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5 Things to Know Today: CPI Day, BoC Hike Odds & Oil Near US$108 (Oct. 19)

  Canadian Money Brief • Monday, October 19, 2026 Inflation numbers, a nervous Bank of Canada, a rising oil price and a tech selloff: it is a busy Monday for your wallet. Here are the five things worth knowing before you start your week. 1. Canada's September inflation report lands at 8:30 a.m. ET Statistics Canada releases September CPI this morning. A Reuters poll of economists expects annual inflation to have accelerated to 3.2% from 3.0% in August, with prices up about 0.2% on the month. Not everyone agrees: RBC is looking for inflation to hold at 3.0% for a third straight month. The Bank of Canada also publishes its quarterly business and consumer surveys today, which show whether firms plan to pass higher costs on to customers. This is the Bank's last look at price data before its Oct. 28 decision. What it means for you: A hotter-than-expected print makes a rate hike more likely, which would push up variable-rate mortgage and HELOC costs and could lift fixed-rate pricing...

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Walmart Revamps In-Store Experience: Self-Checkout Machines to be Phased Out

 

In a significant shift in retail operations, Walmart has announced the removal of self-checkout machines from select stores, aiming to enhance the customer shopping experience. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to provide more personalized service and efficient assistance through human cashiers.

Key Changes:

  • Self-Checkout Removal: Two Walmart stores, one in St. Louis and another in Cleveland, are set to eliminate self-checkout machines within two weeks.
  • Customer Service Focus: The move is intended to improve in-store shopping and offer customers more personalized service.
  • Industry Trend: Walmart follows other retailers like Target and Dollar General in reducing reliance on self-service checkout due to theft concerns and customer feedback.

Impact on Shoppers: Shoppers can expect a more traditional checkout experience with staff assistance, potentially reducing theft and errors associated with self-service machines. The change also reflects Walmart’s commitment to addressing customer needs and enhancing the overall shopping environment.

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