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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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Trade Tensions Ease as China Signals Openness to Dialogue


China has expressed its willingness to engage in trade talks with the United States, following President Donald Trump's indication that tariffs on Chinese goods could be significantly reduced. The announcement comes amidst escalating trade tensions, with tariffs reaching as high as 145% on Chinese imports. Beijing, which has imposed counter-tariffs of 125% on U.S. goods, reiterated its stance that trade wars have no winners and emphasized the importance of mutual respect in negotiations.

President Trump acknowledged the high tariff levels and hinted at substantial reductions, stating that while tariffs won't return to zero, they will be lowered significantly. This shift in tone has brought cautious optimism to global markets, which have been rattled by the ongoing trade conflict. Both sides appear to be signaling a willingness to de-escalate, though formal negotiations have yet to begin. 

The developments mark a potential turning point in the trade war, offering hope for a resolution that could stabilize global economic relations.

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