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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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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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