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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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Meta’s AI Investment Causes Market Stir


In a bold move that sent shockwaves through the stock market, Meta Platforms Inc. announced plans to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The Facebook and Instagram owner revealed that expenses for 2024 could soar as high as $40 billion, a figure that far exceeds market expectations.

Market Reaction Investors responded swiftly to the news, resulting in a staggering $200 billion loss in Meta’s market value within just a few hours. The company’s shares plummeted nearly 15%, as the market grappled with the implications of the tech giant’s aggressive spending strategy.

Long-Term Vision Despite the immediate financial impact, Meta’s leadership is focused on the long-term potential of AI. The company is betting big on the technology, hoping that the substantial investments will eventually translate into significant revenue growth.

Investor Concerns However, the announcement has raised concerns among investors about the timeline for these investments to bear fruit. With rising costs and an uncertain return on investment, there is growing skepticism about how long it will take for Meta’s AI initiatives to contribute positively to its bottom line.

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