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5 Things to Know Today: G7 Oil Release, Pipeline Fast-Track and Ontario's N1 Deadline (Oct. 3)

  Canadian Money Brief • Saturday, October 3, 2026 Markets are closed for the weekend, so here is what moved on Friday and what it means for your wallet as the week turns. Five things worth knowing today. 1. The G7 Is Releasing 100 Million Barrels of Oil and Fuel G7 leaders, Canada included, agreed Friday to release 100 million barrels of crude and refined products from emergency reserves over the next four months, with a front-loaded diesel release in the first 20 days. Washington had been pressing allies to act as fuel prices climbed. Oil barely budged on the news: Brent settled at US$102.25 a barrel and WTI at US$91.11, down US$1.76. Analysts noted it is not yet clear whether the 100 million barrels is new supply or the tail end of the release pledged in March. What it means for you: Diesel comes first, which matters more for freight and grocery costs than for your gas tank. With Brent still around US$100, do not count on a quick drop at the pump. 2. A Weak U.S. Jobs Report Shi...
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Market Turmoil as U.S. Consumer Confidence Plummets

In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. consumer confidence experienced its steepest decline in three and a half years, sending shockwaves through the stock market. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 98.3 in February, down from 105.3 in January. This seven-point drop marks the largest single-month decline since August 2021.

The decline in consumer confidence has been attributed to a mix of factors, including rising inflation, concerns over tariffs, and uncertainty surrounding the policies of President Donald Trump. Stephanie Guichard, senior economist for Global Indicators at The Conference Board, noted that consumers became increasingly pessimistic about future business conditions and less optimistic about future income.

The impact of this decline was felt across the stock market, with major indices experiencing significant losses. The Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 1.4%, while the S&P 500 shed 0.5%. Investors are now closely watching upcoming economic data releases, particularly Friday's inflation report, for further insights into the state of the U.S. economy.

As consumer confidence wanes, the outlook for the U.S. economy remains uncertain. The potential for a recession looms large, with the Conference Board's expectations index dropping below the threshold that typically signals a recession ahead. For now, both consumers and investors are left grappling with the implications of this sudden shift in sentiment.


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