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Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — May 18, 2026

  A quick scan of the five stories shaping your wallet right now — from the Bank of Canada's next big decision to your mortgage renewal and a brand-new federal agency hunting financial criminals. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision Is June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight policy rate steady at 2.25% at its April 29 meeting, citing a rise in energy-driven inflation and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs. Governing Council held firm while acknowledging a rate hike could become necessary if oil-linked price pressures prove persistent. The next announcement lands on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — mark your calendar. Why it matters: Your variable-rate mortgage, HELOC, and lines of credit are directly tied to this rate. With bank prime rates sitting at 4.45%, every meeting counts. 2 Markets TSX Slips Below 34,000 as Bond Yields Spike The S&P/TSX Composite Index finished last week down close to 2%, sliding under the 34,000 mark. A global bond market selloff...

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Israeli Forces Intensify Bombardment in Gaza Amid Fierce Fighting

 

In a devastating escalation, Israeli forces have pounded Rafah in southern Gaza and other areas across the enclave. The intense bombardment has resulted in the deaths of at least 38 Palestinians, including civilians, as troops engage in close-quarter combat with Hamas militants. Tanks are pushing into the city, aiming to complete their capture of Rafah, which borders Egypt and has been under assault since early May. The situation is dire, with more than a million displaced people seeking shelter in the city, only to be forced to flee again due to the attacks.

Palestinian health officials report that at least 18 Palestinians were killed in Mawasi, western Rafah, after a tank shelling hit a tent housing displaced families. The Israeli military claims its actions are “precise, intelligence-based,” targeting tunnels used by militants and a university allegedly serving as a Hamas headquarters. Meanwhile, the pace of the Israeli raid has accelerated, with non-stop sounds of explosions and gunfire in western Rafah.

As the conflict continues, Israel’s advance focuses on the last two areas yet to be stormed: Rafah in Gaza’s southern edge and the region surrounding Deir al-Balah in the center. The toll of violence remains devastating, with both Palestinian and Israeli lives lost in this tragic conflict.

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