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Big Six Banks Raise Fixed Mortgage Rates: What Your Renewal Costs Now

  Canadian Money Brief • Mortgages Updated Saturday, October 17, 2026 If your mortgage term ends this winter, the rate you saw advertised in August is probably gone. All six of Canada’s big banks have raised fixed rates since early September, and the Bank of Canada hasn’t touched its policy rate in almost a year. That disconnect catches a lot of homeowners off guard. Your fixed mortgage rate doesn’t follow the Bank of Canada. It follows the bond market. And bond yields have been climbing on oil-driven inflation worries, which means the people feeling it first right now are the ones opening a renewal letter. The numbers at a glance Up to 0.50 pt in fixed-rate increases at the big banks in about five weeks • BoC policy rate still 2.25% • Big bank prime still 4.45% • About $110 a month more on a $400,000 balance from a half-point jump How far have the big banks moved? Depending on the term, some big bank fixed rates are up by as much as half a percentage point in roughly five week...

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Trump Implements 25% Tariff on Steel and Aluminum Imports

 

In a significant move, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, effective immediately. This decision follows a day of intense trade negotiations and threats to raise the tariff to 50%. The tariff aims to protect American industries but has sparked concerns about potential economic repercussions and strained relations with key trading partners, including Canada.

The announcement came after Ontario Premier Doug Ford agreed to suspend a proposed tax on electricity exports to the U.S., which had escalated tensions. Both sides are set to engage in further discussions to address trade disputes and explore revisions to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The tariffs are expected to impact global trade dynamics, with Canada and other affected nations preparing to respond. Critics argue that such measures could lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses, while supporters believe they will bolster domestic manufacturing.

This development underscores the complexities of international trade and the challenges of balancing national interests with global economic stability.

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