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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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S&P 500 and Nasdaq Futures Steady Near Record Highs

US stock futures are holding near record-high levels as Wall Street remains bullish. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Tech-Fueled Rally Continues:

    • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have been on a tear, driven by a tech-fueled rally.
    • Evercore ISI raised its year-end price target for the S&P 500 to 6,000, while Goldman Sachs increased its target to 5,600.
    • Last week, the S&P 500 crossed the 5,400 level for the first time.
  2. Market Catalysts:

    • After last week’s double dose of inflation reports and the Federal Reserve meeting, fewer catalysts are expected this week.
    • Wednesday’s retail sales report will provide insight into the health of the US consumer.
    • Fed policymakers may continue discussing rate cuts; Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari hinted at a possible December rate cut.
  3. Nasdaq’s “Perfect” Week:

    • The Nasdaq Composite achieved a fifth-straight record close last Friday.
    • Futures tied to the Nasdaq gained around 0.1%.
  4. Dow Jones Industrial Average:

    • Dow futures lost about 0.2%.

In summary, Wall Street remains optimistic, but investors are closely watching economic data and Fed decisions. Stay tuned for further updates!


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