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The global energy landscape in 2026 is undergoing a structural reset. While renewable energy remains central to long-term decarbonization goals, capital markets are increasingly recognizing that opportunity extends beyond solar and wind.
Artificial intelligence has triggered one of the most aggressive capital expenditure cycles in modern technology history. From hyperscale cloud providers to semiconductor manufacturers, companies are deploying unprecedented capital into AI infrastructure.
After several years of elevated interest rates, tightening liquidity, and inflation-driven uncertainty, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for monetary policy. The key question is no longer whether rates are “high” — but how central banks adapt from here.
The CME Group, which operates the COMEX futures exchange where much of the world’s gold is traded, has raised margin requirements for gold futures contracts. Under the new rules, the initial margin for gold contracts under a non-heightened risk profile has been increased to 8 % of the contract’s value, up from 6 % previously. For positions under a heightened risk profile, margins have increased to 8.8 % from 6.6 %.
Canada is entering a period where households feel increasingly squeezed, even though headline inflation appears to be moderating. The combination of lingering core inflation, a fragile economic backdrop, and shifting U.S. policies is creating a complex environment where everyday costs continue to climb faster than incomes. Understanding this landscape requires examining both domestic factors and the powerful spillover effects from the United States — Canada’s largest trading partner and the most influential external force on its economic conditions.
The return of President Donald Trump in January 2025 has triggered a significant recalibration of global trade. The administration’s sweeping tariff program, termination of key bilateral agreements, and more assertive economic policy stance have begun to reshape supply chains across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The 41-day U.S. government shutdown in 2025 created major economic disruptions, including an $11B loss, a $0.95T Treasury liquidity surge, supply-chain delays, and financial market instability. Explore the full economic impact, risks, and market implications in this detailed analysis.
The Federal Reserve enters 2026 at a critical juncture for monetary policy. After two rate cuts in late 2025, markets are now focused on whether the central bank will continue easing or pause amid lingering inflation pressures. With the U.S. economy showing mixed signals—slowing growth, stabilizing inflation, and softening labor momentum—the direction of the Fed’s next move carries major implications for global markets, corporate earnings, and investor positioning.
The global blockchain and crypto landscape in 2025 is undergoing a historic transformation. Policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions are no longer treating digital assets as fringe instruments — instead, they’re integrating them into mainstream finance through structured regulation, institutional adoption, and cross-border innovation.
The year 2025 has seen geopolitical tensions emerge as a dominant driver of global financial market volatility, reshaping investment strategies and fueling inflationary pressures.
From the Ukraine conflict and Middle East hostilities to renewed U.S.–China trade frictions, investors are navigating one of the most unpredictable market environments of the decade.