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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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US Futures Rise as Inflation Report Anticipation Grows

As the US stock market opens today, investors are greeted with a slight uptick in futures, signaling a cautious optimism. The focus is now shifting towards the upcoming inflation report, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the Federal Reserve’s decision-making process regarding interest rate adjustments.

  • Market Movement: S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are all experiencing modest gains, with the Dow coming off its best week of the year.
  • Inflation Expectations: The market is on edge with the Consumer Price Index update for April looming, which could indicate whether inflation remains persistent into Q2.
  • GameStop Surge: Shares of GameStop soared nearly 40% in pre-market trading, reigniting interest in meme stocks, partly due to the return of “Roaring Kitty,” a key figure in the 2021 meme stock phenomenon.
  • Netflix’s Rebound: Analysts attribute Netflix’s recent 12% rally to a combination of factors, including strategic decisions and anticipation for their upcoming Upfront presentation.

Investors are now bracing for a week filled with economic releases that could serve as significant catalysts for the market’s direction. The anticipation is palpable, with many hoping for signs of a faster inflation descent that could set the stage for potential rate cuts later this year.

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