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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds Near 80%, Oil Tops US$100, Loonie Hits 5-Week High

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Saturday, October 24, 2026 The Bank of Canada is expected to raise rates on Wednesday, oil is back above US$100 and stocks slipped on AI worries. Here are the five things to know this Saturday, and what each one means for your wallet. 1 The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hike on Wednesday Markets are putting roughly an 80% chance on a quarter-point increase at the Bank of Canada’s Oct. 28 decision, which would lift the policy rate from 2.25% to 2.50%. A majority of economists polled by Reuters also expect a second hike by the end of March. The shift followed hawkish comments from Governor Tiff Macklem about a higher inflation outlook driven by oil. What it means for you Every 0.25-point increase adds about $250 a year (roughly $21 a month) for each $100,000 of prime-linked debt, such as a variable-rate mortgage or HELOC. Fixed-rate holders are not hit directly, but renewals are being priced off higher bond yields. Savers may see HISA and...

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Meta’s AI Investment Causes Market Stir


In a bold move that sent shockwaves through the stock market, Meta Platforms Inc. announced plans to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The Facebook and Instagram owner revealed that expenses for 2024 could soar as high as $40 billion, a figure that far exceeds market expectations.

Market Reaction Investors responded swiftly to the news, resulting in a staggering $200 billion loss in Meta’s market value within just a few hours. The company’s shares plummeted nearly 15%, as the market grappled with the implications of the tech giant’s aggressive spending strategy.

Long-Term Vision Despite the immediate financial impact, Meta’s leadership is focused on the long-term potential of AI. The company is betting big on the technology, hoping that the substantial investments will eventually translate into significant revenue growth.

Investor Concerns However, the announcement has raised concerns among investors about the timeline for these investments to bear fruit. With rising costs and an uncertain return on investment, there is growing skepticism about how long it will take for Meta’s AI initiatives to contribute positively to its bottom line.

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