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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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Google Unveils £5bn UK AI Investment as Trump’s State Visit Sparks Tech Deals



Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has announced a landmark £5 billion ($6.8 billion) investment in the United Kingdom over the next two years, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit.

The funding will fuel the expansion of the UK’s artificial intelligence sector, including the opening of a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, and additional support for London-based DeepMind, Google’s AI research lab. The initiative is expected to create 8,250 jobs annually across UK businesses and contribute to an estimated £400 billion boost to the economy by 2030.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves hailed the move as “a powerful vote of confidence in the UK economy and the strength of our partnership with the US”. Alphabet’s president and chief investment officer, Ruth Porat, emphasised that the investment would not only accelerate AI innovation but also enhance critical social services.

The announcement comes amid a flurry of U.S.-UK business activity, with other American tech giants reportedly preparing similar multi-billion-pound commitments. Google has also signed a deal with Shell to supply 95% carbon-free energy for its UK operations, underscoring its focus on sustainable growth.

Trump’s visit is expected to feature further agreements in technology, energy, and infrastructure, marking a significant moment for transatlantic economic ties.


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