Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today — Fed Hikes, BoE Warns, and the TSX Is Bouncing Back

  The Fed's first rate hike since 2023 rocked markets Wednesday. Here's what it means for your wallet on Friday, September 18. Friday, September 18, 2026  |  moneysavings.ca 1 The Fed Hiked — First Time Since 2023 The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75%–4.00% on Wednesday — the first hike since June 2023. Chair Kevin Warsh cited persistent inflation tied to elevated oil prices and a still-resilient economy, saying recent inflation readings hadn't improved enough to justify holding. The decision was unanimous. The updated dot plot signals one more potential hike by year-end, then a pause through 2027. Markets initially sold off, but U.S. futures are rebounding this morning as investors reframe the move as a sign the Fed is serious about getting inflation under control. 💡 What It Means for You A higher U.S. federal funds rate puts upward pressure on Canadian bond yields and mortgage rates. The BoC is already...

article

Market Gains Amid Anticipation of Key Data and Big Tech Earnings

 

U.S. stock markets saw gains today as investors eagerly await crucial economic data and earnings reports from major technology companies. The Nasdaq Composite rose by approximately 0.7%, while the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average each increased by about 0.5%.

The market’s positive movement was partly driven by relief over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Israel’s limited retaliatory strikes on Iran focusing solely on military targets. This development led to a significant drop in oil prices, with Brent crude falling nearly 6% to around $71 a barrel.

Investors are particularly focused on the upcoming earnings reports from five of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants: Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. These reports are expected to provide insights into whether investments in artificial intelligence are translating into profits. Additionally, the market is bracing for key economic indicators, including the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge and the October jobs report, which could influence future interest rate decisions.

Overall, the anticipation of Big Tech earnings and critical economic data has set the stage for a potentially volatile week in the stock market.


Comments