Skip to main content

Featured

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...

article

US Futures Rise as Dow Eyes Fresh Record Amid Bets on Trump

 

US stock futures climbed on Monday as investors weighed the market impact of a shooting attack on presidential candidate Donald Trump. The incident overshadowed the return of earnings season, but optimism remained high.

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) rose 0.5%: The blue-chip gauge ended last week just a few points away from an all-time high.
  • S&P 500 (ES=F) added 0.4%: Stocks poised to build on Friday’s gains as JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo ushered in earnings season.
  • Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) gained 0.5%: Tech-heavy stocks also contributed to the rally.

Investors focused on the potential fallout from the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally on Saturday. Bets ramped up on a win in November’s presidential election for the Republican front-runner, seen as likely to cut taxes, raise trade tariffs, and ease up on regulation.

Other notable points:

  • 10-year Treasury yield (^TNX) rose over 2 basis points to trade around 4.21%.
  • 30-year yield (^TYX) also gained, steepening the yield curve.
  • Dollar (DX=F) edged up, and bitcoin (BTC-USD) surged to a two-week high above $62,830 amid speculation around former President Trump.
  • Trump Media & Technology (DJT) stock soared over 50% in pre-market trading.

In corporate news:

  • Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) is reportedly in talks for a $23 billion deal to buy cybersecurity start-up Wiz.

Later today, investors will closely listen to Jerome Powell’s comments for hints on the Federal Reserve chair’s view of the latest data.


Comments