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The Fed Just Hiked Rates. Here's What It Means for Your Canadian Mortgage.

  The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points yesterday — the first hike in three years. The Bank of Canada hasn't moved. That gap is now the biggest story in Canadian personal finance. MoneySavings.ca  |  September 17, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief Yesterday afternoon, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to raise the U.S. federal funds rate by a quarter point, pushing it to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. It's the Fed's first rate hike since July 2023, and Chair Kevin Warsh made clear it almost certainly won't be the last. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, has held its overnight rate at 2.25% through seven straight meetings. It doesn't decide again until October 28. For Canadians with a mortgage, a renewal coming up, or a home equity line of credit, this matters more than it might look at first glance. 3.75–4.00% New U.S. Fed Rate 2.25% Bank of Canada Rate 1.625% Rate Gap (vs. 1.375% yesterday) ~71.5¢ Loonie (post-hike low) What th...

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Canada Implements Digital Services Tax Amidst Controversy

Canada has officially enacted a digital services tax (DST), which imposes a three percent levy on revenue from Canadian users by foreign tech giants, retroactive to 2022. This move has sparked significant debate and concern among businesses and the United States government, with fears of potential trade repercussions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the decision, stating that it was unfair for Canada to indefinitely delay its own measures while waiting for a multilateral agreement on digital service taxes. She emphasized the need for tech companies to pay their fair share of taxes on revenue earned without a physical presence in Canada.

The DST is expected to affect companies with global annual income of at least $1.1 billion and Canadian revenues greater than $20 million a year. While the tax aims to level the playing field and support essential investments within the country, it has raised concerns about adding irritants to the trade relationship with the United States, especially during a sensitive time with upcoming presidential and congressional elections.

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