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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds, Fixed Rates, Tariff Swap, $100 Oil & Budget Countdown (Oct. 25)

  Canadian Money Brief • Sunday, October 25, 2026 A big week for your wallet starts Wednesday. Here are the five things Canadians should know before it begins. 1 The Bank of Canada decides Wednesday, and markets lean toward a hike The Bank of Canada announces its rate decision at 9:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 28, alongside a new Monetary Policy Report. Prediction markets price roughly a 79% chance of a quarter-point hike to 2.50%, up sharply after Governor Tiff Macklem’s hawkish comments at the IMF meetings, though analysts remain split and some expect a “hawkish hold.” The U.S. Fed also decides that day. What it means for you: Variable-rate mortgage and HELOC holders feel it first. A 0.25-point hike works out to roughly $70 more per month on a $500,000 variable mortgage (25-year amortization), and prime would move from 4.45% to 4.70%. A hold means little change until the next decision on Dec. 9. 2 Fixed mortgage rates have already moved without the Bank Fixed rates follow bond ...

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Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Jump from Animals to Humans

 

Zoonotic diseases are those that naturally transfer from vertebrate animals to humans. These infections can pose risks to human health, and some of the most notable examples include:

  1. COVID-19: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated from animals, likely bats, and spread globally. Although the risk to humans is generally low, the virus continues to impact lives worldwide.

  2. Avian Flu (H5N1): Also known as bird flu, this zoonotic disease has affected both birds and humans. While human cases are relatively rare, scientists remain concerned about its potential to spread further.

  3. Ebola Virus: Ebola outbreaks have occurred in Africa, with the virus crossing from animals (likely bats or primates) to humans. These outbreaks can be severe and deadly.

  4. Salmonellosis: Caused by Salmonella bacteria, this zoonotic infection often results from consuming contaminated food or water. It can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in humans.

Understanding zoonotic diseases is crucial for preventing future outbreaks. Factors like climate change and increased human-animal interactions contribute to their emergence. As we navigate these risks, vigilance and research remain essential to safeguarding public health. 

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