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Bond Yields Are Nearing 5%: What It Means for Your Mortgage and HELOC

  Published September 11, 2026 Something is happening in the bond market this week that matters more to your wallet than the daily swings in the TSX. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note closed in on 5% on Friday — 4.95% , its highest level since 2023 and approaching territory not seen since 2007 — after climbing 18 basis points in a single week. Canadian bond yields have followed the same path: the 10-year Government of Canada bond hit its highest level in over two years earlier this month, and the 5-year bond — the one that actually sets your fixed mortgage rate — has drifted up to roughly 3.41%, about a quarter-point higher than it was a month ago. If you're renewing a mortgage, shopping for a HELOC, or just trying to figure out whether now is the moment to lock in, here's what's actually going on and what it means for your payments. Why bond yields, not the Bank of Canada, are driving fixed rates right now It's a common mix-up: people watch the Bank of Canada...

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Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico Survives Assassination Attempt

 

In a shocking turn of events, Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was shot multiple times and gravely wounded in an attempted assassination. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after a political event in the town of Handlova. Mr. Fico was immediately rushed to a hospital in Bratislava, the country’s capital, approximately two hours away.

The assailant reportedly fired at Mr. Fico as he emerged from a meeting, leaving him with five gunshot wounds. Authorities swiftly arrested a suspect at the scene, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The incident has sent shockwaves across Europe, especially considering its timing just before the upcoming elections.

Slovakia, a small country in Central Europe, has been grappling with political tensions and societal divisions. Prime Minister Fico, a prominent figure in Slovakian politics, has faced both support and criticism during his tenure. His survival in this assassination attempt will undoubtedly have significant implications for the nation’s political landscape.

As the investigation unfolds, citizens and leaders alike are left wondering about the underlying reasons behind this brazen attack. The next few hours will be critical for Mr. Fico’s recovery and for understanding the broader context of this violent act.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops. Our thoughts are with Prime Minister Robert Fico and his family during this difficult time.



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