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Gas Prices Are Spiking Again — Here's How to Protect Your Wallet as the Iran Conflict Escalates

  Published July 20, 2026 If it feels like you're filling up more often for the same money lately, you're not imagining it. Oil markets jolted higher to start the week, and Canadian drivers are almost certain to see it at the pump in the next few days. What just happened Brent crude — the global benchmark that drives Canadian gas pricing — jumped nearly 4% on Monday to trade above US$90 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$84. The move came after the United States and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, including strikes on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and an attack on an oil facility in Kuwait. That strait matters enormously to your gas bill: roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through it. When shipping through it slows or stalls, traders price in a "risk premium" almost immediately — and that shows up at Canadian pumps within days, not weeks. What it mea...

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Market Jitters: U.S. Stock Futures Slide Amid Trump’s Criticism of Fed Chair Powell

U.S. stock futures took a hit early Monday as investors reacted to President Donald Trump’s escalating criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The remarks, which included renewed calls for Powell’s removal, have raised concerns about the central bank’s independence and its ability to navigate monetary policy effectively.

Trump’s latest comments follow reports that his administration is exploring whether firing Powell is an option. The uncertainty surrounding the Fed’s leadership has added to market volatility, with Dow E-minis dropping 344 points (0.87%), S&P 500 E-minis falling 53.75 points (1.01%), and Nasdaq 100 E-minis declining 209.25 points (1.14%).

Investors are already grappling with broader economic concerns, including ongoing trade tensions and the potential for further interest rate cuts. The dollar weakened against major currencies, while safe-haven assets like gold saw gains. Meanwhile, major tech and growth stocks, including Tesla and Nvidia, also faced premarket declines.

With uncertainty looming over both trade policy and monetary decisions, market participants will be closely watching upcoming economic data and corporate earnings reports for further direction.

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