Skip to main content

Featured

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...

article

Market Jitters: U.S. Futures Slide Amid Tariff Worries, Tesla Takes a Hit

              

U.S. stock index futures experienced a decline on Monday as concerns over ongoing tariff disputes continued to weigh on investor sentiment. At 7:16 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis dropped 389 points (0.91%), S&P 500 E-minis fell 61 points (1.06%), and Nasdaq 100 E-minis slid 242 points (1.21%). The uncertainty surrounding trade policies, particularly between the U.S., China, and Canada, has fueled fears of a potential economic slowdown.

Mega-cap growth stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, with Nvidia, Meta, and Amazon.com all seeing premarket declines of over 1.3%. Tesla shares fell 2.4% after UBS lowered its forecast for the automaker's first-quarter deliveries and reduced its price target for the stock.

The broader market also reflected investor caution. Futures tied to the small-cap Russell 2000 index dropped 0.9%, while Treasury bonds saw increased demand as a safe-haven asset. Banking stocks, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, also faced declines, with the broader banks index down over 8% for March.

Adding to the unease, China's retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. imports took effect on Monday, with additional U.S. tariffs on base metals expected later in the week. Investors are closely monitoring these developments, along with upcoming data on inflation, job openings, and consumer confidence, which could provide further insights into the health of the economy.

Tesla's decline highlights the challenges faced by the electric vehicle maker amid bearish forecasts and broader market volatility. The company's stock has been under pressure due to concerns over demand and pricing strategies.



Comments