Skip to main content

Featured

Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — May 18, 2026

  A quick scan of the five stories shaping your wallet right now — from the Bank of Canada's next big decision to your mortgage renewal and a brand-new federal agency hunting financial criminals. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision Is June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight policy rate steady at 2.25% at its April 29 meeting, citing a rise in energy-driven inflation and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs. Governing Council held firm while acknowledging a rate hike could become necessary if oil-linked price pressures prove persistent. The next announcement lands on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — mark your calendar. Why it matters: Your variable-rate mortgage, HELOC, and lines of credit are directly tied to this rate. With bank prime rates sitting at 4.45%, every meeting counts. 2 Markets TSX Slips Below 34,000 as Bond Yields Spike The S&P/TSX Composite Index finished last week down close to 2%, sliding under the 34,000 mark. A global bond market selloff...

article

Stock Market Today: Record Highs as Fed Signals Delay in Rate Cuts



Investors rejoiced today as Wall Street surged to new heights, building upon a record-setting rally. The Federal Reserve’s recent signals of delaying but not slowing down rate cuts fueled the market’s optimism.

Key Highlights:

  1. Fed’s Decision: The Federal Reserve announced its decision to keep interest rates steady, but with a twist. It expects to cut rates three times this year, providing a boost to investor confidence.

  2. Reddit’s IPO: Social media giant Reddit (RDDT) made its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. Priced at $34 per share, the company is now valued at nearly $6.5 billion.

  3. Market Rally: All three major indices – the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), Nasdaq Composite (IXIC), and S&P 500 (GSPC) – closed at new highs. The S&P 500 surpassed the 5,200 level, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite moved up 0.9%.

  4. Inflation Concerns: Despite sticky inflation data, the Fed maintained its outlook for three rate cuts in 2024. Policymakers remain committed to their easing strategy.

  5. Gold Soars: Gold prices (GC=F) jumped to a record above $2,200 an ounce, reflecting investors’ confidence in the Fed’s approach.

  6. AI Growth and Beyond: While AI growth continues to boost tech stocks, other market drivers are likely to come into focus in the coming weeks.

  7. Swiss National Bank’s Move: The Swiss National Bank surprised markets by lowering interest rates, signaling confidence that tightening has peaked in leading economies.

With the next Fed policy meeting scheduled for May, investors will closely monitor economic indicators and corporate developments. As Reddit joins the NYSE, and Micron (MU) shares surge, the market remains dynamic and full of opportunities.

Stay tuned for more updates as the stock market continues its upward trajectory.


Comments