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Housing Market Outlook 2026: Prices Stabilizing, Demand Still Weak

  If you've been watching the Canadian housing market and waiting for a clear signal — up, down, or sideways — welcome to 2026, where the answer is stubbornly "sideways." Prices have stopped falling in most regions, but they're not exactly rallying either. Meanwhile, the buyers who were supposed to flood back after rate cuts? Still sitting on the fence. Here's what the data says and what it means for your wallet. 📊 Quick Stats — April 2026 National average home price: $695,412 (+2.2% year-over-year) National benchmark price (MLS HPI): $666,400 (-4.2% year-over-year) Months of inventory: 5.2 (balanced territory) GTA average price: $1,051,969 (-4.9% year-over-year) Bank of Canada policy rate: 2.25% (held steady) 📉 Why Are Prices "Stabilizing" But Not Recovering? Canada's housing market entered 2026 caught between two opposing forces. On one side, the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate from a peak of 5.0% all the way down to 2.25%, which should ...

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Stock Market Today: Dow Nears 40,000 as Stocks Regroup Near Record Highs


US stocks remained relatively unchanged on Thursday following a record-setting rally. Signs of cooling inflation have fueled expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Market Performance:

    • The S&P 500 (^GSPC) edged slightly higher after closing above 5,300 for the first time.
    • The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) were trading near the flatline.
    • All three major indices ended Wednesday at all-time highs, leaving the Dow less than 100 points away from breaking through the 40,000 mark.
  2. Inflation and Rate Cut Speculation:

    • April’s tepid consumer inflation reading brought relief to a market anticipating higher interest rates. Trader bets on a Fed rate cut in September rose to over 70%, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
    • Investors also turned to bonds, pushing the 10-year Treasury yield (^TNX) down to near one-month lows at around 4.33%.
  3. Corporate News:

    • Walmart (WMT) posted better-than-expected quarterly profit, revenue, and same-store sales. The US retail giant’s shares surged over 5% as it raised its full-year forecasts.
    • Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BKR-B) revealed a $6.7 billion stake in Chubb (CB), ending months of suspense over a position kept concealed in regulatory filings. Chubb’s shares climbed about 8%.
  4. Insights from Walmart’s CFO:

    • Walmart’s CFO, John David Rainey, highlighted deflation in certain product categories but not disinflation. Sales in May started strong, benefiting from investments in same-day delivery and buy online, pick up in stores technology.
    • Walmart’s market cap crossed the $500 billion level.

In summary, the stock market remains resilient, with investors closely monitoring inflation trends and anticipating further Fed actions. The Dow’s march toward 40,000 continues, fueled by positive corporate earnings and strategic investments.


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