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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Decision Day, Fed, Loonie, Tariff Talks and OAS Boost

  Canadian Money Brief 5 Things to Know Today Wednesday, October 28, 2026 It’s a heavy day for Canadian wallets. The Bank of Canada announces its rate decision this morning, the U.S. Fed follows this afternoon, tariff talks are heating up, and bigger OAS deposits land in bank accounts. Here’s what to know. 1 The Bank of Canada decides this morning — a hike is widely expected The decision lands at 9:45 a.m. ET, along with a new Monetary Policy Report. Markets and economists expect a quarter-point increase to 2.50% from 2.25%, which would be the first hike since July 2023. Nineteen of 34 economists in a Reuters poll called for the move, and investors were pricing roughly a 75% chance on Tuesday. The case for it: inflation hit 3.1% in September, driven almost entirely by energy, even as core measures eased below 2%. What it means for you A hike would likely lift prime rates quickly, so variable-rate mortgages and HELOCs feel it first. Roughly, 0.25 points adds about $250 a year per $...

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Starbucks Announces Layoffs Amid Operational Streamlining

 

Starbucks has announced plans to lay off 1,100 corporate employees globally as part of a broader effort to streamline operations under the leadership of new Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol. In a letter to employees released on Monday, Niccol outlined the company's intent to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity, and drive better integration.

The layoffs will affect corporate support employees, but baristas and other store-level staff will not be impacted. Additionally, several hundred open and unfilled positions will be eliminated. Niccol emphasized the need for all work to be overseen by decision-makers to reduce the complexity of Starbucks' structure and eliminate silos that hinder communication.

Niccol, who was hired last fall to address sluggish sales, has also implemented changes to improve service times, particularly during the morning rush, and re-establish Starbucks locations as community gathering places. The company is also cutting items from its menu and experimenting with ordering algorithms to better manage its mix of mobile, drive-thru, and in-store orders.

Despite a 2% decline in global same-store sales during its 2024 fiscal year, Starbucks has seen positive results from recent changes, including the decision to stop charging extra for non-dairy milk and streamlining the menu. These efforts have boosted store traffic and improved service, leading to a modest increase in Starbucks' shares.



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