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5 Things to Know Today: Job Losses, a Sliding Loonie and Budget 2026 (Nov. 7)

  Canadian Money Brief · Saturday, November 7, 2026 Canada’s job losses stretched to a third month, the loonie took its biggest one-day hit since January, and the federal budget landed with a few items for your wallet. Here’s what to know today. 1 Canada’s job market has now lost jobs three months in a row Statistics Canada said the economy shed 4,700 jobs in October, well short of the gain of about 13,600 economists expected. The unemployment rate rose to 6.7% from 6.5%, a six-month high. That follows losses of 42,000 in August and 68,000 in September, and the country has added just 17,000 jobs over the past 12 months. Alberta lost 24,000 jobs, youth unemployment climbed to 13.7%, and average hourly wages were up only 2.2% from a year earlier. What it means for you: Wages are rising 2.2% a year while September inflation was 3.1%, so paycheques are losing ground. If your income feels less certain, this is a good week to check that your emergency fund covers three to six months of ...
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S&P/TSX Composite and U.S. Stock Markets Rally After Rate Decision



On Wednesday, the S&P/TSX composite index closed up 185.13 points at 22,045.71, following a boost from the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate announcement. Simultaneously, U.S. stock markets also surged, with the Dow Jones industrial average rising 401.37 points to 39,512.13 and the S&P 500 index gaining 46.11 points to reach 5,224.62. The Nasdaq composite also joined the rally, climbing 202.62 points to 16,369.41.

The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold its key rate steady for the fifth consecutive meeting was widely expected. However, the central bank’s projection of three rate cuts in 2024 surprised some investors, given the strong inflation data earlier this year. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that while inflation has cooled from its peak, uncertainties remain, and the path forward is uncertain.

For investors, the Fed’s announcement brought positive news. Mike Archibald, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at AGF Investments Inc., highlighted that the market had anticipated a reduction to two cuts in 2024. The fact that the central bank maintained its projection of three cuts was well-received. Although the Fed lowered its expectations for cuts in 2025, it upgraded its growth outlook, signaling confidence in the economy.

Looking ahead, Archibald believes that rate cuts are still likely to come mid-year. In Canada, the situation may differ slightly, as the economy has not shown the same persistent strength. The Bank of Canada, which also held its key rate steady, expects to start cutting rates this year but remains divided on timing.

As the markets responded favorably to the Fed’s decision, investors are cautiously optimistic about better times ahead. Equities in risk-on sectors, such as discretionary, communications, services, industrials, and financials, outperformed. The Canadian dollar traded at 73.75 cents US, and commodities experienced mixed movements.

In summary, the S&P/TSX composite’s upward trajectory, coupled with gains in U.S. stock markets, reflects investor confidence in the economic recovery. As the year unfolds, market participants will closely monitor central bank actions and economic indicators to navigate the evolving landscape.

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