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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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S&P 500 Surpasses 6,000 Mark Amid Trump and Fed-Driven Surge

 

In a historic milestone, the S&P 500 index has broken through the 6,000-point barrier for the first time. This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of Donald Trump’s re-election and a series of favorable economic policies anticipated from a Republican-controlled Congress. The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points has further fueled investor optimism, propelling the market to new heights.

The rally, which has seen the S&P 500 post its best week in nearly a year, is driven by expectations of business-friendly policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, which are expected to boost corporate profits. Investors are also buoyed by the Fed’s commitment to maintaining a supportive monetary policy environment.

Market analysts suggest that the 6,000 mark is a psychologically significant milestone that could attract more investment into equities, as there remains substantial capital on the sidelines in money market funds and bonds. The combination of strong earnings, economic growth, and the so-called “Fed put” is expected to continue driving the market higher in the medium term.

However, there are concerns about potential inflationary pressures from Trump’s expansive fiscal policies and proposed tariff hikes, which could complicate the Federal Reserve’s path forward. Despite these uncertainties, the immediate market reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with all major indexes closing at record highs.

As investors celebrate this landmark achievement, the focus will now shift to how the new administration’s policies will unfold and their long-term impact on the economy and financial markets.


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