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Canada’s Inflation Cools to 2.2% in October Amid Cheaper Gas and Groceries

  Motorists fuel up at an ONroute gas station near Maple, Ont., on April 1, 2025. Lower gas prices helped bring overall inflation down in October, Statistics Canada says. Canada’s annual inflation rate eased to 2.2% in October , down from 2.4% in September. The slowdown was largely driven by falling gasoline and grocery prices, offering some relief to consumers after months of persistent cost pressures. Key Drivers of the Decline Gasoline prices dropped 4.8% month-over-month , as retailers switched to cheaper winter fuel blends and global crude oil prices fell due to oversupply concerns. Grocery prices fell 0.6% in October , marking the largest monthly decline since September 2020. Annual grocery inflation cooled to 3.4% , down from 4% in September, with lower costs for processed foods and fresh vegetables offsetting higher prices for chicken. Excluding gasoline, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.6% year-over-year , showing that underlying inflationary pressures remain....
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Saudi Crown Prince’s US Visit Signals Strategic Reset in Defense, AI, and Nuclear Cooperation

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the day of the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, in Riyadh, May 13, 2025


Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has arrived in Washington for a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking his first trip to the United States since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The visit underscores a renewed push to deepen bilateral ties across defense, technology, and nuclear energy.

Key Focus Areas of the Visit:

  • Defense Cooperation: Riyadh is seeking stronger security guarantees from Washington amid regional tensions. Discussions are expected to include advanced weapons systems and a potential formal security pact.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Saudi Arabia aims to secure access to cutting-edge AI technologies, particularly in semiconductor chips, to support its ambitious Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.
  • Nuclear Energy: Talks will explore pathways for civilian nuclear cooperation, with Saudi Arabia pushing for U.S. support in developing nuclear power as part of its long-term energy strategy.
  • Economic Investments: Trump is expected to highlight a $600 billion Saudi investment pledge made earlier this year, framing the visit as a boost to U.S. commerce and job creation.
  • Regional Diplomacy: The meeting could also touch on broader Middle East issues, including potential steps toward Saudi–Israel normalization and cooperation on regional stability.

The White House is treating the event with the stature of a state visit, including a black-tie dinner, signaling the importance both sides attach to the relationship. Analysts note that while human rights concerns remain in the background, both Washington and Riyadh are prioritizing strategic and economic gains.

This visit represents a reset in U.S.–Saudi relations, moving beyond past strains to focus on shared interests in security, energy, and technological innovation. Both leaders are expected to emerge with agreements that showcase the partnership as a cornerstone of regional and global stability.

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