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5 Things to Know Today — September 25, 2026

  Friday, September 25, 2026  |  moneysavings.ca/canadian-money-brief Bond yields are nearing levels not seen in nearly two decades, Iran is offering a Hormuz truce, Ottawa just posted a fresh deficit, the loonie slid to 70.74 cents, and Canadian consumers pulled back in July. Here's what each story means for your money. 01 — Interest Rates Bond Yields Hit 5.10% — and Your Mortgage Is Watching The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to approximately 5.10% overnight — a level last seen in 2007 — while the 30-year surged to around 5.43%, its highest since 2004. The spike was triggered by a combination of stronger-than-expected U.S. PMI data, hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials in New York and Philadelphia, and a weak Treasury auction. Canada's own 10-year bond yield has been tracking close behind, already at multi-year highs. Why does a U.S. number matter here? Canadian fixed mortgage rates are largely priced off the Government of Canada 5-year bond yield, which...
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The Self-Checkout Conundrum: Convenience or Chaos?

 

Self-checkout systems, a common sight in modern retail, are undergoing a critical evaluation. Initially hailed for their potential to streamline shopping and reduce labor costs, these systems have also brought frustration and challenges. Here’s a brief look at the current state of self-checkout:

  • Customer Frustration: Some shoppers express discontent with the cumbersome technology and feel that checking out has become a laborious task, meriting a discount for their efforts.

  • Retailer Reactions: Some stores are imposing item limits at self-checkout stations, while others, like British chain Booths, are removing them due to customer backlash. Theft and loss prevention remain significant concerns.

  • Labor Implications: The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a decline in cashier jobs, attributed to self-checkout and online sales. Some workers find the new system brings a different kind of monotony and concern for safety.

  • Technological Advances: Despite the issues, innovations continue. Kroger uses AI to detect scanning errors, and Amazon’s “just walkout technology” offers a checkout-free experience, hinting at the future of retail.

As the industry navigates these challenges, the fate of self-checkout hangs in the balance, with customer satisfaction and operational efficiency at the forefront of this retail revolution.

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