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5 Things to Know Today (Nov 13): Gold Slump, Weak Loonie, BoC Odds & Nvidia

  Canadian Money Brief • Friday, November 13, 2026 Gold is sliding, the loonie is sagging, and Monday's inflation report looms over the Bank of Canada's next move. Here are the five things Canadians should know before the weekend. 1 Gold slump drags the TSX lower The S&P/TSX Composite fell 274.53 points (-0.75%) to 36,137.19 on Thursday as materials sank 3.2% and gold dropped about 3% to roughly US$3,878 an ounce, its lowest level in more than a year. Wall Street slipped too: Dow 52,297.09, S&P 500 7,592.40, Nasdaq 25,366.09. The TSX is now about 2.5% below its August record of 37,069. Futures were flat early Friday as gold bounced 0.4%. What it means for you: Gold miners carry real weight in Canadian index funds. Check how much of your TFSA or RRSP leans on materials, and avoid reacting to a single down day. 2 Loonie slips to a one-month low as US inflation widens the rate gap The Canadian dollar closed Thursday at US$0.7015 (C$1.4255 per US$1), its weakest close si...

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Bankruptcies Surge in Canada Amid Economic Challenges

 

In a year marked by financial turbulence, business insolvencies in Canada have reached unprecedented levels. According to data from the federal Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, 2023 witnessed the highest number of business insolvencies in 36 years of recorded history. The surge was particularly pronounced, with filings rising 35% in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter and more than doubling compared to the same period a year ago.

Key Points:

  1. Record High: The total number of businesses filing for insolvency was the highest in 13 years.
  2. Mainly Bankruptcies: The rise was primarily driven by bankruptcies rather than renegotiations of terms.
  3. Hardest-Hit Sectors: Accommodation and food services, retail, and construction experienced the most significant impact.
  4. Financial Challenges: Businesses grappled with rising input costs, wage expenses, and debt servicing costs throughout the pandemic.
  5. Debt Burden: Debt taken on during the pandemic has left some Canadian businesses unviable or in need of debt restructuring.
  6. Government Loans: Business owners who couldn’t repay government pandemic loans (such as CEBA) by the January 19 deadline now face interest charges and monthly payments.

Economic Outlook:

  • Interest Rate Pressure: The additional costs of servicing debts due to higher interest rates may strain businesses already on a precarious edge.
  • Consumer Spending Decline: The weakening economy has also impacted consumer spending, further adding pressure to businesses’ bottom line.
  • Room for Recovery: Some businesses may struggle to manage increased monthly bills, especially if sales remain challenging.

As the Canadian economy navigates these challenges, businesses face a critical juncture. The road to recovery will require resilience, adaptability, and strategic financial management.


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