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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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Stocks Rally on Softer Inflation and Strong Earning

                                     

U.S. stocks surged in premarket trading today following softer-than-expected inflation data and upbeat fourth-quarter earnings reports from major companies.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, rose by 3.2% in December, below forecasts for a 3.3% annual increase. This news has raised hopes for a potential second rate cut by the Federal Reserve this year.

Investors were also buoyed by strong earnings reports from leading financial institutions. JPMorgan Chase reported its highest annual profit on record, while BlackRock and Goldman Sachs posted impressive quarterly results.

The positive sentiment was reflected in the stock market, with U.S. stock index futures soaring by 1.5-1.7%. The dollar fell by 0.5% against a basket of major currencies, and U.S. Treasury yields dropped 8.6 basis points to 4.704%.

Market analysts believe that the combination of lower inflation and robust corporate earnings could provide a much-needed boost to investor confidence and market stability.



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