Skip to main content

Featured

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...

article

U.S. Stock Market Rallies as Dow Streaks and S&P 500 Surges


The U.S. stock market experienced a significant upswing today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average extending its winning streak to seven consecutive trading sessions. The S&P 500 also made a notable climb, moving back above the 5,200 mark for the first time since early April. This positive momentum is largely attributed to signs of a cooling labor market, which has fueled investor optimism for a potential rate cut by the Federal Reserve in the coming months.

  • Dow’s Winning Streak: The Dow rose by approximately 0.9%, marking its seventh day of gains.
  • S&P 500’s Climb: The S&P 500 gained 0.5%, breaching the 5,200 level once again.
  • Labor Market’s Influence: Initial weekly jobless claims increased, suggesting a slowing job market and raising hopes for a Fed rate cut.
  • Sector Performance: Real Estate and Utilities led the sectors, while Technology and Communications Services lagged behind.

Investors are closely monitoring the labor market and other economic indicators to gauge the Federal Reserve’s next moves, which could have significant implications for the stock market’s trajectory in the near future.

Comments