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Markets Digest Hot U.S. Inflation as Iran Tensions Keep Oil Elevated

Publication:  moneysavings.ca / Canadian Money Brief  Date:  Tuesday, May 13, 2026 The TSX opens cautiously Wednesday after hotter-than-expected U.S. CPI data rattled Wall Street on Tuesday, while Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to lift energy stocks and pressure the loonie toward 1.35 against the greenback. TSX ~34,291 S&P 500 7,400.96 ▼0.16% WTI Oil ~$102/bbl ▲ Gold ~$4,721 USD/oz ▼ USD/CAD ~1.35 US CPI Apr 3.8% ▲ (est. 3.7%) Market Overview Canadian investors are starting Wednesday on a cautious note following a mixed session south of the border. U.S. equities dipped Tuesday after April's consumer price index came in at 3.8% — a touch above the 3.7% consensus forecast and the highest reading since May 2023 — while the core rate held at 2.8%, also above expectations. The data has effectively closed the door on any Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, with traders now pricing in a roughly 70% chance of a rate hike by April 2027. For Canadians, the ripple effects...
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The Safest Seats on an Airplane: Where Should You Sit?

 

When booking a flight, we often consider factors like legroom, convenience, and views. But what about safety? Which seats offer the best chance of survival in an emergency? Let’s explore the data.

Air Travel Safety

First, it’s essential to recognize that air travel is remarkably safe. In 2019, there were approximately 70 million flights globally, resulting in only 287 fatalities. The odds of dying in a plane crash are about 1 in 205,552, compared to 1 in 102 for car accidents.

The Myth of the Back Seats

Contrary to popular belief, sitting at the back of the plane isn’t necessarily the safest option. The infamous 1977 Tenerife disaster, where a KLM Boeing 747 collided with a Pan Am 747, showed that passengers at the front survived better than those at the rear. Luck, impact distribution, and proximity to exits all play a role.

The Data

A 35-year study by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) sheds light on seat safety. Here’s what it found:

  • Middle Seats at the Back: These have the lowest fatality rate at 28%.
  • Aisle Seats in the Middle: These are the second-safest, with a 44% fatality rate.
  • Middle Seats on Either Side of the Aisle: These are the riskiest, with a 44% fatality rate.

Why the Middle Seats?

The middle seats at the back offer better survival odds because they benefit from the buffer provided by having people on either side. Additionally, sitting next to an exit row provides a faster escape route, assuming no fire blocks the way. Avoiding the front and wings (where fuel is stored) is also wise.

Remember, though, the chances of a plane crash are incredibly low. So, when you choose your seat, balance comfort, views, and safety. 


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