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Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — May 18, 2026

  A quick scan of the five stories shaping your wallet right now — from the Bank of Canada's next big decision to your mortgage renewal and a brand-new federal agency hunting financial criminals. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision Is June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight policy rate steady at 2.25% at its April 29 meeting, citing a rise in energy-driven inflation and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs. Governing Council held firm while acknowledging a rate hike could become necessary if oil-linked price pressures prove persistent. The next announcement lands on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — mark your calendar. Why it matters: Your variable-rate mortgage, HELOC, and lines of credit are directly tied to this rate. With bank prime rates sitting at 4.45%, every meeting counts. 2 Markets TSX Slips Below 34,000 as Bond Yields Spike The S&P/TSX Composite Index finished last week down close to 2%, sliding under the 34,000 mark. A global bond market selloff...

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French Election Outcome: Leftist Coalition Gains Majority, Macron Faces Uncertainty

 

The French election results have yielded an intriguing outcome. While the far-right party, led by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, increased its seats in the National Assembly, it did not secure an outright majority. Instead, French voters granted the most parliamentary seats to a broad leftist coalition, keeping the far right away from power. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance came in second. 

Now, with no clear figure emerging as a possible future prime minister, Macron faces uncertainty. He has stated that he will wait to decide his next steps and is heading to Washington this week for a NATO summit. The new legislators can begin work in parliament on Monday, with their first session scheduled for July 18. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal offered his resignation, but Macron asked him to remain temporarily as head of the government. Macron’s term runs until 2027, and despite his weakened position, he still holds significant powers over foreign policy, European affairs, defense, and international treaties negotiation. 

For now, France remains in an unprecedented situation, and the challenge lies in navigating this delicate political landscape.

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