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U.S. Midterms Tuesday: What the Vote Could Mean for the Loonie, Tariffs and Your Portfolio

  Canadian Money Brief | Feature U.S. Midterms Tuesday: What the Vote Could Mean for the Loonie, Tariffs and Your Portfolio By MoneySavings.ca | Published November 1, 2026 Americans vote Tuesday in elections that will fill all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats. Canadians don't get a ballot, but we do get the consequences: a loonie that swung from an 18-month low to a six-week high in about two weeks, a tariff fight that has put 50% duties on roughly US$20 billion of our exports, and a lot of U.S. stock sitting inside our TFSAs and RRSPs. Here is how to think about all of it without trying to guess the winner. The short version: Nobody can reliably trade an election result. Forecasters lean toward Democrats winning the House, with the Senate closer. But history says the bigger market moves tend to come in the months after the vote, not on election night. For Canadians, the useful steps are practical: convert U.S. dollars in pieces, know how much U.S. stock you hold, and don't...

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New home buyers in trouble as mortgage rates soar

Some buyers who purchased preconstruction homes are finding themselves unable to close on their properties due to rising mortgage rates and stricter lending rules. As a result, they are resorting to selling their contracts to other buyers at a discount, or even giving up their deposits and facing legal risks.

According to Robert McLister, an interest rate analyst and mortgage strategist, this trend is creating opportunities for bargain hunters who are looking for assignment deals. These are transactions where the original buyer transfers their rights and obligations to a new buyer before the home is completed.

However, assignment deals are not without challenges and costs. Both assignors and assignees need to get approval from the builder, pay fees and taxes, and secure financing. Moreover, they need to be aware of the market conditions and the potential risks of flipping or renting out the property.

McLister advises buyers to start evaluating their options early and seek professional help from a tax-savvy accountant, a mortgage broker, and a real estate lawyer. He also suggests that buyers should monitor the bond yields and the Bank of Canada’s rate decisions, as they may affect the future demand and prices of new homes.

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