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Tensions Rise as Cuba Reports Deadly Clash With Florida-Based Speedboat

  Vice President JD Vance came to the Capitol to break the tie, meaning he vote was 51-50 for a Republican point of order to dismiss the war powers resolution. Cuba has reported a deadly confrontation off its northern coast, saying its forces killed four people aboard a Florida‑registered speedboat that allegedly opened fire on Cuban border troops. According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the vessel was detected roughly one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino canal in Cayo Falcones before the encounter escalated.  When Cuban Border Guard officers approached the boat for identification, those on board reportedly began shooting, injuring the commander of the Cuban patrol vessel. Cuban forces returned fire, killing four and wounding six others, who were later evacuated for medical treatment.  The incident comes at a moment of heightened tension between Cuba and the United States, with officials still working to determine the identities and motives of those aboard the spe...

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How to Prepare Your Investments for Rising Rates in Canada

 

On October 25, the Bank of Canada made a decision: they kept the interest rates steady at 5%. This means that investors need to adjust their portfolios to cope with the new normal of higher borrowing costs and lower bond prices. Here are some tips on how to do that:

1. Reduce your exposure to long-term bonds. Long-term bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes than short-term bonds, so they will lose more value when rates go up. You can switch to shorter-term bonds or bond funds, or use bond ladders to stagger the maturity dates of your bonds.

2. Diversify your income sources. Interest income from bonds will likely decline as rates rise, so you may want to look for other sources of income, such as dividends, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or preferred shares. These assets can provide steady cash flow and may also benefit from economic growth and inflation.

3. Consider adding some inflation protection. Higher interest rates often come with higher inflation, which erodes the purchasing power of your money. You can protect yourself from inflation by investing in assets that tend to rise in value when prices go up, such as commodities, gold, or inflation-linked bonds.

4. Review your asset allocation. Higher interest rates may affect the performance of different asset classes, so you may need to rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired risk-reward profile. For example, you may want to reduce your exposure to growth stocks that rely on cheap debt to fund their expansion, and increase your exposure to value stocks that have strong cash flows and dividends.

5. Seek professional advice. Adjusting your portfolio for higher interest rates can be complex and challenging, especially if you have a long-term horizon and multiple goals. You may want to consult a financial planner or advisor who can help you create a personalized plan that suits your needs and preferences.

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