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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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Market Cautious as Jobs Data Looms

                                           

US stock futures retreated today as investors cautiously weighed rate-cut odds ahead of crucial jobs data.

 Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) and S&P 500 futures (ES=F) both fell roughly 0.4%, while tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures (NQ=F) were down about 0.6%. 

The market is playing it safe in a week dominated by Friday’s June jobs report, and doubts are creeping in about stocks maintaining their first-half rally. Investors are also closely watching political risk, speculating on what a Trump election win could mean for markets. 

Jerome Powell’s speech and weekly job openings data will further shape expectations for interest-rate cuts.


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