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5 Things to Know Today: Inflation Data, a Tariff Countdown, and a Big Energy Deal

  August 17, 2026 Inflation data lands this morning, the clock on the U.S. tariff deadline is down to two days, and a long-running provincial energy dispute is about to be settled. Here's what's moving your money today. 1. Today's Inflation Report Could Set the Tone for September Statistics Canada releases July's Consumer Price Index this morning. Economists are expecting the annual rate to tick up to roughly 2.9%, from 2.8% in June, mainly because gasoline prices swung higher again in July after the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices back up. Core inflation measures, which the Bank of Canada watches most closely, aren't expected to move much. What it means for you: A hotter-than-expected print would make it less likely the Bank of Canada cuts rates at its September 2 meeting, which matters if you're renewing a variable-rate mortgage or carrying a line of credit. A softer number keeps a cut on the table. 2. The Tariff Deadline Is Two Days Away, and Talks Are...

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GameStop Soars Amid Meme Frenzy, Dow Snaps Winning Streak

US stocks experienced a mixed session on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average snapping its impressive eight-day winning streak. Meanwhile, meme stocks made a comeback, led by GameStop (GME), which saw a significant surge. Here’s a summary of the key market movements:

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI)

  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) closed down 0.2%, ending its eight-day winning streak.
  • Investors largely adopted a wait-and-see approach, with attention focused on an upcoming inflation report that could signal potential interest rate cuts.

GameStop (GME) and the Meme Stock Rally

  • GameStop shares jumped a remarkable 74%, adding to the recent run-up for the video game retailer.
  • The resurgence in GameStop’s stock price was triggered by the return of “Roaring Kitty,” the retail trader who played a pivotal role in the 2021 meme stock craze. Keith Gill, known as “Roaring Kitty,” had been bullish on GameStop and contributed to the stock’s meteoric rise last year.
  • Other meme stocks also rallied, including AMC Entertainment (AMC), Tupperware Brands (TUP), and BlackBerry (BB).

Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and S&P 500 (GSPC)

  • The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) moved up approximately 0.2%.
  • The S&P 500 (^GSPC) closed just below the flatline.

Market Sentiment and Economic Factors

  • Stocks have rebounded strongly in May, driven by better-than-expected earnings and renewed optimism regarding Federal Reserve monetary policy.
  • The Dow had notched eight consecutive daily wins before today, although the lack of significant economic releases likely played a part.
  • Recent inflation data has made investors more cautious, as they increasingly factor in the possibility of no interest rate hikes despite rising prices.

In summary, while the Dow’s winning streak came to an end, meme stocks stole the spotlight once again. Keep an eye on upcoming economic reports and central bank decisions as they continue to shape market sentiment.

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