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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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US Futures Dip as Investors Seek Inspiration


The US stock market futures are showing a slight decline today as investors search for inspiration amid mixed signals. Let’s break down the key points:

  1. Rate-Cut and AI Growth Hopes Take a Hit:

    • The recent optimism surrounding rate cuts and artificial intelligence (AI) growth has waned. Federal Reserve officials have emphasized that interest rates will remain higher for longer due to persistent inflation concerns.
    • High yields on 10-year Treasury bonds have weighed on growth stocks, particularly megacap Big Tech companies.
  2. Arm’s Revenue Forecast Dampens AI Enthusiasm:

    • Arm, a major chip designer, provided a downbeat annual revenue forecast. This has cast doubt on the AI growth narrative that had previously boosted chip stocks.
    • Shares of Arm dropped 9% in pre-market trading, and sector peers Nvidia and AMD also saw slight declines.
  3. Earnings Season Continues:

    • Warner Bros. Discovery reported earnings that missed estimates, failing to provide support for investors seeking positive catalysts.
    • Other companies, including Roblox and Yelp, are also reporting earnings today as the season winds down.
  4. Macro Front Updates:

    • Keep an eye on weekly jobless claims data, which is due later today.
    • San Francisco Fed Chief Mary Daly is scheduled to speak, potentially providing further insights.

In summary, the stock market remains cautious, with investors closely monitoring earnings reports and macroeconomic indicators. The path forward depends on how various factors play out in the coming days.


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