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The US–Iran War Is Hitting Your Wallet: What Every Canadian Needs to Know Right Now

  A conflict thousands of kilometres away has quietly become one of the biggest threats to your household budget in 2026. The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran — now stretching into its third month — is reshaping global energy markets, and Canadians are paying the price at the pump, the grocery store, and everywhere in between. $2.03 Gas/litre in parts of Canada +51¢ Average gas rise since Feb. 28 +30% Canada gas price rise Mar–Apr 20% World oil supply disrupted How We Got Here: The Strait of Hormuz Is Closed On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran in what was dubbed Operation Epic Fury , targeting military facilities, nuclear sites, and key Iranian leadership — resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran's response was swift and punishing: missile barrages on Israeli cities, US military bases across the Gulf, and the formal closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. The Strait of ...
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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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