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5 Things to Know Today — Fed Hikes, BoE Warns, and the TSX Is Bouncing Back

  The Fed's first rate hike since 2023 rocked markets Wednesday. Here's what it means for your wallet on Friday, September 18. Friday, September 18, 2026  |  moneysavings.ca 1 The Fed Hiked — First Time Since 2023 The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75%–4.00% on Wednesday — the first hike since June 2023. Chair Kevin Warsh cited persistent inflation tied to elevated oil prices and a still-resilient economy, saying recent inflation readings hadn't improved enough to justify holding. The decision was unanimous. The updated dot plot signals one more potential hike by year-end, then a pause through 2027. Markets initially sold off, but U.S. futures are rebounding this morning as investors reframe the move as a sign the Fed is serious about getting inflation under control. 💡 What It Means for You A higher U.S. federal funds rate puts upward pressure on Canadian bond yields and mortgage rates. The BoC is already...

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Tech Stocks Decline Amid “Triple Witching” and Nvidia’s Rebalance


The stock market experienced a pullback as tech stocks faced pressure, and a significant options expiration loomed. Here are the key points:

  1. Tech Under Pressure:

    • Tech stocks, including megacap companies, declined.
    • Nvidia Corp. led the losses in this segment.
  2. Triple Witching:

    • Wall Street faced a quarterly event known as “triple witching.”
    • Derivatives contracts tied to stocks, index options, and futures were set to mature.
    • About $5.5 trillion in contracts were expiring, compelling traders to adjust positions.
  3. Volatility and Vulnerability:

    • Short interest in major equity ETFs hit record lows.
    • Lack of bearish investors signaled vulnerability to negative news.
    • Implied volatility on S&P 500 options remained low.
  4. Nvidia’s Rebalance:

    • Nvidia’s sharp rally prompted the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) to rebalance.
    • Over $10 billion of Nvidia shares were acquired, while Apple’s weight was significantly reduced.
  5. AI Frenzy and Inflows:

    • Nvidia’s AI-related surge made it briefly the world’s most valuable company.
    • Record inflows flowed into tech funds, driven by the ongoing artificial intelligence frenzy.

In summary, tech stocks faced headwinds, and market participants closely watched Nvidia’s earnings and rebalancing dynamics. The landscape remains dynamic, with implications for investors and traders alike.


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