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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds Near 80%, Oil Tops US$100, Loonie Hits 5-Week High

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Saturday, October 24, 2026 The Bank of Canada is expected to raise rates on Wednesday, oil is back above US$100 and stocks slipped on AI worries. Here are the five things to know this Saturday, and what each one means for your wallet. 1 The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hike on Wednesday Markets are putting roughly an 80% chance on a quarter-point increase at the Bank of Canada’s Oct. 28 decision, which would lift the policy rate from 2.25% to 2.50%. A majority of economists polled by Reuters also expect a second hike by the end of March. The shift followed hawkish comments from Governor Tiff Macklem about a higher inflation outlook driven by oil. What it means for you Every 0.25-point increase adds about $250 a year (roughly $21 a month) for each $100,000 of prime-linked debt, such as a variable-rate mortgage or HELOC. Fixed-rate holders are not hit directly, but renewals are being priced off higher bond yields. Savers may see HISA and...

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Man climbs London’s Big Ben tower waving Palestinian flag


In a striking act of protest, a man climbed the iconic Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, at the Palace of Westminster in London early Saturday morning. Waving a Palestinian flag and reportedly shouting "Free Palestine," the barefoot man drew the attention of onlookers and emergency services alike.

The Metropolitan Police were alerted to the incident at 7:24 AM and quickly arrived at the scene, accompanied by the London Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service. Emergency crews used an aerial ladder platform to communicate with the man and work toward a safe resolution. Westminster Bridge and nearby streets were temporarily closed, causing significant traffic disruptions.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the man's identity or motives, but the protest has sparked conversations about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The incident highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to draw attention to political causes. Tours of the Parliamentary Estate were canceled for the day as a precautionary measure.

The situation remains under investigation as officials work to understand the full context of the protest.

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