Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of products from the US as Prime Minister Mark Carney bets that standing up to President Donald Trump will help Ottawa's negotiating position. The measure will hit US exporters particularly hard in states such as Michigan and Ohio that do a lot of business with Canada and host heated races in November's midterm elections. Canada's retaliatory tariffs are meant to make the cost of this trade war real enough for American businesses and consumers that Washington sees a clear incentive to return to the table.
2) Brent oil approached $100 a barrel after Saudi Arabia said operations at several energy facilities were halted by attacks. The state-run Saudi Press Agency said the strikes took place Tuesday and wounded a number of people, with Iran-backed Houthi militants saying they targeted the kingdom's Jazan refinery and facilities. Markets are increasingly pricing a prolonged Mideast conflict, with Goldman Sachs analysts modestly raising the bank's oil-price estimates on the assumption that shipping disruptions will persist into 2027.
3) The yen is closing in on its strongest level this year after a break through 155 per dollar triggered stop-loss orders, putting the 152 area firmly in traders’ sights. Expectations for tighter BOJ policy have provided a more fundamental source of support, while the break through 155 is now adding technical momentum. The yen’s rally has also extended across major crosses including the euro, pound and Australian dollar, pointing to broad-based strength rather than simply dollar weakness.