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Big Six Banks Raise Fixed Mortgage Rates: What Your Renewal Costs Now

  Canadian Money Brief • Mortgages Updated Saturday, October 17, 2026 If your mortgage term ends this winter, the rate you saw advertised in August is probably gone. All six of Canada’s big banks have raised fixed rates since early September, and the Bank of Canada hasn’t touched its policy rate in almost a year. That disconnect catches a lot of homeowners off guard. Your fixed mortgage rate doesn’t follow the Bank of Canada. It follows the bond market. And bond yields have been climbing on oil-driven inflation worries, which means the people feeling it first right now are the ones opening a renewal letter. The numbers at a glance Up to 0.50 pt in fixed-rate increases at the big banks in about five weeks • BoC policy rate still 2.25% • Big bank prime still 4.45% • About $110 a month more on a $400,000 balance from a half-point jump How far have the big banks moved? Depending on the term, some big bank fixed rates are up by as much as half a percentage point in roughly five week...

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Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza Amidst Conflict

 

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point as the United Nations warns of an impending famine in the northern regions. The World Food Program’s alarming report indicates that 70% of the population is facing catastrophic levels of hunger, with the possibility of half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents being pushed to the brink of starvation if the conflict escalates.

Israeli forces have conducted another raid on Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa Hospital, amidst claims of Hamas militants using the facility for operations. This has raised international concerns and calls for Israel to facilitate the entry of aid and open more crossings to address the dire needs of the Gazan population.

The European Union’s top diplomat has described the looming famine as “entirely man-made,” pointing to the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Aid groups emphasize the necessity of consistent food aid, access to clean water, and healthcare to avert the crisis.

As the war displaces 80% of Gaza’s population, the region’s infrastructure is under severe strain, with many residents resorting to eating animal feed. The international community continues to push for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to prevent a large-scale famine in Gaza.


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