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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...

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UN Demand for Gaza Ceasefire Sparks Tensions Between U.S. and Israel



In a historic move, the United Nations Security Council has issued its first demand for a ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This resolution, passed by a 14-0 vote, aims to halt the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, it’s the U.S.'s decision to abstain from using its veto power that has ignited the strongest public clash between the allies since the war began.

The UN’s call for a ceasefire was met with mixed reactions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly canceled a planned high-level delegation visit to Washington in protest. The resolution not only demands a cessation of hostilities but also calls for the release of all hostages taken captive during Hamas’ surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7. Notably, the resolution does not explicitly link the release of hostages to the ceasefire during Ramadan, which concludes on April 9.

The U.S. decision to abstain from the vote has drawn criticism. Netanyahu accused the U.S. of “retreating” from its “principled position” by allowing the resolution to pass without conditioning the ceasefire on the release of hostages held by Hamas. White House national security spokesman John Kirby clarified that the abstention was due to the resolution’s failure to condemn Hamas.

This clash underscores the delicate balance between diplomacy, humanitarian concerns, and geopolitical alliances. As negotiations continue, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that preserves human lives and averts further suffering and destruction in the region.



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