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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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Ontario is gearing up for a significant change on its highways as the Ford government announces an increase in speed limits. Starting July 12, drivers will experience a new pace of travel with speed limits rising to 110 km/h on select sections. This move is set to affect over 250 km of Highway 401, including stretches around Kingston and Belleville, as well as parts of Highway 403 near Brantford.

The decision follows a successful pilot program and consultations that began in 2019. It also aligns Ontario’s speed limits with those in other Canadian provinces, making for a more uniform driving experience across the country. The government assures that the highways were originally designed to safely accommodate the new speed limits, and data from the 2022 changes support this claim.

While the speed limit increase is welcomed by many for its promise of a more convenient commute, it does not alter the threshold for stunt driving charges. In Ontario, speeds exceeding 50 km/h above the posted limit can lead to such charges, and with the new changes, 150 km/h remains the cutoff.

As Ontario prepares for this shift, drivers are reminded to adjust their habits accordingly and enjoy the benefits of a faster, yet safe, journey on the province’s highways.

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