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BoC Opens the Door to Rate Hikes: What It Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 4, 2026 The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh straight hold — but Governor Tiff Macklem didn't sound like a central banker done for the year. He told reporters the Bank is "prepared to raise interest rates, and if it takes more than one increase, we're prepared to do that," if inflation stays too high. That's a real shift in tone, and it lands right as a wave of Canadians hit their mortgage renewal date. Here's what changed, who's forecasting what, and what it actually means for your payment. Why the Bank Suddenly Sounds Hawkish Canada's annual inflation rate has climbed to around 3% — a full point above the Bank's 2% target — and the Bank is pointing squarely at energy prices. Oil has stayed elevated because of the Iran conflict and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices up and dragging headline CPI with it. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, is still s...

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Nasdaq Lags as Markets Take a Breather


In today’s trading session, US stocks reversed gains late in the day, signaling a pause in the record-setting run that has characterized Wall Street during the first quarter of 2024. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Nasdaq Composite: The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, which had been on track for a record close, dipped approximately 0.4% as the session concluded. Tech stocks faced headwinds, contributing to the overall decline.

  2. S&P 500: The broader S&P 500 index also retreated, falling nearly 0.3%. Investors closely monitored economic data releases, including durable goods orders and the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index.

  3. Durable Goods Orders: In February, durable goods orders rebounded by 1.4%, driven by increases in transportation equipment and machinery orders. This positive data reflects economic resilience.

  4. Home Price Index: The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index rose 6% in January compared to the previous year, marking the highest annual increase since 2022.

  5. Consumer Confidence: The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index remained relatively stable at 104.7 for March. However, the “Expectations Index,” which gauges consumers’ short-term outlook, dipped to 73.8, potentially signaling a future economic downturn.

  6. Upcoming Event: All eyes are on Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE), a crucial indicator of inflation. Investors eagerly await insights into “core” PCE growth, which the Federal Reserve closely monitors.

  7. Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.: Former President Donald Trump’s social media company made its Wall Street debut after merging with Digital World Acquisition Corp. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) surged, finishing the day up 16%.

As the week progresses, keep an eye on economic indicators and corporate developments. The stock market remains dynamic, and investors should stay informed to navigate these fluctuations effectively. 

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