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BoC Set to Hike Into a Weak Economy: What It Means for You

  Canadian Money Brief • Feature Monday, October 26, 2026 • Written ahead of the 9:45 a.m. ET decision on Wednesday, Oct. 28 The Bank of Canada is about to do something that looks backwards. Jobs are disappearing, the housing market is sluggish, and yet money markets and most economists expect the central bank to raise its key rate on Wednesday. If it happens, your budget gets squeezed from two directions at once: higher borrowing costs and a shakier job market. The short version • Expected move: +0.25 point to 2.50% on Oct. 28, up from 2.25% • Reuters poll: 56% of economists (19 of 34) call for a hike, and a majority see one more by end of March • Why now: energy-driven inflation (3.1% in September) and a bank worried it spreads • The catch: 68,300 jobs lost in September , unemployment at 6.5% Why would the bank hike when the economy is wobbling? Reuters reports the Bank of Canada is expected to raise its rate as a pre-emptive strike: the goal is to stop an oil-driven jump in p...

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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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