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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Minutes, U.S. CPI and Cheaper Gas (Nov. 8, 2026)

  Canadian Money Brief • Sunday, November 8, 2026 Markets are closed until Monday, but the week ahead is loaded: two Bank of Canada releases, a key U.S. inflation report and some welcome relief at the pump. Here are five things to know today, and what each means for your wallet. 1. Two Bank of Canada releases land early this week The Bank of Canada publishes its Q3 Market Participants Survey Monday at 10:30 a.m. ET, then the summary of deliberations behind its Oct. 28 rate decision Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. ET. The Bank raised its policy rate 25 basis points to 2.50% that day, its first hike since July 2023, and signalled more tightening was possible if energy costs spill into broader prices. The minutes were written before the post-midterm oil drop, so watch how hawkish the tone is. What it means for you: If you have a variable-rate mortgage or a HELOC, the minutes help show whether another hike is on the table at the next decision on Dec. 9. A hawkish read keeps pressure on borrowin...
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Fast-Food Giants Face Earnings Challenges Amid Middle East Boycotts

 


Fast-food giants are finding themselves in a sticky situation as boycotts in the Middle East take a toll on their earnings. Notable players like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Yum Brands (the parent company of 

In its fourth-quarter earnings report, McDonald’s reported a rare sales miss. Sales in its international licensed markets and corporate sector, including the Middle East, grew by a mere 0.7%, a stark contrast to the robust 16.5% growth seen the previous year. The culprit? The ongoing war in Gaza. The conflict has impacted several markets in the Middle East, leading to a material hit on McDonald’s earnings. The company’s president and CEO, Chris Kempczinski, acknowledged the challenges faced by markets both within and outside the region due to the war and associated misinformation. A viral photo of a McDonald’s franchise in Israel donating free meals to soldiers fueled calls for a boycott, further affecting sales in Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority markets like Indonesia and Malaysia.

Starbucks, too, is feeling the pinch. The coffee giant is forecasting slower growth for the rest of the year, a projection even lower than what analysts had predicted. The company’s earnings have been impacted by the same geopolitical tensions that have affected other fast-food chains. As anti-war activists around the world call for an end to the conflict, companies perceived to have supported Israel or suppressed pro-Palestinian speech on social media are facing scrutiny. Starbucks finds itself caught in the crossfire, with its financial performance reflecting the strain.

Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, also reported a hit to fourth-quarter sales. The Middle East boycotts have affected the company’s bottom line, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global events and corporate earnings. As the conflict in Gaza continues, businesses like Yum Brands are navigating the delicate balance between their operations and public sentiment.

Burgers aren’t supposed to be political, but recent events have blurred those lines. Fast-food chains, once seen as neutral spaces for quick meals, are now caught up in geopolitical tensions. As the war in Gaza persists, companies must grapple with the impact of their actions and statements. For McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Yum Brands, the Middle East boycotts serve as a stark reminder that even a Happy Meal can carry unintended consequences.


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