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5 Things to Know Today: Inflation Data, a Tariff Countdown, and a Big Energy Deal

  August 17, 2026 Inflation data lands this morning, the clock on the U.S. tariff deadline is down to two days, and a long-running provincial energy dispute is about to be settled. Here's what's moving your money today. 1. Today's Inflation Report Could Set the Tone for September Statistics Canada releases July's Consumer Price Index this morning. Economists are expecting the annual rate to tick up to roughly 2.9%, from 2.8% in June, mainly because gasoline prices swung higher again in July after the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices back up. Core inflation measures, which the Bank of Canada watches most closely, aren't expected to move much. What it means for you: A hotter-than-expected print would make it less likely the Bank of Canada cuts rates at its September 2 meeting, which matters if you're renewing a variable-rate mortgage or carrying a line of credit. A softer number keeps a cut on the table. 2. The Tariff Deadline Is Two Days Away, and Talks Are...

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Canadian Inflation Climbs to 1.9% in January as Core Measures Edge Higher

 

Canada’s annual inflation rate in January rose modestly to 1.9%, up slightly from December’s 1.8% . The increase was largely driven by a surge in energy prices—especially gasoline and natural gas—which counterbalanced the downward pressure on prices provided by the recent GST/HST tax break on select goods ; additional details were outlined by Statistics Canada.

Core inflation measures, which exclude the more volatile food and energy components, also recorded an uptick. Both the CPI-median and CPI-trim indexes climbed to 2.7%, indicating persistent underlying price pressures despite headline inflation staying near the Bank of Canada’s target range of 1–3%.

Analysts suggest that while the tax holiday helped ease food price inflation—leading to declines in some categories—the rebound in energy costs has nudged overall inflation upward. With the temporary tax break now ended, economists will be closely monitoring upcoming data to determine if this modest rise is a temporary anomaly or a sign of more entrenched inflationary pressures.

By keeping a keen eye on core inflation metrics, policymakers and market watchers alike are preparing for future monetary decisions aimed at keeping inflation in check as new data emerges.


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