish. Notably, Oppenheimer Asset Management strategist John Stoltzfus has raised his 2024 S&P 500 price target to a Street-high 5,500.

Economic data is in focus today, with readings on durable goods orders and US consumer confidence due. Additionally, the Case-Shiller home price index will be released. However, the main event awaits us on Friday when the government will publish the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (core PCE growth)—the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation pace.

In company news, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (symbol: DJT) is making its Wall Street debut after merging with Digital World Acquisition Corp. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. have surged as much as 20% in premarket trading.

Stay tuned for more market updates as the week unfolds.

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