0933 ET - The average of the Bank of Canada's preferred readings of core inflation was largely unchanged in August, near 2%. Bradley Saunders of Capital Economics says that, nevertheless, there are signs of worry that core CPI is heating up. He says the BOC's preferred core CPI gauges have recorded annualized monthly changes of 2.7% for the past two months, and now crude oil is above $100 a barrel. He adds there was "concerning strength" in some non-core items linked to shelter, travel and telecommunications. Given recent hawkish comments from Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem, "it is increasingly likely that a rate hike is enacted before the year is out," Saunders says.