Inflation

The Canadian dollar has steadily fallen over the past several weeks to trade around the 70 cents US mark as it finds itself caught between a weak domestic economy and strong demand for the U.S. dollar.

Gas and diesel prices have, in recent weeks, increased and decreased in Canada and around the world, as the United States and Iran inch closer to a final peace deal in a war that began in February.

Groceries were up 4.3% compared with a year ago. That’s the 16th month in a row that food has risen faster than inflation overall, a streak that has steadily eaten into household budgets.

Inflation accelerated to its highest level in more than two years in May as price pressures from the war in Iran started to crop up outside the gas pumps.

Statistics Canada released rates for major cities, but cautioned that figures may have fluctuated widely because they are based on small statistical samples

Canada’s annual inflation rate was 3.2 per cent in May, Statistics Canada says. Here’s what happened in the provinces

High oil and gasoline prices are expected to push inflation higher when Statistics Canada reports its consumer price index for May on Monday.

Retail sales rose 0.5 per cent to $73 billion in April, pushed higher by sales at gas stations and auto dealers, Statistics Canada said on Friday.

If you’re forced into early retirement or have the means to retire sooner than expected, here are a few things to consider if you want to make it work.

Starting next month, the Alberta government will offer some citizens relief managing the high cost of living.

An Interac survey making the rounds this week confirmed what many single Canadians already suspected: living alone means paying more per person for groceries than those who share a household.

The federal government unveiled a new food security strategy this week aimed at increasing competition in Canada’s grocery sector, with a focus on helping small and medium-sized grocers better compete with larger chains.

Statistics Canada says the amount Canadian households owe outpaced income for the sixth straight quarter.

Dollarama Corp.’s chief financial officer says the company had a “smooth quarter,” even as war in the Middle East blocked key fuel shipping routes and posed challenges for retailers.  

The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate steady for a fifth consecutive decision on Wednesday as it tries to support a turbulent economy without letting prices rise unchecked.