Skip to main content

Featured

Daily Markets Update: Hot U.S. CPI Rattles Tech, Kospi Crashes 7.6%, TSX Slides 1.1% (Oct. 15)

  Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Canadian Money Brief | Daily Markets Update A hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation report turned Wednesday into a risk-off day, and the damage spread overnight to Asia, where South Korea's Kospi crashed 7.6% and triggered a market-wide circuit breaker. Here is where Canada, the U.S. and the world's other major markets stand this morning. Today's Headlines U.S. CPI hit 3.7% in September (3.6% expected, 3.4% in August), with core inflation at 2.6%. The Nasdaq fell 1.88% and the S&P 500 lost 1.11%. The TSX fell 1.11% to 35,584.46 , ending a three-day winning streak as materials plunged 4.33%. Asia sold off hard on AI valuation fears: Kospi -7.57% (seventh straight loss), Nikkei -4.90%. The loonie sits near an 18-month low at about 70.1 US cents as Fed-hike bets rise. Brent closed at US$106.06 and gold slid to a one-week low near US$4,084. Canada: TSX Ends Three-Day Win Streak The S&P/TSX Composite Index fell 399.52 points, or 1.11%, to...

article

U.S., Britain, and Australia Consider Expanding AUKUS Security Pact to Counter China’s Influence

 

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are poised to engage in talks aimed at broadening their AUKUS security pact. This move comes as Washington advocates for Japan’s inclusion in the pact as a strategic measure against China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The AUKUS pact, unveiled by the three nations in 2023, represents their collective efforts to curb China’s increasing influence. It encompasses joint initiatives related to quantum computing, undersea capabilities, hypersonic technology, artificial intelligence, and cyber advancements. These areas fall under the pact’s “pillar two” commitment.

The upcoming talks will explore the possibility of bringing new members into the AUKUS fold. While the first pillar of the pact focuses on delivering nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia, the second pillar aims to foster technological collaboration among the member countries. Japan’s involvement is seen as crucial in countering China’s military buildup and territorial ambitions.

China has expressed concern over the AUKUS pact, labeling it as dangerous and warning of a potential arms race in the region. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell emphasized that the AUKUS submarine project could serve as a deterrent against any Chinese aggression toward Taiwan, a democratically governed island that Beijing claims as part of its territory.

President Joe Biden has actively sought to strengthen partnerships with Asian allies, including Japan and the Philippines. His administration aims to bolster regional security and stability amid China’s geopolitical maneuvers. In the coming days, Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington and convene a trilateral summit, which will also include Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the international community closely watches how these diplomatic efforts unfold and their impact on the delicate balance in the Indo-Pacific theater.


Comments