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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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Market Optimism Rises as Tariff Concerns Ease

                                                

The stock market is showing signs of optimism today, with futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all climbing. Investors are responding positively to reports suggesting that the next wave of tariffs proposed by President Trump may be more targeted and less severe than initially feared. This development has eased concerns about a potential escalation in the trade war, which could have significant implications for global trade and economic growth.

S&P 500 futures rose by 0.9%, while Nasdaq futures led the gains with a 1.1% increase. Dow Jones futures also advanced by 0.7%. The market's positive momentum follows a recent reversal of a four-week losing streak, signaling renewed confidence among investors.

The proposed tariffs, expected to be announced on April 2, are reportedly being narrowed to focus on specific trade imbalances. This strategic adjustment has provided relief to markets, which had been bracing for broader and more disruptive measures. As a result, the yield on the 10-year Treasury bond rose slightly, reflecting improved risk appetite among investors.

Looking ahead, market participants will closely monitor upcoming economic data, including the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge and consumer confidence surveys, to gauge the broader economic outlook. For now, the tempered approach to tariffs has injected a dose of optimism into the markets, offering a welcome reprieve from recent volatility.

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