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Gas Prices Are Spiking Again — Here's How to Protect Your Wallet as the Iran Conflict Escalates

  Published July 20, 2026 If it feels like you're filling up more often for the same money lately, you're not imagining it. Oil markets jolted higher to start the week, and Canadian drivers are almost certain to see it at the pump in the next few days. What just happened Brent crude — the global benchmark that drives Canadian gas pricing — jumped nearly 4% on Monday to trade above US$90 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$84. The move came after the United States and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, including strikes on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and an attack on an oil facility in Kuwait. That strait matters enormously to your gas bill: roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through it. When shipping through it slows or stalls, traders price in a "risk premium" almost immediately — and that shows up at Canadian pumps within days, not weeks. What it mea...

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World Markets Anticipate Potential Trump White House Return

 

Investors worldwide are on edge as the specter of Donald Trump’s return to the White House looms large. Following Super Tuesday, which confirmed the November U.S. election showdown between Trump and incumbent Joe Biden, several critical flash points have emerged, capturing the attention of global markets.

Any escalation in trade tensions between the U.S. and major economies could send shockwaves through world equity markets, currently hovering near record highs. European Union policymakers fear that Trump might reimpose tariffs on European steel and aluminum—tariffs that Biden had previously suspended. Additionally, concerns arise about potential tariffs on EU curbs related to U.S. tech giants. Trump’s threat of imposing 60% tariffs on Chinese goods could significantly impact China’s GDP, especially when combined with stricter tariff enforcement. During his previous presidency, Trump imposed tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, which remained in place under Biden. Bilateral trade initially dipped but rebounded during the pandemic surge in U.S. demand for electronics. However, recent tensions due to the Ukraine conflict have slowed this growth. China’s yuan and equities may bear the brunt if Trump’s tariff threats materialize.

Historically, U.S. stocks tend to end the year positively, regardless of the election outcome. However, the journey can be rocky. A divided Congress could temper policy plans for both candidates. Biden is expected to focus on renewable energy, while Trump might scrap electric vehicle subsidies and prioritize tax cuts. If Trump embarks on a “revenge tour,” the dollar could weaken, inflation might rise, and bond yields could climb, impacting investment decisions.

As the world watches, the question remains: Will Trump’s potential return reshape global markets or maintain the status quo?

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