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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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May Housing Market: Sales Decline Amid Record High Prices

 

In May, sales of previously owned homes declined for the third consecutive month as prices hit an all-time high. Year-over-year sales were down by 2.8%¹. The median home price in the US reached $419,300, contributing to the slowdown in home sales due to elevated interest rates. 

Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), expressed surprise at the lack of a spring recovery. Only the Midwest saw an increase in home sales, while other regions remained flat or experienced monthly declines. Despite the market's softer conditions, homes still received multiple offers, and first-time buyers' share of purchases surpassed 30% for the second straight month³. It's a complex market situation, but I hope this summary sheds some light on the current trends! 




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