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Wall Street Futures Climb as TSMC’s Record Earnings Outshine Trade Tensions

U.S. stock futures edged higher on Thursday, lifted by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) blockbuster third-quarter results, which reassured investors amid renewed U.S.-China trade frictions. TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, reported revenue of $33.1 billion , up more than 30% year-over-year , with profits surging nearly 39% thanks to booming demand for artificial intelligence chips. The company also raised its full-year outlook, signaling confidence that AI-driven growth will continue to fuel the semiconductor sector. The upbeat earnings rippled across Wall Street: Nasdaq 100 futures rose about 0.6% , buoyed by gains in AI-linked stocks like Nvidia. S&P 500 futures advanced roughly 0.5% , while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 0.3% , despite its smaller tech weighting. These gains came even as escalating U.S.-China trade tensions injected fresh uncertainty into global markets. Washington and Beijing have recently exchanged new t...

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Gas Prices in Ontario Surge to Highest Level Since August 2022

 

As the days grow warmer and people hit the roads for summer adventures, there’s one thing that’s not so hot: gas prices. Across Ontario, the price per litre of gasoline is expected to rise to approximately $1.79 this week, marking the highest gas price since August 2022. Here’s what’s fueling this surge:

  1. Carbon Tax Increase: The recent carbon tax hike is contributing to the rise in gas prices. As governments aim to reduce emissions, consumers are paying more at the pump.

  2. Geopolitical Tensions: Unrest in the Middle East has a ripple effect on oil prices. When tensions rise, so do the costs of crude oil, which directly impacts gas prices.

  3. Seasonal Fuel Blend Change: Semi-annually, the switch-over from winter to summer gasoline occurs. Summer blends are costlier due to chemical differences. While winter blends use butane for better ignition in cold weather, summer blends incorporate expensive alkylates to minimize environmental damage.

Energy analyst Dan McTeague predicts that gas prices will continue to climb throughout the summer, with the May 24 weekend marking the kickoff of high demand. Severe weather events and geopolitical factors also play a role in oil prices. However, McTeague suggests that consumers in the Greater Toronto Area explore nearby locations for slightly cheaper gas, as some stations have more competitive prices.

So, as you fill up your tank this summer, keep an eye on the rising numbers at the pump. And remember, while gas prices may be out of our control, our choices can still make a difference. 


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