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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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New Alliance Against ISIS: Turkey Joins Neighbors in Syrian Fight


In a bold regional move, Turkey announced it will join forces with Syria, Iraq, and Jordan to confront the lingering threat of the Islamic State group in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that this coordinated effort aims not only to dismantle ISIS’s remaining footholds but also to recalibrate U.S. involvement in the region, particularly by reducing support for Kurdish-led militias that Turkey deems as extensions of the PKK.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha alongside regional leaders, Fidan criticized the current role of the Kurdish YPG, arguing that instead of actively combating ISIS, the group is largely occupied with guarding thousands of ISIS detainees. He suggested that a united regional front would be more effective in eradicating the extremist threat and would allow the United States to reconsider its long-standing alliance with the Kurdish forces.

Preliminary talks among the four nations have already taken place, setting the stage for joint military operations and intelligence sharing. The proposed alliance reflects Turkey’s strategic pivot in the region—seeking to reinforce its national security while pushing for a realignment of external military support in Syria. Critics of U.S. policy, including Turkish officials, hope that this new coalition could prompt a reassessment of Western engagement, especially concerning Kurdish forces in Syria.



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