Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds, Fixed Rates, Tariff Swap, $100 Oil & Budget Countdown (Oct. 25)

  Canadian Money Brief • Sunday, October 25, 2026 A big week for your wallet starts Wednesday. Here are the five things Canadians should know before it begins. 1 The Bank of Canada decides Wednesday, and markets lean toward a hike The Bank of Canada announces its rate decision at 9:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 28, alongside a new Monetary Policy Report. Prediction markets price roughly a 79% chance of a quarter-point hike to 2.50%, up sharply after Governor Tiff Macklem’s hawkish comments at the IMF meetings, though analysts remain split and some expect a “hawkish hold.” The U.S. Fed also decides that day. What it means for you: Variable-rate mortgage and HELOC holders feel it first. A 0.25-point hike works out to roughly $70 more per month on a $500,000 variable mortgage (25-year amortization), and prime would move from 4.45% to 4.70%. A hold means little change until the next decision on Dec. 9. 2 Fixed mortgage rates have already moved without the Bank Fixed rates follow bond ...

article

Ontario Braces for Back-to-Back Snowstorms: Travel Warnings Issued

Winter is in full swing across Ontario, with three more rounds of snow expected to hit the region this week. The back-to-back storm systems are bringing gusty winds and heavy snowfall, making travel difficult and dangerous.

The first round of snow, a clipper system, has already blanketed eastern Ontario with 5-10 cm of snow, leading to school bus cancellations and winter weather travel advisories in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Visibility has been significantly reduced at times, prompting warnings for drivers to slow down and be prepared to stop.

As the clipper system moves out, lake-effect snow will sporadically impact southern Ontario, potentially bringing **10-20 cm of snow** locally. Another clipper system is expected to spread snow from Thunder Bay to Ottawa through Thursday afternoon, adding another 5-10 cm of snow to the mix.

The most significant event is forecasted for Thursday night into Friday, with a Texas low developing near Lake Erie. This system could bring a mix of rain and snow, changing to heavy snowfall as colder air moves in. Forecasters are closely monitoring the storm's track, as it could be quite impactful for the region.

With temperatures plunging into the minus teens by Saturday, Ontarians are advised to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and road conditions. The first few weeks of February are expected to be volatile, with an active pattern of winter systems.




Comments