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Canada's Economy Is Slowing: 5 Money Moves to Make Before Year-End

  Canadian Money Brief | October 22, 2026 Canada's economic outlook has weakened, and that is a good reason to take a fresh look at your finances before the end of the year. The Parliamentary Budget Officer's October outlook projects real GDP growth of just 0.9% in 2026, down from its earlier forecast of 1.1%. The report points to changing trade conditions and U.S. tariffs as key pressures. This does not mean a recession is guaranteed. But when the economy faces uncertainty, a few practical steps can help households stay prepared and avoid unnecessary costs. 1. Review your monthly budget Check your last two or three months of bank and credit-card statements. Look for subscriptions you no longer use, recurring fees, food waste, and purchases that can be delayed. Even small cuts can free up cash for savings or debt repayment. Try this: Choose one spending category to reduce this month and move the money you save into a separate savings account. 2. Build or top up your emergency ...
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Stock Markets: How High Interest Rates Are Hurting Bay Street

                                                    

Bay Street, the financial heart of Canada, is facing a tough challenge as interest rates rise and stock sales slow down. The Bank of Canada has raised its key interest rate four times since July 2020, reaching 1.75% in October 2023. This has made borrowing more expensive for businesses and consumers, dampening the demand for stocks and other riskier assets.

According to data from Bloomberg, equity offerings in Canada have fallen by 32% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period last year. The total value of stock sales was $23.4 billion, the lowest since 2016. The decline was especially sharp in the energy and mining sectors, which have been hit hard by lower commodity prices and environmental regulations.

Some analysts expect the slowdown to continue for the rest of the year and into 2024, as the Bank of Canada signals more rate hikes to curb inflation and cool down the overheated housing market. This could put more pressure on Bay Street firms, which rely on fees from underwriting and advising on stock sales to generate revenue.

However, not all is gloomy for Bay Street. Some sectors, such as technology and health care, have shown resilience and growth potential amid the pandemic and the economic recovery. Some companies, such as Shopify and Lightspeed, have raised billions of dollars in secondary offerings on U.S. exchanges, boosting their valuations and profiles. And some investors, such as pension funds and private equity firms, are still looking for opportunities to buy undervalued or distressed assets in Canada.

The challenge for Bay Street is to adapt to the changing market conditions and find new ways to serve its clients and attract capital. The future may not be as bright as it was before the pandemic, but it is not as dark as it may seem either.


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