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Lock In or Stay Variable? What Every Canadian Homeowner Must Decide Before April 29

   Bank of Canada headquarters, Ottawa. Overnight rate held at 2.25% since October 2025. Next decision: April 29, 2026.  The Bank of Canada has held its rate at 2.25% for three straight decisions — but with inflation creeping back up, a Middle East conflict pushing oil prices, and over one million mortgage renewals on the horizon, the stakes of getting this wrong have never been higher. The Canadian Money Brief April 25, 2026 6 min read THE CANADIAN MONEY BRIEF BANK OF CANADA 2.25% 2.25% POLICY RATE HELD SINCE OCT. 2025 · THIRD CONSECUTIVE HOLD NEXT DECISION: APR. 29, 2026 If your mortgage is coming up for renewal in the next six to eighteen months, the question keeping you up at night is probably this: do I lock in a fixed rate now — or do I ride out a variable rate and hope the Bank of Canada does something helpful? It's the right question to be asking. And right now, the answer is more complicated — and more consequential — than it has been in years. The Bank of Canada...

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U.S. Retaliatory Strikes in Iraq and Syria: Dozens Killed in Escalating Tensions

 

In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States has launched retaliatory airstrikes in both Iraq and Syria. These strikes targeted more than 85 locations linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the militias it supports. The reported death toll stands at nearly 40 people.

The airstrikes were carried out in response to a deadly attack on U.S. troops by Iran-backed militants. President Joe Biden’s administration swiftly responded with this multi-tiered military action, signaling a firm stance against aggression. The strikes involved the use of long-range B-1 bombers flown from the United States, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

The conflict has intensified, with implications reaching beyond Iraq and Syria. The strikes come amidst ongoing tensions in the region, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Iran, a key supporter of Hamas, has maintained a delicate balance, avoiding direct involvement in the regional turmoil while backing various groups across Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria—the so-called “Axis of Resistance” that opposes Israeli and U.S. interests.

Reactions and Condemnations:

Iran: The foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, labeled the U.S. attacks as “another adventurous and strategic mistake” that would only escalate tension and instability in the region.

Iraq: The Iraqi government condemned the strikes, reporting that they resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including civilians
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Syria: Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, confirmed that 23 people guarding the targeted locations lost their lives in Syria.

Despite these retaliatory actions, the Pentagon maintains that it does not seek war with Iran. It believes Tehran shares this sentiment, even as pressure mounts on President Biden to respond decisively. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, aware that the stakes are high and the consequences far-reaching.

In this volatile landscape, the question remains: Can diplomacy prevail, or will the cycle of violence continue? Only time will tell, but the recent strikes serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the Middle East.

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