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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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China Calls for Dialogue Amid Market Turmoil Following US Tariffs

China has responded to the recent market upheaval caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, stating that "the market has spoken" in rejecting the trade measures. The tariffs, which include a 34% levy on Chinese goods, have escalated tensions between the world's two largest economies. In retaliation, China imposed similar tariffs on U.S. goods and introduced export restrictions on rare earth materials.

The global stock markets reacted sharply, with significant losses marking the biggest downturn since the pandemic. The S&P 500, for instance, dropped by 9% over the week. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the need for "equal-footed consultation" to resolve trade differences and urged the U.S. to reconsider its approach.

Chinese commerce associations have also called for unity in exploring alternative markets, warning that the tariffs could exacerbate inflation in the U.S. and increase the likelihood of a recession. The trade dispute continues to unfold, with both sides showing no immediate signs of backing down.

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