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Trump’s Oct. 30 Tariff Swap: Who Wins, Who Loses, and What It Means for Your Wallet

  Canadian Money Brief • October 27, 2026 Washington just reshuffled the 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. Seaweed and packing boxes are out. Vinyl flooring, cocoa powder and shampoo are in. Here is who comes out ahead, who doesn't, and what to do with your money before the changes take effect on Oct. 30. The short version This is a reshuffle, not a rollback: more products are going onto the 50% list than coming off it, according to a KPMG Law trade lawyer. Politics is the driver. The exemptions followed U.S. Sen. Susan Collins' push, 10 days before the U.S. midterms. Canada's own counter-tariffs, which affect prices in your store, are not changing. A broad trade deal before the midterms looks unlikely. What's coming off, what's going on The White House changes take effect at the end of this month. Reports from CTV News and Money.ca describe the swap this way: Coming off the 50% list Going onto the 50% list Seaweed Packing boxes Some plywood sheets Certain paper and pl...

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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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