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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...

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US Futures Rise After CPI Data, Fed Signals

 

Investors are closely watching the stock market today as US futures tiptoe higher following the release of the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. The Federal Reserve’s looming decision on interest rates adds to the anticipation.

Key Points:

  • CPI Snapshot: Economists expect the month-over-month Core CPI to have risen, providing insight into inflation trends.
  • Fed’s Stance: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled that rate cuts are coming, despite inflation ticking up in February.
  • Market Reaction: S&P 500 futures climbed 0.3%, Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.6%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gained 0.2%.
  • Gold Surges: The gold price surpassed $2,200 an ounce for the first time.
  • Micron Technology Soars: Micron Technology shares surged as much as 18% in premarket trading due to strong demand from AI companies.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Fed’s double whammy—CPI and interest rate decisions—unfolds.


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