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5 Things to Know Today — June 19, 2026

Oil eases off war-driven highs, insolvencies hit a 17-year peak, and the CUSMA clock is ticking — here's your Canadian money briefing for Thursday. 1. 🛢️ Oil Slips Below $77 — But Don't Expect a Big Break at the Pump Yet Crude oil climbed back above $77 USD per barrel this morning after planned U.S.–Iran talks in Switzerland were cancelled by the Swiss Foreign Ministry — a reminder that the ceasefire deal struck last week is far from rock-solid. That said, the broader picture is improving: WTI is on track for its steepest weekly decline in months as conditions in the Strait of Hormuz gradually normalize following the interim peace agreement. The U.S. Central Command has lifted shipping restrictions from Iranian coastal waters, and tanker traffic is slowly resuming. What it means for you: Lower crude prices will eventually filter through to Canadian gas stations, but energy analysts caution that supply chains need weeks to months to fully unwind. Brent fell back to roughly $83...

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Trade War Escalates: China Strikes Back at U.S. Tariffs

China has retaliated against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to increase tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, raising its own tariffs on American imports to 125%. This tit-for-tat escalation has intensified the trade war between the world's two largest economies, sending shockwaves through global markets.

The turmoil has left foreign leaders grappling with the disruption to international trade and supply chains. Stocks have plummeted, the dollar has weakened, and U.S. government bonds have faced a sell-off. Gold, often seen as a safe haven during economic uncertainty, has reached record highs.

While Trump expressed hope for a deal with China, the uncertainty has fueled fears of a global recession. China's Finance Ministry has condemned the U.S. tariffs as "unilateral bullying and coercion," signaling that Beijing is prepared to fight to the end.

The escalating trade conflict underscores the fragility of the global economy and the challenges of navigating such high-stakes negotiations. What do you think about this unfolding drama?

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