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Daily Markets Update: Hot U.S. CPI Rattles Tech, Kospi Crashes 7.6%, TSX Slides 1.1% (Oct. 15)

  Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Canadian Money Brief | Daily Markets Update A hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation report turned Wednesday into a risk-off day, and the damage spread overnight to Asia, where South Korea's Kospi crashed 7.6% and triggered a market-wide circuit breaker. Here is where Canada, the U.S. and the world's other major markets stand this morning. Today's Headlines U.S. CPI hit 3.7% in September (3.6% expected, 3.4% in August), with core inflation at 2.6%. The Nasdaq fell 1.88% and the S&P 500 lost 1.11%. The TSX fell 1.11% to 35,584.46 , ending a three-day winning streak as materials plunged 4.33%. Asia sold off hard on AI valuation fears: Kospi -7.57% (seventh straight loss), Nikkei -4.90%. The loonie sits near an 18-month low at about 70.1 US cents as Fed-hike bets rise. Brent closed at US$106.06 and gold slid to a one-week low near US$4,084. Canada: TSX Ends Three-Day Win Streak The S&P/TSX Composite Index fell 399.52 points, or 1.11%, to...

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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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