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Big Six Banks Raise Fixed Mortgage Rates: What Your Renewal Costs Now

  Canadian Money Brief • Mortgages Updated Saturday, October 17, 2026 If your mortgage term ends this winter, the rate you saw advertised in August is probably gone. All six of Canada’s big banks have raised fixed rates since early September, and the Bank of Canada hasn’t touched its policy rate in almost a year. That disconnect catches a lot of homeowners off guard. Your fixed mortgage rate doesn’t follow the Bank of Canada. It follows the bond market. And bond yields have been climbing on oil-driven inflation worries, which means the people feeling it first right now are the ones opening a renewal letter. The numbers at a glance Up to 0.50 pt in fixed-rate increases at the big banks in about five weeks • BoC policy rate still 2.25% • Big bank prime still 4.45% • About $110 a month more on a $400,000 balance from a half-point jump How far have the big banks moved? Depending on the term, some big bank fixed rates are up by as much as half a percentage point in roughly five week...

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Israel Strikes Iran in Narrow Attack Amid Escalation Fears

Israel has carried out a retaliatory strike against Iran, according to US officials. The Israeli military operation comes after Iran’s massive drone and missile attack on Israeli territory. Tensions in the region remain high, with both countries engaging in a series of retaliatory strikes.

Here’s what we know so far:

  1. Military Operation: Israel warned the Biden administration that a strike was imminent within the next 24 to 48 hours. The Israelis assured their US counterparts that Iran’s nuclear facilities would not be targeted.

  2. Explosions Near Isfahan: Iranian state media reported explosions near a major airbase close to the city of Isfahan. Air defense batteries were activated in response. Isfahan is home to sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program, including the underground Natanz enrichment site. State television described all sites in the area as “fully safe” despite the reported explosions.

  3. Suspension of Flights: Dubai-based carriers Emirates and FlyDubai diverted flights around western Iran, suggesting airspace closures. Iran later announced the suspension of flights over some cities.

  4. Escalation Context: Iran previously launched hundreds of drones and cruise missiles toward Israel in response to an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus. Iran’s foreign minister warned that if Israel retaliates, Tehran’s response would be “decisive, definitive, and regretful” for Israel.

As tensions persist, the situation remains fluid, and world leaders are closely monitoring developments in the region. The delicate balance between retaliation and de-escalation hangs in the balance.



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