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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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Ireland, Spain, and Norway Recognize Palestinian State: A Historic Move

                             

In a significant and historic development, Ireland, Spain, and Norway have officially recognized the state of Palestine. The move has drawn both praise and criticism from various quarters.

Recognition and Reactions

  • Ireland: Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris described the recognition as “an historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.” The decision was coordinated with Spain and Norway, with the aim of advancing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict toward a peaceful resolution through a two-state solution.

  • Spain: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the recognition in the Spanish Parliament. European Union countries Spain and Ireland, along with Norway, have taken this step amid international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive.

  • Norway: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide jointly made the announcement in Oslo. Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly ordered the return of Israel’s ambassadors from both Norway and Ireland in response to the recognition.

Israel’s Reaction

Israel has expressed strong disapproval, considering this move a “gift to Hamas.” The recognition has further strained relations between Israel and the three European nations.

Formal Recognition Date

The formal recognition of the Palestinian state is set for May 28, 2024. This decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has implications for regional dynamics.


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