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5 Things to Know Today (Oct. 1): Minimum Wage Hike, Cooler U.S. Inflation, Oil Below $100

  Thursday October 1, 2026 A new quarter, a higher minimum wage in Ontario and a softer inflation read south of the border. Here are the five things that matter to your wallet today. 1 Ontario's minimum wage rises to $17.95 today Ontario's general minimum wage climbs 35 cents, from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, as of October 1 — a roughly 2% bump tied to Ontario's CPI. The student rate goes to $16.90 (from $16.60) and the homeworker rate to $19.70. A full-time worker at 40 hours a week earns about $718 a week before deductions. Federally regulated workers already have an $18.15 floor, which has applied since April 1. What it means for you: If you pay anyone by the hour — a cleaner, a part-time helper, a seasonal worker — hours worked from today forward must be paid at no less than $17.95, even if the pay period started in September. Workers should check their next paycheque. 2 Cooler U.S. inflation eases the pressure on rate hikes The Fed's preferred inflation gauge came i...

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Tech Stocks Wobble as Micron’s Forecast Disappoints: Market Update

 

US stock futures retreated on Thursday after chipmaker Micron’s outlook put a dent in tech-rally hopes. Investors are closely watching fresh economic data ahead of an inflation reading key to Federal Reserve policy. Here are the key points:

  • Micron’s Impact: Micron’s sales forecast for the current quarter met expectations but failed to satisfy investors looking for stellar outperformance from AI-linked companies. As a result, Micron’s shares slid almost 6% in pre-market trading.

  • Tech Stocks: The bullishness around AI has helped lift the benchmark S&P 500 to a 15% gain this year. However, concerns are growing that the rally could be at risk if the handful of tech companies driving most of those gains stop topping already lofty expectations. Nvidia was down 1.6%, reviving worries of a return to the sell-off that rattled markets last week, as other AI chip stocks came under pressure.

  • Economic Data: Focus is also on updates on GDP and weekly jobless claims due before the market open. Additionally, the PCE inflation print on Friday will influence the Fed’s thinking on timing of interest-rate cuts.

  • Corporate Front: Levi Strauss shares sank over 15% in the wake of a second-quarter revenue miss for the jeans seller. Investors will look to Nike’s quarterly results after the bell for more clues to consumer resilience.

Remember to stay informed and keep an eye on market developments! 

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