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Canada’s Housing Market Faces Headwinds Despite BoC Moves

The Bank of Canada’s 25-basis-point cut in September was at best ignored by the national market, with sales falling 1.7 per cent compared to the month before. The Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate adjustments have done little to revive the country’s housing market, which continues to struggle under the weight of broader economic concerns. In September, the central bank cut its policy rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 2.5%. Yet, instead of sparking renewed activity, national home sales actually fell by 1.7% compared to the previous month.  Economists note that the housing market is no longer moving in lockstep with monetary policy, but is instead being shaped by regional affordability challenges, consumer psychology, and—most critically—job security fears. Uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy has also cast a shadow over Canada’s economic outlook. Businesses remain hesitant to invest, and households are wary of making major financial commitments such as home purchas...

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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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