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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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US Stocks Waver Amid Rate Cut Speculation



As the financial world turns its gaze towards the Federal Reserve, US stocks have shown a slight decline. Investors are eagerly anticipating a speech from Jerome Powell, the Fed Chair, which could provide hints on the future of interest rates. The S&P 500 has seen a minor dip, while the Dow Jones remains unsteady. The Nasdaq, largely influenced by tech, has taken a more significant hit after a collective downturn.

The market’s early-year rally has been dampened by strong economic indicators, which have lessened the likelihood of the anticipated three Fed rate cuts. The Atlanta Fed’s Raphael Bostic predicts the first rate reduction might not occur until the year’s final quarter.

Amidst these developments, all eyes are on the outcome of Disney’s proxy fight with Nelson Peltz, as well as the impact of a major earthquake on TSMC’s operations, a key supplier to tech giants like Apple and Nvidia. Intel’s shares have also dropped following a report of increased operating losses. The financial community is on alert, waiting for signals that could steer the economic course.

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