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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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Israel Approves Ceasefire Deal with Gaza, Hostages to be Released

 

In a significant move towards peace, Israel’s security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, paving the way for the release of dozens of hostages held in Gaza. The agreement, which is expected to take effect as early as Sunday, aims to halt the 15-month-long conflict that has caused widespread devastation in Gaza.

Under the terms of the deal, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly men, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The ceasefire is set to begin with a six-week phase, during which Israeli forces will withdraw from several areas, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to their homes.

The approval of the ceasefire deal comes after intense negotiations and last-minute complications. Despite opposition from hardliners within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, the deal was ultimately approved by the security cabinet and is now awaiting final approval from the full cabinet.

The ceasefire and hostage release are seen as a crucial step towards easing hostilities in the region and providing much-needed humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza. The international community has welcomed the agreement, hoping it will lead to a lasting peace in the Middle East.




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