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Bond Yields Are Nearing 5%: What It Means for Your Mortgage and HELOC

  Published September 11, 2026 Something is happening in the bond market this week that matters more to your wallet than the daily swings in the TSX. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note closed in on 5% on Friday — 4.95% , its highest level since 2023 and approaching territory not seen since 2007 — after climbing 18 basis points in a single week. Canadian bond yields have followed the same path: the 10-year Government of Canada bond hit its highest level in over two years earlier this month, and the 5-year bond — the one that actually sets your fixed mortgage rate — has drifted up to roughly 3.41%, about a quarter-point higher than it was a month ago. If you're renewing a mortgage, shopping for a HELOC, or just trying to figure out whether now is the moment to lock in, here's what's actually going on and what it means for your payments. Why bond yields, not the Bank of Canada, are driving fixed rates right now It's a common mix-up: people watch 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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