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Fed Decision Day: Oil Tops $108, Bond Yields Hit a 19-Year High — What It Means for Your Money

  All eyes are on Washington today. The Federal Reserve wraps up its two-day policy meeting this afternoon, and markets are pricing in roughly a 90–93% chance of a 25-basis-point hike — what would be the first rate increase of this cycle, as energy-driven inflation forces central banks around the world to reverse course. It comes after a rough session on both sides of the border: the TSX slipped to a one-week low, Wall Street logged its sixth decline in seven sessions, and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield touched 5.04% — its highest level since 2007 — as oil held near four-month highs above $107 a barrel. Here's what moved markets overnight, and what today's decision could mean for your mortgage, your grocery bill, and your portfolio. 🇨🇦 TSX: Second Straight Decline The S&P/TSX Composite closed Tuesday at 35,582.07 , down 120.46 points (-0.34%) — its second straight losing session and lowest close in about a week. Energy was the lone bright spot as crude prices surged,...
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Universities Brace for Impact as International Student Cap Takes Effect

 

Canadian colleges and universities are grappling with significant financial challenges following the federal government's decision to cap international student permits. The 35% reduction in study permits, which brought the number down to an estimated 360,000 for 2024, has led to widespread layoffs, hiring freezes, and reductions in services across the post-secondary education sector.

The Council of Ontario Universities, which includes 20 of the province's top institutions, anticipates a combined loss of $330 million this fiscal year and $600 million in the upcoming fiscal year. "We're seeing across-the-board cuts in programming and services, layoffs, hiring freezes, deferred capital investments," said Steve Orsini, president of the council.

In British Columbia, students are experiencing reductions in library hours and services, as well as limited access to academic advisers. "The work that we do is going to continue in terms of advocating for more funding, especially now more than ever," said Jessie Niikoi, chair of the British Columbia Federation of Students.

The cap on international students has also led to the cancellation or delay of several student residence projects. "It's had a profound negative effect on the sector at a time when Ontario universities are facing significant financial challenges," Orsini added.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller defended the cap, stating that the international student system was set up to attract talent to fill key roles in the labor market but had become "overheated." However, he emphasized that addressing the funding challenges facing universities is not the federal government's responsibility.

Despite the financial strain, both the B.C. and Ontario governments have increased funding for post-secondary institutions to help mitigate the impact of the cap.

The loss of tuition revenue from international students, who typically pay significantly higher fees than domestic students, is being compounded by tuition freezes and insufficient operating grants. "Universities really are facing a perfect storm," Orsini said.

As institutions continue to navigate these financial challenges, the focus remains on advocating for more funding and finding ways to sustain quality education and services for all students.




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