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Macklem Just Raised the Inflation Alarm: What Monday’s CPI Means for Your Wallet

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Sunday, October 18, 2026  |  Written ahead of Monday’s 8:30 am ET inflation release Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has just told Canadians what the central bank is about to say on October 28: its inflation forecast is going up, and by a lot. The reason is oil. With the Middle East conflict dragging on, shipments still curtailed and refinery capacity damaged, he said the risk that inflation broadens and lingers has gone up. Speaking to reporters from Bangkok on Saturday, he framed the coming decision as a simple question: will inflation drift back toward 2% on its own, or does the Bank need to raise rates to nudge it there? Monday is the first real clue. Here is what is landing, what economists expect, and what it could mean for your gas bill, your grocery cart, your heating costs and your mortgage. 3.0% August CPI, year over year 3.2% September consensus (Reuters poll) 2.25% BoC policy rate, unchanged for nearly a year Oct 28 Rat...

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Tariff Tensions Shake Premarket as Inflation Data Looms

                                         

U.S. futures are exhibiting notable jitters in premarket trading following President Trump’s latest warning on imposing additional tariffs on countries that levy duties on U.S. imports. The renewed threat is adding to an already volatile atmosphere, with investors bracing for the imminent release of key inflation data later this morning.

Market participants are expressing heightened caution as the tariff threat intensifies trade policy uncertainty. “The prospect of extra tariffs not only disrupts global supply chains but also compounds inflationary pressures,” said one market strategist. Many fear that protectionist measures could fuel higher consumer prices, especially in sectors already under pressure from rising costs.

U.S. futures for major indices—the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq—are showing mixed movements as traders weigh the potential economic fallout. The dollar has strengthened modestly, reflecting a flight to safety amid concerns over policy unpredictability and persistent inflation. Investors are closely watching upcoming economic reports, including the Producer Price Index, which could offer further insights into the inflationary trend.

With President Trump signaling that any country imposing duties on U.S. goods might face reciprocal tariffs, experts warn that such measures could trigger a broader trade war. This would not only escalate global economic tensions but also undermine the Federal Reserve’s efforts to maintain price stability. For now, traders remain alert, anticipating that the forthcoming inflation data could significantly influence both market sentiment and future monetary policy decisions.

As uncertainty persists, analysts advise investors to proceed with caution and keep a close eye on how these policy moves, alongside the inflation readings, may shape the trading day ahead.

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