Skip to main content

Featured

OAS Just Got Its Biggest Raise of 2026: What 1.4% Actually Pays

  Canadian Money Brief • Published October 2, 2026 Old Age Security is going up 1.4% for the October-to-December quarter, the biggest of the four quarterly adjustments in 2026. For a senior on the maximum pension, that works out to $10.53 more a month . Whether that feels like a raise or just a catch-up depends on a number most headlines skip: how much prices have risen over the past year. +$10.53 a month Maximum OAS for ages 65 to 74 goes from $751.97 to $762.50. That is about $126 more over a year, and it starts with the Oct. 28 deposit. What actually changes on October 28 The new rate applies to the Oct. 28 payment and the two after it (Nov. 26 and Dec. 22). Nothing needs to be filed. It applies to OAS, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances automatically. Maximum monthly amount Jul–Sep 2026 Oct–Dec 2026 Change OAS, ages 65 to 74 $751.97 $762.50 +$10.53 OAS, age 75 and over $827.17 $838.75 +$11.58 GIS, single senior (approx.) $1,123.17 about $1,138.89 about +$...

article

Wall Street Eyes Labor Market Data and Powell’s Testimony

 

Wall Street drifted modestly lower before the opening bell on Monday, with investors focusing their attention on a trove of labor market data and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming appearances before Congress.

Here are the key points driving today’s market sentiment:

  1. Labor Market Data: This week, investors eagerly await several labor market reports. On Wednesday, the job openings and labor turnover report will provide insights into employment trends. Additionally, the more comprehensive February jobs report, due on Friday, will shed light on the health of the U.S. job market.

  2. Powell’s Testimony: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to make his semi-annual appearance before the House on Wednesday, followed by testimony to the Senate on Thursday. Investors will closely monitor his remarks for any signals regarding the timing of a highly-anticipated round of interest rate cuts. The Fed has already raised its main interest rate to the highest level since 2001 in an effort to combat surging inflation following the COVID-19 recession of 2020. Powell’s statements may provide clarity on whether further rate cuts are imminent.

  3. Inflation and Economic Strength: Despite the Fed’s hawkish stance, unexpectedly strong economic data has pushed back market expectations for rate cuts from March to June. The central bank’s decision will likely hinge on inflation trends. If inflation continues to retreat toward the Fed’s 2% target, rate cuts may be on the horizon.

  4. Market Reaction: Futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.1% before the bell, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.3%. Investors remain cautious as they await Powell’s insights and assess the impact of labor market developments.

In summary, Wall Street’s attention is squarely on labor market indicators and Powell’s testimony this week. As the economy continues to recover, investors are keenly watching for signals that could shape monetary policy decisions in the coming months.


Comments