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Gas Prices Are Finally Falling in Canada — Here's How Much You're Saving and What Comes Next

After weeks of painful price spikes driven by the U.S.-Iran conflict, Canadians are finally catching a break at the pump. The national average gas price dropped to 169.1 cents per litre on Monday, April 20 — down from a peak near 198 cents — as two things happened at once: Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, and Prime Minister Mark Carney's federal fuel excise tax suspension came into effect. National Average 169.1¢/L ▼ Down from ~198¢/L peak Gas savings (excise tax) 10¢/L off gasoline until Sept. 7 Diesel savings 4¢/L off diesel until Sept. 7 WTI Crude (current) ~$87 ▼ Down from $120 peak What just happened — and why Since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in late February, Brent crude surged more than 55%, briefly topping $120 a barrel — the largest oil supply shock in the history of global markets, according to the Interna...

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Stocks Hit by Inflation Woes: ECB Meeting and Market Turbulence

 


Global markets are on edge as investors grapple with inflation concerns. Here’s a snapshot of recent events:

  1. ECB Meeting: Traders are closely monitoring the European Central Bank (ECB) meeting. Stubborn U.S. inflation numbers triggered a significant global market selloff, leaving Japan’s yen at a 34-year low. The ECB’s decision could set the tone for further market movements.

  2. U.S. Stocks: Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 slipped around 0.3%, following a recent rout. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 also dipped about 0.2%. Investors are recalibrating expectations for Federal Reserve policy, with the market now pricing in just two rate cuts in 2024. Some analysts even speculate that no cuts or a hike may be possible, depending on economic data.

  3. Bond Yields: The 10-year Treasury yield steadied after surging to its highest level since November. The focus now shifts to the Producer Price Index reading to gauge wholesale inflation’s impact on Fed decisions.

  4. Oil Prices: Rising oil prices remain a headwind. Crude futures, near six-month highs, hover around $86 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate and above $90 for Brent. Geopolitical tensions, including concerns about a potential Iran-Israel conflict, contribute to the volatility.

  5. Corporate Earnings: As first-quarter corporate results trickle in, investors await updates from major banks like JPMorgan. High borrowing costs continue to be a concern, but positive earnings reports could provide momentum to stocks.

In this dynamic landscape, market participants keep a close eye on central bank actions, inflation data, and geopolitical developments. Buckle up for a roller-coaster ride as uncertainty prevails in the financial world.

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