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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Bets, TSX Slide, Oil Near $100 (Oct. 23)

  Canadian Money Brief • Friday, October 23, 2026 The Bank of Canada decision is five days away, the TSX gave back most of Wednesday's gains, and oil is flirting with US$100 again. Here are the five things Canadian wallets need to know today. 1. Markets Lean Toward a Bank of Canada Hike on Oct. 28 A decision that looked like a ninth straight hold is now a genuine coin flip with a hawkish tilt. After Governor Tiff Macklem warned that there is "no resolution in sight" for the Middle East conflict, BMO and Desjardins flipped to a hike call, Scotiabank firmed up its call and Goldman Sachs joined them, all looking for a quarter-point move to 2.50%. Overnight swaps priced about an 87% chance of a hike earlier this week, though other economists still argue for a hold, pointing to September's 68,000 job losses and a 6.5% unemployment rate. What it means for you: A quarter-point hike adds roughly $21 a month in interest for every $100,000 of variable-rate borrowing (HELOCs an...

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Gaza Ceasefire Talks: A Fragile Hope Amidst Ongoing Conflict


As the world watches with bated breath, the Cairo-mediated discussions persist, yet the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza remains tenuous. The crux of the matter lies in the uncompromising demands of both parties involved. Hamas insists on a war termination as a prerequisite for releasing hostages, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands firm against such conditions.

Stalemate in Cairo Negotiations in Cairo have hit a deadlock, with Hamas negotiators unwavering in their stance and Israeli officials absent from the indirect talks. Netanyahu’s recent statements underscore Israel’s primary objective: to permanently disarm Hamas, citing the group’s continued control as a threat to Israel’s future security.

The Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds The ongoing conflict has wreaked havoc on the Gaza Strip, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis. The staggering death toll and the destruction of infrastructure paint a grim picture of the situation on the ground. As the talks proceed, Israeli military actions persist, adding to the already profound civilian suffering.

Mediation Efforts and International Concern The international community, including the CIA Director William Burns, has shown concern over the escalating casualties and the plight of Gaza’s inhabitants. Despite the challenges, mediators from Egypt and Qatar remain hopeful that their efforts will eventually lead to a cessation of hostilities and a resolution that addresses the core issues at hand.

In conclusion, the Cairo talks represent a critical juncture in the quest for peace in Gaza. The outcome of these negotiations could either pave the way for a much-needed truce or plunge the region further into the abyss of war. The world awaits a resolution that can bring an end to the suffering and set the stage for lasting peace.

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