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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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Markets Defy Drama: Stocks Rally Despite Trump-Zelensky Tensions

                                               

In a surprising turn of events, the stock market closed on a high note despite a tumultuous day in Washington. The Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky erupted into a heated exchange, leaving investors on edge. The confrontation, which was widely covered by the media, added uncertainty to an already volatile market environment.

Despite the geopolitical drama, major indices managed to stage a late-session rally. The S&P 500 climbed 1.6%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.6%. Analysts attributed the rebound to encouraging economic data, including a slowdown in inflation as indicated by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index.

While the public spat between the two leaders initially sent shockwaves through the market, investors seemed to regain confidence as the session progressed. The resilience of the market underscores its ability to weather political turbulence, even as questions linger about the broader implications of the Oval Office showdown. 

The day’s events serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between politics and market sentiment, highlighting the importance of staying informed and adaptable in an unpredictable economic landscape.

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