Skip to main content

Featured

Gas Prices Are Spiking Again — Here's How to Protect Your Wallet as the Iran Conflict Escalates

  Published July 20, 2026 If it feels like you're filling up more often for the same money lately, you're not imagining it. Oil markets jolted higher to start the week, and Canadian drivers are almost certain to see it at the pump in the next few days. What just happened Brent crude — the global benchmark that drives Canadian gas pricing — jumped nearly 4% on Monday to trade above US$90 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$84. The move came after the United States and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, including strikes on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and an attack on an oil facility in Kuwait. That strait matters enormously to your gas bill: roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through it. When shipping through it slows or stalls, traders price in a "risk premium" almost immediately — and that shows up at Canadian pumps within days, not weeks. What it mea...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Stock Market Today: Dow Nears 40,000 as Stocks Regroup Near Record Highs


US stocks remained relatively unchanged on Thursday following a record-setting rally. Signs of cooling inflation have fueled expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Market Performance:

    • The S&P 500 (^GSPC) edged slightly higher after closing above 5,300 for the first time.
    • The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) were trading near the flatline.
    • All three major indices ended Wednesday at all-time highs, leaving the Dow less than 100 points away from breaking through the 40,000 mark.

  2. Inflation and Rate Cut Speculation:

    • April’s tepid consumer inflation reading brought relief to a market anticipating higher interest rates. Trader bets on a Fed rate cut in September rose to over 70%, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
    • Investors also turned to bonds, pushing the 10-year Treasury yield (^TNX) down to near one-month lows at around 4.33%.

  3. Corporate News:

    • Walmart (WMT) posted better-than-expected quarterly profit, revenue, and same-store sales. The US retail giant’s shares surged over 5% as it raised its full-year forecasts.
    • Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BKR-B) revealed a $6.7 billion stake in Chubb (CB), ending months of suspense over a position kept concealed in regulatory filings. Chubb’s shares climbed about 8%.

  4. Insights from Walmart’s CFO:

    • Walmart’s CFO, John David Rainey, highlighted deflation in certain product categories but not disinflation. Sales in May started strong, benefiting from investments in same-day delivery and buy online, pick up in stores technology.
    • Walmart’s market cap crossed the $500 billion level.

In summary, the stock market remains resilient, with investors closely monitoring inflation trends and anticipating further Fed actions. The Dow’s march toward 40,000 continues, fueled by positive corporate earnings and strategic investments.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment