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5 Things to Know Today: Your Canadian Money Brief

  Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | moneysavings.ca/canadian-money-brief 1. The Bank of Canada Is Watching — And So Should You Markets are closely parsing every signal from the Bank of Canada ahead of its next rate announcement. With inflation holding stubbornly above target in key categories like shelter and groceries, economists are split on whether another cut is on the table or a longer hold is in store. If you're carrying variable-rate debt or sitting on a GIC renewal, now is the time to model both scenarios. What to do: Don't lock into a long-term rate product until after the next announcement. A few days of patience could save you thousands. 2. Spring Housing Market: More Listings, Less Panic After years of near-empty inventory, more Canadian sellers are finally listing — particularly in the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Vancouver. The uptick in supply is giving buyers breathing room they haven't seen since pre-pandemic times. That said, prices haven't mean...

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Wall Street Inches Lower as S&P 500 Nears 5,000 Milestone

 

On Thursday, Wall Street exhibited a cautious stance, with the S&P 500 teetering on the edge of a significant milestone: the 5,000 level. While futures for the S&P 500 dipped slightly by 0.2% before the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average remained virtually unchanged.

This week’s spotlight is on corporate earnings, as economic indicators from Washington take a back seat. Investors continue to grapple with turbulence in the regional banking sector. Notably, New York Community Bancorp faced another slide, dropping 4.9% early Thursday. The bank’s value has eroded significantly since last week’s surprise loss, attributed to its holdings in commercial real estate. Additionally, the acquisition of Signature Bank, which collapsed during last year’s mini banking crisis, has added to New York Community Bancorp’s challenges.

In brighter news, The Walt Disney Co. surged nearly 8% in premarket trading after reporting robust first-quarter earnings. Cost-cutting measures and increased revenue from theme parks contributed to Disney’s success. The company posted earnings of $1.91 billion, or $1.04 per share, marking a 49% increase from the same period last year.

However, not all companies fared well. PayPal, despite beating sales and profit forecasts, saw its shares plummet by nearly 9.7% before the bell. The culprit? A flat profit forecast for 2024 dampened investor enthusiasm.

In Asian markets, Hong Kong’s benchmark declined, while Shanghai advanced. China’s recent replacement of its top stock market regulator aims to bolster performance in what have been some of the world’s weakest markets this year. The new appointee, Wu Qing, known as the “broker butcher,” has a reputation for cracking down on market abuses like insider trading. The move signals China’s commitment to safeguarding smaller investors who have faced losses in recent sell-offs.

As the S&P 500 hovers near the 5,000 mark, investors remain watchful, balancing optimism with caution. The next steps in this financial dance will determine whether Wall Street can breach this historic threshold.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.


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