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Premiers Split on Using Potash as a Trade Weapon — What It Means for Your Grocery Bill

  Published August 31, 2026 Canada's premiers can't agree on how far to take the trade war with the United States — and this week, the fight is over a grey mineral mined almost 2,000 kilometres from Ottawa: potash. The disagreement matters well beyond provincial politics. Potash is the "P" and "K" of fertilizer economics — a key ingredient in the blends that grow the wheat, canola, and corn that eventually show up as bread, canola oil, and everything fed to livestock. Canada supplies about 85% of the potash the U.S. uses, which is exactly why some premiers see it as leverage — and why others are warning that pulling that lever could backfire on the very provinces pushing for it. Ford wants to pull the lever. Moe and Smith are warning not to. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing for the toughest response available, including resource-based leverage. Saskatchewan's Scott Moe and Alberta's Danielle Smith are pumping the brakes, warning that squeezing po...

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Market Gains Amid Anticipation of Key Data and Big Tech Earnings

 

U.S. stock markets saw gains today as investors eagerly await crucial economic data and earnings reports from major technology companies. The Nasdaq Composite rose by approximately 0.7%, while the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average each increased by about 0.5%.

The market’s positive movement was partly driven by relief over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Israel’s limited retaliatory strikes on Iran focusing solely on military targets. This development led to a significant drop in oil prices, with Brent crude falling nearly 6% to around $71 a barrel.

Investors are particularly focused on the upcoming earnings reports from five of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants: Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. These reports are expected to provide insights into whether investments in artificial intelligence are translating into profits. Additionally, the market is bracing for key economic indicators, including the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge and the October jobs report, which could influence future interest rate decisions.

Overall, the anticipation of Big Tech earnings and critical economic data has set the stage for a potentially volatile week in the stock market.


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