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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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Stock Futures Signal Sustained Rally Amid Positive Market Sentiment

 


In a promising start to the day, stock futures have edged higher, indicating that the recent market rally is not only holding but set to continue. Investors appear to be riding a wave of optimism as earnings season progresses, with several key companies reporting better-than-expected results.

The upbeat mood in the market is further bolstered by the performance of international markets and the sales of blockbuster drugs, which have led companies like Novartis to raise their guidance. This positive outlook is reflected in the pre-market gains across major indices, suggesting a robust opening for the trading day.

Despite some concerns over inflation and interest rate hikes, the overall sentiment remains bullish. Market analysts are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve’s signals, which could impact the trajectory of the rally. However, for now, the green arrows in the futures markets are pointing to a continuation of the upward trend that has characterized the past sessions.

As the market opens, all eyes will be on the performance of the stocks that have been the drivers of the rally, with investors hoping that the momentum will carry through to secure another day of gains.

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