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Daily Markets Update: Oil Rattles TSX Ahead of BoC Hike Week | Oct 26

  Canadian Money Brief • Daily Markets Update Monday, October 26, 2026 • Covers Friday’s North American and European closes plus Monday’s Asian session Oil took over from AI as the market’s main worry on Friday. Crude jumped above US$100 on fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia, the S&P/TSX Composite finished the week lower, and Wall Street logged a second straight weekly loss for the S&P 500. Monday brought a small reprieve: oil slipped after no weekend escalation in the Iran war, and most Asian and European markets steadied — just ahead of a week stacked with central bank decisions, including the Bank of Canada on Wednesday. The 30-second version TSX: 35,788.18 , down 185.27 points (−0.52%) Friday; −1.07% on the week. Wall Street: Dow −1.2%, S&P 500 −0.5%, Nasdaq −0.2%. Oil: WTI settled at US$103.27 ; Brent at US$116.72 . Loonie: 71.46¢ US , a five-week high. Bank of Canada: markets price roughly an 80% chance of a hike to 2.50% on Wednesday. Canada: TSX Ends the Week in the...

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A Symbol of Hope: Tiny Christmas Tree Amidst Church Ruins in Lebanon

 

In the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, amidst the ruins of the 18th-century St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a tiny Christmas tree now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The church, devastated by an Israeli airstrike in October, once served as a vibrant community center. 

Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy to the holiday season. "This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for us, but we didn't want it to be a sad one for the town's residents and its church," Elia said. 

The modest tree, shorter than Elia himself, is decorated with a shining garland and a star. Despite the lack of lights and a traditional Nativity scene due to the war's destruction, the tree stands tall among the fallen stones and shattered pews. "But, of course, Christ is born in our hearts, lit with our love for him," Elia added.

The church's priest, Father Maurice el Khoury, who has served for 11 years, conducts Sunday Mass in a small underground room that once housed visiting bishops. "This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born," he said, reminding families of the true essence of the holiday season.

The community's faith remains unshaken, and despite the staggering financial toll of the damage, estimated at nearly $3 million, they continue to celebrate Christmas with hope and love.



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