5 things to know before the stock market opens Tuesday, October 1

US inflation fell to 2.8% in February, below expectations, prompting speculation of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts amid slowing economic growth. President Trump's tariffs have caused uncertainty and market volatility, with concerns over potential inflationary impacts. The Bank of Canada also cut rates due to trade tensions, while sectors like medical care and used cars saw price increases in February. Full Article

Corpay (NYSE: CPAY) specializes in corporate payments, offering solutions for managing expenses efficiently. With revenue growing by an average of 15% annually since 2010, the company has seen a 50% increase in sales between 2019 and 2024. With strong margins and plans for international expansion, Corpay's shares have risen by 40% in the past nine months, outperforming the US market and trading at a relatively modest 14 times the consensus forecast for 2026. Full Article

Amy Zalneraitis unexpectedly entered the pet food industry after her sister's passing, taking over her thriving raw dog food business, We Feed Raw. She emphasizes the importance of feeding dogs a raw diet to combat health issues caused by processed food, offering support to customers transitioning. Amy's focus on brand identity and resilience has helped the company stand out and succeed, despite early struggles and challenges in disrupting the pet food industry. Full Article

President Trump's imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports may increase production costs for U.S. automakers, already facing potential price hikes due to other policies. Auto executives had hoped for Trump's approval of Japanese steel maker Nippon Steel's bid to acquire U.S. Steel, believing it would boost competition and lower prices, but the president rejected the deal, citing concerns over monopolistic practices. As U.S. Steel faces financial troubles and Cleveland-Cliffs eyes a bid, the...

President Trump's sweeping tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum have gone into effect, impacting imports from all countries with a 25 percent levy. The move, supported by domestic steel and aluminum makers, is expected to raise costs for American manufacturers, potentially slowing the U.S. economy. The tariffs have escalated trade disputes with allies and led to threats of retaliation, creating uncertainty in global trade relations. Full Article

President Trump escalated a trade dispute with Canada by threatening to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and suggesting Canada become the 51st state; however, after tense negotiations, both sides backed down for now. The president's tariff threats caused markets to fall, leading to Ontario suspending a surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S., and discussions are set to take place on the U.S.M.C.A. agreement before more tariffs are implemented on April 2. Full...