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Pedaling for Change: Cubans Turn to Bikes and E‑Trikes Amid Sanctions

  People ride in electric vehicles with signs that read, “Down with the blockade” as they pass by the U.S. Embassy during an anti-imperialist march amid a months-long energy crisis since U.S. President Donald Trump's administration cut off its fuel supply, Havana, Cuba April 2, 2026 Across several Cuban cities, residents have taken to the streets on bicycles and electric tricycles, using pedal power as a form of peaceful protest against long‑standing U.S. sanctions and the deepening economic strain they contribute to. The demonstrations, though modest in size, have become a striking visual symbol of frustration in a country where fuel shortages and transportation challenges have become part of daily life. Participants say the choice of bikes and e‑trikes is both practical and symbolic. With gasoline scarce and public transit unreliable, these vehicles have become essential tools for mobility. By riding together in organized groups, protesters highlight how sanctions and economic ...
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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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