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Lock In or Wait? Why Two Big Banks Say Rates Are Going Up in October

  Published September 2, 2026 The Bank of Canada did exactly what all 35 economists in Reuters' latest poll expected today: it held its overnight rate at 2.25% for a sixth straight decision, keeping the prime rate at 4.45%. Bond markets had priced in barely a 3% chance of anything else. What's not settled is what happens next — and on that question, Canada's biggest banks are more split than they've been all year. Four of the Big Six expect the Bank to sit tight through the end of 2026. Two expect it to start hiking as soon as October. If you're renewing a mortgage in the next few months, that gap isn't academic — it's the difference between locking in now and gambling on a rate cycle turning against you. The Split, Bank by Bank Here's where the six largest banks stand on where the overnight rate lands by the end of 2026: Bank Year-end 2026 call Stance BMO 2.25% (hold) Hold camp CIBC 2.25% (hold) Hold camp RBC 2.25% (hold) Hold camp TD 2.25% (hold) Hold...

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Devastating Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand, Leaving Over 150 Dead

 

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, and the tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital.

In Myanmar, at least 144 people lost their lives, and over 730 were injured. The quake caused buildings, bridges, and even a monastery to collapse, leaving rescue teams scrambling to pull survivors from the rubble. The situation is dire, with blood supplies running low and the death toll expected to rise.

In Thailand, the earthquake claimed at least 10 lives in Bangkok, where a high-rise under construction collapsed, leaving many injured and over 100 people missing. The city's residents were evacuated from high-rise buildings as aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4 magnitude, continued to shake the region.

The disaster has prompted international aid efforts, with the United Nations allocating $5 million to support relief operations. However, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, particularly in Myanmar, which is already grappling with a humanitarian crisis due to ongoing civil conflict.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity and the urgent need for disaster preparedness and support.


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