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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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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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