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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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Canadian Seniors to Receive Increased Old Age Benefits

 

Canadian seniors are set to receive a boost in their Old Age Security (OAS) benefits starting this July. The increase, which is part of a scheduled adjustment to account for inflation, will see benefits rise by 2.8% compared to the previous year.

For seniors aged 65 to 74, the maximum monthly OAS payment will now be up to $718.33. Those aged 75 and older will receive a maximum monthly payment of $790.16. These adjustments are crucial as retirement becomes increasingly unaffordable for many Canadians.

In addition to the OAS pension, eligible seniors and their partners may also qualify for extra benefits such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor. For single, widowed, or divorced Canadians aged 65 or older with an annual net income of less than $21,768, the maximum GIS payment per month is set at $1,072.93.

These increases aim to provide better financial support to seniors, ensuring they can maintain a decent standard of living during their retirement years.


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