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BoC Set to Hike Into a Weak Economy: What It Means for You

  Canadian Money Brief • Feature Monday, October 26, 2026 • Written ahead of the 9:45 a.m. ET decision on Wednesday, Oct. 28 The Bank of Canada is about to do something that looks backwards. Jobs are disappearing, the housing market is sluggish, and yet money markets and most economists expect the central bank to raise its key rate on Wednesday. If it happens, your budget gets squeezed from two directions at once: higher borrowing costs and a shakier job market. The short version • Expected move: +0.25 point to 2.50% on Oct. 28, up from 2.25% • Reuters poll: 56% of economists (19 of 34) call for a hike, and a majority see one more by end of March • Why now: energy-driven inflation (3.1% in September) and a bank worried it spreads • The catch: 68,300 jobs lost in September , unemployment at 6.5% Why would the bank hike when the economy is wobbling? Reuters reports the Bank of Canada is expected to raise its rate as a pre-emptive strike: the goal is to stop an oil-driven jump in p...

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Canada’s Employment Boom: 76,000 New Jobs Signal Economic Recove

 


Canada’s labour market made impressive gains in January as the economy added a net 76,000 jobs, helping push the unemployment rate down to 6.6%. The surge in employment far exceeded economists’ expectations, signaling renewed confidence amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.

A key driver behind the strong performance was the manufacturing sector, which contributed roughly 33,000 new positions. This development underscores the sector’s reliance on U.S. demand for Canadian exports, a factor that has become increasingly significant given current trade tensions. In addition to the manufacturing boost, full-time employment also saw a healthy increase while part-time roles added to the overall strength of the report.

Despite these encouraging signs, analysts remain cautious. Although the unemployment rate has fallen, it still points to some underlying slack in the labour market. Wage growth moderated slightly to 3.5% on a year-over-year basis, which could influence upcoming monetary policy decisions by the Bank of Canada. With the possibility of further interest rate cuts on the horizon, this robust job report is likely to play a crucial role in shaping economic policy in the coming months.

The latest figures paint a positive picture for Canada’s recovery, offering renewed optimism for a more resilient and dynamic economic future.

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