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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Bets, TSX Slide, Oil Near $100 (Oct. 23)

  Canadian Money Brief • Friday, October 23, 2026 The Bank of Canada decision is five days away, the TSX gave back most of Wednesday's gains, and oil is flirting with US$100 again. Here are the five things Canadian wallets need to know today. 1. Markets Lean Toward a Bank of Canada Hike on Oct. 28 A decision that looked like a ninth straight hold is now a genuine coin flip with a hawkish tilt. After Governor Tiff Macklem warned that there is "no resolution in sight" for the Middle East conflict, BMO and Desjardins flipped to a hike call, Scotiabank firmed up its call and Goldman Sachs joined them, all looking for a quarter-point move to 2.50%. Overnight swaps priced about an 87% chance of a hike earlier this week, though other economists still argue for a hold, pointing to September's 68,000 job losses and a 6.5% unemployment rate. What it means for you: A quarter-point hike adds roughly $21 a month in interest for every $100,000 of variable-rate borrowing (HELOCs an...

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Navigating Turbulent Waters: Stock Market Reacts to Inflation Surge



The stock market experienced a jittery session today as investors grappled with yet another surge in inflation. The producer price index, a crucial measure of wholesale inflation, leaped 0.3% in January, surpassing economists’ expectations of a 0.1% rise. This unexpected spike has left market participants questioning the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates.

Here’s a snapshot of today’s market movements:

  1. S&P 500: The benchmark index danced perilously close to the flat line, teetering just below its recent record closing high.
  2. Dow Jones Industrial Average: The blue-chip index dipped by 0.3%, shedding over 100 points.
  3. Nasdaq Composite: The tech-heavy index exhibited some wavering, reflecting the market’s uncertainty.

Earlier this week, the Dow plummeted 500 points following an alarming consumer inflation report. Investors have been on a rollercoaster ride, reevaluating their outlook on the US economy and the timing of potential interest rate cuts.

In the midst of this volatility, some notable earnings-related moves are noted:

  • Coinbase (COIN): Shares surged over 14% after the crypto exchange posted its first quarterly profit in two years. The recent rise in bitcoin prices, coupled with anticipation surrounding the Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision on spot bitcoin ETFs, fueled Coinbase’s rally.
  • Applied Materials (AMAT): The machinery maker’s stock also jumped, signaling optimism for a chip sector rebound.

As the market navigates these choppy waters, investors remain vigilant, keeping a close eye on inflation data and central bank policies. The tug-of-war between economic indicators and monetary policy decisions continues, leaving traders and analysts alike on edge.

Stay tuned for further developments as the market grapples with inflationary pressures and charts its course through uncertain terrain.


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