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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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Trump and Zelensky to Sign Landmark Minerals Deal at White House

In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet at the White House today to finalize a minerals deal. The agreement aims to grant the United States access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in exchange for American investment and potential security guarantees for Kyiv.

The deal is seen as a strategic win for both leaders. For Trump, it represents an opportunity to secure valuable resources and potentially reimburse American taxpayers for the substantial military aid provided to Ukraine. For Zelensky, the agreement could bolster Ukraine's economy and strengthen its security amid ongoing tensions with Russia.

However, the deal is not without controversy. Critics argue that the actual mineral wealth in Ukraine is uncertain and that much of it lies in war-torn regions, making extraction challenging. Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of clear security guarantees in the current framework of the agreement.

As the two leaders prepare to sign the deal, the world watches closely, anticipating the potential geopolitical and economic impacts of this landmark agreement.

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