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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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US Dollar Suffers Largest Weekly Drop Since November 2023 Amid Tariff Uncertainty

The US dollar experienced its largest weekly decline since November 2023, driven by growing concerns over tariff policies. The currency dropped as much as 0.8% against a basket of currencies on Friday, before closing the week down 1.8%. This volatility was sparked by President Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting a softer stance on tariffs against China.

During an interview with Fox News, Trump mentioned that his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping was friendly and expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal. This uncertainty around trade policy has kept equity markets on edge, with the S&P 500 index down 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite shedding 0.5%.

Analysts warn that the dollar could rise again if US tariff and interest rate policies shift. However, for now, the market remains cautious as it navigates through the ongoing trade policy uncertainties.




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