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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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Bank of Canada Slashes Rates by 50 Basis Points as Inflation Stabilizes

The Bank of Canada (BoC) has made a significant move by cutting its key interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing the overnight rate down to 3.75%. This decision, announced on October 23, 2024, marks the central bank’s fourth consecutive rate cut since June.

The BoC’s aggressive rate cuts come as inflation has returned to target levels, providing the central bank with the confidence to ease monetary policy further. Governor Tiff Macklem emphasized that the rate cut aims to support economic growth and ensure that inflation remains within the desired range.

Economists had widely anticipated this move, given the recent trends in economic data and the central bank’s commitment to maintaining price stability. The BoC’s decision reflects its proactive approach to managing the economy amid global uncertainties and domestic challenges.

With this latest rate cut, the Bank of Canada continues to navigate the delicate balance between fostering economic growth and keeping inflation in check. The central bank’s actions will be closely watched as they impact borrowing costs, consumer spending, and overall economic activity in the coming months.


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