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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds, Fixed Rates, Tariff Swap, $100 Oil & Budget Countdown (Oct. 25)

  Canadian Money Brief • Sunday, October 25, 2026 A big week for your wallet starts Wednesday. Here are the five things Canadians should know before it begins. 1 The Bank of Canada decides Wednesday, and markets lean toward a hike The Bank of Canada announces its rate decision at 9:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 28, alongside a new Monetary Policy Report. Prediction markets price roughly a 79% chance of a quarter-point hike to 2.50%, up sharply after Governor Tiff Macklem’s hawkish comments at the IMF meetings, though analysts remain split and some expect a “hawkish hold.” The U.S. Fed also decides that day. What it means for you: Variable-rate mortgage and HELOC holders feel it first. A 0.25-point hike works out to roughly $70 more per month on a $500,000 variable mortgage (25-year amortization), and prime would move from 4.45% to 4.70%. A hold means little change until the next decision on Dec. 9. 2 Fixed mortgage rates have already moved without the Bank Fixed rates follow bond ...

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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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