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Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — May 18, 2026

  A quick scan of the five stories shaping your wallet right now — from the Bank of Canada's next big decision to your mortgage renewal and a brand-new federal agency hunting financial criminals. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision Is June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight policy rate steady at 2.25% at its April 29 meeting, citing a rise in energy-driven inflation and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs. Governing Council held firm while acknowledging a rate hike could become necessary if oil-linked price pressures prove persistent. The next announcement lands on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — mark your calendar. Why it matters: Your variable-rate mortgage, HELOC, and lines of credit are directly tied to this rate. With bank prime rates sitting at 4.45%, every meeting counts. 2 Markets TSX Slips Below 34,000 as Bond Yields Spike The S&P/TSX Composite Index finished last week down close to 2%, sliding under the 34,000 mark. A global bond market selloff...

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Stock Market Update: Mixed Close Amid Bitcoin Surge and Inflation Anticipation

                                 Stock market

The stock market exhibited a mixed performance today as investors recalibrated following last week’s tumultuous rally. Wall Street’s attention is now keenly focused on the health of the US economy and the impending inflation data. Here are the key highlights:

  • After a robust run-up last week, stocks have lost some of their momentum. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed just below 0.3%, while the S&P 500 picked up late trading momentum to finish around 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite led the major indices, closing up roughly 0.4%.
  • Bitcoin (BTC-USD) stole the spotlight, surging past $57,000 for the first time in over two years. The recent rally was partly fueled by MicroStrategy’s massive $155 million Bitcoin purchase. The cryptocurrency market continues to attract institutional money, and financial advisors are diligently guiding investors into the crypto space. Expect further catalysts from strong demand for spot Bitcoin ETFs in the coming months.
  • This week, earnings reports from major retailers take center stage. Notable names include:
    • Domino’s: The pizza delivery giant beat Wall Street’s sales and profit targets, propelling its stock up by 6.5%.
    • Zoom: The video conferencing company is set to report after the bell.
    • Amazon.com: Officially joins the 30-company Dow Jones industrials, replacing Walgreens Boots Alliance.
    • Uber Technologies Inc.: Replaces JetBlue Airways Corp. on the Dow Jones Transportation Average, enhancing the index’s tracking of the ride-sharing sector.
    • Other retailers reporting include Lowe’s, Dollar Tree, Macy’s, and Best Buy.
  • Keep an eye out for economic data releases:
    • Consumer Confidence
    • Inflation Reports
    • US Economic Growth Update: The pace of growth in the United States during Q4 2023 will be revealed on Wednesday.
    • The Federal Reserve’s ongoing efforts to tame inflation remain a critical factor.

In summary, Wall Street’s cautious optimism persists, with Bitcoin’s meteoric rise adding intrigue to the market landscape. As we await further economic indicators, investors remain vigilant in navigating this dynamic environment.


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