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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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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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