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5 Things to Know Today: Fed Decision Looms, TSX Slides, Gas Prices Climb (Sept 16)

  Wednesday, September 16, 2026 The Fed's biggest decision in years lands at 2 p.m. ET today, the TSX and loonie are both licking their wounds, and drivers are paying more at the pump despite the gas tax holiday. Here's what's moving your money this morning. 1. The Fed Decides on Rates Today — and a Hike Looks All but Certain The Federal Reserve announces its rate decision at 2 p.m. ET, with Chair Kevin Warsh's press conference to follow at 2:30 p.m. Markets have priced in over 90% odds of a 25-basis-point hike, which would lift the target range to 3.75%–4.00% from 3.50%–3.75%, where it's sat since December. It would be the first hike of this cycle, driven by inflation still running above target even as the labour market holds up. What it means for you: A Fed hike widens the gap with the Bank of Canada's 2.25% rate, which tends to pressure the loonie lower and nudge Canadian bond yields — and by extension fixed mortgage pricing — upward. Watch for the reaction ...

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Tariff Shock Ripples: TSX Futures Plunge as Global Markets Sell Off


TSX futures joined a broader global selloff on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, set to take effect Tuesday. The measures include a 25% levy on most Canadian goods—with energy products facing a lower 10% rate—and have spurred widespread investor anxiety about the potential for a full-blown trade war.

Early trading saw March futures on the S&P/TSX index drop by about 1.3%, as markets reacted swiftly to the news. The tariffs have unsettled investors, prompting a flight to safer assets such as the U.S. dollar and U.S. Treasuries, while equity positions were pared off amid fears that the tariffs could lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth. Global indices from Europe to Asia have also been pressured, with significant selloffs in major markets.

In response to Trump’s announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed swift retaliatory measures, unveiling plans for tariffs on roughly C$155 billion worth of U.S. goods. The escalation in trade tensions is likely to disrupt supply chains further, affecting sectors from automotive to energy, and could even pave the way for prolonged economic uncertainty.

Amid the turmoil, some corporate activity continues to move forward. For example, Brookfield Asset Management recently completed a $1.7 billion acquisition in the electric heat trace systems sector—a sign that while markets are volatile, business fundamentals continue to drive major transactions.

As investors digest the unfolding trade conflict, many caution that further tariff escalations could lead to a cascade of economic challenges, including increased consumer prices and potential recessions in affected regions.

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