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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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Amazon Prime Day Sales Projected to Reach $14 Billion: A Shopping Extravaganza

 

Shoppers are gearing up for Amazon’s annual Prime Day, a two-day shopping event that’s expected to break records. According to projections from Adobe Analytics, a firm specializing in e-commerce transaction data, consumers are likely to spend approximately $14 billion during this year’s Prime Day.

What to Expect:

  • Date: Prime Day typically takes place in July, but this year, Amazon shifted it by five days on the calendar.
  • Sales Momentum: Day 1 of Prime Day 2023 already set a sales record, although Amazon doesn’t disclose total figures. Last year, shoppers spent $12.7 billion during Prime Day, a 6.1% increase from the previous year.
  • Back-to-School Bargains: Prime Day has become a season for savvy shoppers seeking deals on back-to-school essentials like clothing, electronics, and dorm supplies.
  • Competition: Rivals like Walmart and Target are launching their own July discounts to compete with Amazon’s shopping extravaganza.
  • Consumer Behavior: After years of high inflation, shoppers are now more willing to spend, using Prime Day as an opportunity to shop for back-to-school items.

In summary, Prime Day isn’t just about discounts; it’s a retail phenomenon that transforms July into a bargain-hunting season. As consumers flock to Amazon, other retailers are vying for a slice of the $38.8 billion projected to be spent on back-to-school merchandise this summer. So, get ready to click and save during this shopping bonanza! 

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