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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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Trump Proposes 25% Tariffs on Autos, Pharmaceuticals, and Semiconductor Chips

 

In a move that could significantly impact international trade, former President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on automobile, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor chip imports. The announcement was made during a press briefing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he outlined his intentions to reshape global trade policies.

Trump stated that the tariffs on auto imports would be "in the neighborhood of 25 percent" and are set to be implemented as early as April 2. This date coincides with the day his cabinet members are expected to deliver reports outlining options for various import duties. The proposed tariffs aim to address what Trump perceives as unfair treatment of U.S. automotive exports in foreign markets.

In addition to automobiles, Trump plans to impose similar tariffs on imported semiconductors and pharmaceutical goods. He mentioned that the government could collect 25% or higher in taxes for these imports, with the rates potentially increasing over the course of a year. Trump emphasized that he wants to give companies in these industries some time to build factories in the U.S. to avoid the new tariffs.

The proposed tariffs have raised concerns among economists and industry experts, who warn that they could lead to higher prices for consumers and increased costs for businesses. The automotive industry, in particular, could see significant price hikes, as nearly half of vehicle sales in the U.S. last year were imported from foreign countries.

Trump's announcement is part of a broader effort to promote "balanced" trade with foreign markets and encourage the reshoring of strategic industries. While the proposed tariffs could have far-reaching effects, Trump believes they will ultimately benefit the U.S. economy in the long run.


: [Yahoo News](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-plans-to-impose-25-percent-tariffs-on-automobile-and-semiconductor-imports-130044480.html)

: [CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/trump-tariffs-pharma-chips-auto-25-percent-1.7462509)

: [MSN](https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/trump-plans-to-impose-25-tariffs-on-autos-chips-and-pharmaceuticals/ar-AA1zkWCA)

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