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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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Dow Set to Build on Rally as Major Week for Markets Begins

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is poised to continue its upward momentum as a significant week for the markets kicks off. U.S. stock futures rose on Monday, with Dow futures up approximately 0.4%, following a surge of over 650 points last week. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures also showed gains of 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively.

Investors are gearing up for a busy week filled with key events, including a Federal Reserve rate decision, the July nonfarm payrolls report, and earnings reports from major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. The market’s recent rally was bolstered by a promising inflation reading, which has strengthened bets for future interest-rate cuts.

Despite the positive outlook, the market remains cautious after a volatile period marked by a significant tech sell-off. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold off on any rate changes at its meeting on Wednesday, with many analysts predicting that any action will be delayed until September. The upcoming jobs report on Friday is anticipated to reveal potential weaknesses in the labor market, which could influence the timing and extent of future rate cuts.

As investors await these crucial updates, over 150 members of the S&P 500 are set to release their quarterly results, starting with McDonald’s on Monday. This week promises to be a pivotal one for the markets, with potential surprises that could test the resilience of the current rally.


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