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5 Things to Know Today — September 25, 2026

  Friday, September 25, 2026  |  moneysavings.ca/canadian-money-brief Bond yields are nearing levels not seen in nearly two decades, Iran is offering a Hormuz truce, Ottawa just posted a fresh deficit, the loonie slid to 70.74 cents, and Canadian consumers pulled back in July. Here's what each story means for your money. 01 — Interest Rates Bond Yields Hit 5.10% — and Your Mortgage Is Watching The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to approximately 5.10% overnight — a level last seen in 2007 — while the 30-year surged to around 5.43%, its highest since 2004. The spike was triggered by a combination of stronger-than-expected U.S. PMI data, hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials in New York and Philadelphia, and a weak Treasury auction. Canada's own 10-year bond yield has been tracking close behind, already at multi-year highs. Why does a U.S. number matter here? Canadian fixed mortgage rates are largely priced off the Government of Canada 5-year bond yield, which...

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Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Bill to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

 

Thailand has taken a significant step towards marriage equality by passing a groundbreaking bill in the Senate. The legislation, which recognizes same-sex marriage, makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. Here are the key points:

  1. Approval in the Senate:

    • The upper house approved the measure with 130 votes in favor out of 152 members present, with only four against and 18 abstentions.
    • This final reading paves the way for Thailand to officially recognize same-sex marriages.
  2. Next Steps:

    • The bill now awaits the pro forma endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is widely expected.
    • Once published in the royal gazette, the law will take effect within 120 days.
  3. Implications:

    • Thailand will become the third Asian jurisdiction, after Nepal and Taiwan, to legalize gay marriage.
    • The legislation replaces gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language.
    • LGBTQ couples will gain inheritance and adoption rights equal to those of heterosexual marriages.
  4. Celebration and Progress:

    • Politicians and activists celebrated in the National Assembly, waving rainbow flags and expressing solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
    • Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, will host celebrations at his official residence.
  5. Historic Moment:

    • Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, called it a historic day: “Today, love triumphed over prejudice.”
    • Despite Thailand’s vibrant LGBTQ culture, activists have long fought against conservative attitudes.

In summary, Thailand’s Senate has taken a monumental step forward, recognizing love and equality for all. Soon, same-sex couples in Thailand will have the legal recognition they deserve. 

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