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BoC Opens the Door to Rate Hikes: What It Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 4, 2026 The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh straight hold — but Governor Tiff Macklem didn't sound like a central banker done for the year. He told reporters the Bank is "prepared to raise interest rates, and if it takes more than one increase, we're prepared to do that," if inflation stays too high. That's a real shift in tone, and it lands right as a wave of Canadians hit their mortgage renewal date. Here's what changed, who's forecasting what, and what it actually means for your payment. Why the Bank Suddenly Sounds Hawkish Canada's annual inflation rate has climbed to around 3% — a full point above the Bank's 2% target — and the Bank is pointing squarely at energy prices. Oil has stayed elevated because of the Iran conflict and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices up and dragging headline CPI with it. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, is still s...

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Global Markets Surge on Fed Rate Cut Signals


Markets around the world are experiencing a significant upswing as the Federal Reserve signals potential rate cuts in the coming year. This optimistic outlook has sparked a rally across both stock and bond markets, with Asia joining the upward trend.

Key Highlights:

  • Stock Market Rally: A global stock index has risen for six consecutive sessions, with notable gains in Australian and South Korean shares. The S&P 500 reached its highest point in nearly two years, and Apple Inc’s shares hit a new high.
  • Federal Reserve’s Dovish Stance: The Fed maintained current rates but hinted at a 75 basis point reduction in 2024 through its “dot plot,” a more aggressive cut than previously suggested.
  • Bond Market Gains: Following the Fed’s announcement, US Treasuries saw a rise, with 10-year yields dropping below 4% for the first time since August. Swap contracts indicate expectations of 140 basis points of easing within the next year.
  • Inflation Trends: Recent reports show a slowdown in producer-price increases and a decrease in the annual inflation rate, aligning with the Fed’s target.

This broad “risk-on” rally is anticipated to continue, with experts like Kellie Wood from Schroders Plc predicting robust market performance. The dovish signs from the Fed have indeed delivered an early Christmas gift to investors, setting a positive tone for market activities.

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