Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today (Oct. 1): Minimum Wage Hike, Cooler U.S. Inflation, Oil Below $100

  Thursday October 1, 2026 A new quarter, a higher minimum wage in Ontario and a softer inflation read south of the border. Here are the five things that matter to your wallet today. 1 Ontario's minimum wage rises to $17.95 today Ontario's general minimum wage climbs 35 cents, from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, as of October 1 — a roughly 2% bump tied to Ontario's CPI. The student rate goes to $16.90 (from $16.60) and the homeworker rate to $19.70. A full-time worker at 40 hours a week earns about $718 a week before deductions. Federally regulated workers already have an $18.15 floor, which has applied since April 1. What it means for you: If you pay anyone by the hour — a cleaner, a part-time helper, a seasonal worker — hours worked from today forward must be paid at no less than $17.95, even if the pay period started in September. Workers should check their next paycheque. 2 Cooler U.S. inflation eases the pressure on rate hikes The Fed's preferred inflation gauge came i...

article

Tech Stocks Surge Amid Tariff Relief: A Premarket Rally

Wall Street is buzzing as U.S. stock futures climb, fueled by a temporary reprieve on tariffs for certain electronics. The White House announced exemptions for smartphones, computers, and other consumer electronics, sparking optimism among investors. Tech giants like Apple and Nvidia saw significant premarket gains, with Apple rising 4.7% and Nvidia up 2.1%.

While the exemptions offer a short-term boost, uncertainty looms as President Trump hinted at upcoming tariffs on semiconductors. Analysts remain cautious, noting the potential impact on economic growth and inflation. Despite this, the Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 1.46%, reflecting the market's positive sentiment.

This rally comes after a week of volatility, with the S&P 500 recording its biggest weekly gain since November 2023. As earnings season kicks off, investors will closely monitor corporate results and economic data for further insights.



Comments