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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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Stock Market Today: World Shares Mostly Advance After Wall St Comeback from Worst Loss Since 2022

Shares were mostly higher in Asia and Europe on Friday following a patchy comeback by Wall Street from its worst loss since 2022. Here are the key highlights:

  • Asia:
    • Tokyo: The Nikkei 225 index initially gained but later slipped 0.5% to 37,667.41. Tokyo’s core consumer price index rose 2.2% in July, adding to expectations that the Bank of Japan may raise its near-zero benchmark interest rate.
    • Hong Kong: The Hang Seng edged 0.2% higher.
    • Shanghai: The Composite index edged 0.1% lower.
    • Seoul: The Kospi surged 0.9%.
    • Taiwan: The Taiex sank 3.3% after reopening following a typhoon-related closure.
  • Europe:
    • Germany: The DAX edged 0.2% higher.
    • France: The CAC 40 rose 0.8%.
  • U.S. Futures and Oil Prices:
    • U.S. futures and oil prices also saw gains.

The split performance on Wall Street saw general stocks and other previously downtrodden areas rise, while Big Tech stocks gave back some of their recent gains. Overall, markets remain volatile, influenced by global economic conditions and investor sentiment.

Remember to stay informed and consider professional advice when making investment decisions. 


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