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Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — May 18, 2026

  A quick scan of the five stories shaping your wallet right now — from the Bank of Canada's next big decision to your mortgage renewal and a brand-new federal agency hunting financial criminals. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision Is June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight policy rate steady at 2.25% at its April 29 meeting, citing a rise in energy-driven inflation and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs. Governing Council held firm while acknowledging a rate hike could become necessary if oil-linked price pressures prove persistent. The next announcement lands on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — mark your calendar. Why it matters: Your variable-rate mortgage, HELOC, and lines of credit are directly tied to this rate. With bank prime rates sitting at 4.45%, every meeting counts. 2 Markets TSX Slips Below 34,000 as Bond Yields Spike The S&P/TSX Composite Index finished last week down close to 2%, sliding under the 34,000 mark. A global bond market selloff...

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Songkran: Thailand’s Splendid New Year Celebration

Thailand’s New Year festivities are a vibrant blend of tradition and joy, with the Songkran Festival standing at its heart. Celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, Songkran marks the start of the Buddhist New Year. The festival is famed for its jubilant water fights that splash across streets and towns, drawing both locals and tourists into a dazzling melee of fun. 

Traditionally, Songkran is a time to honor ancestors, visit temples, and cleanse Buddha statues with scented water—a ritual believed to bring good luck and blessings. The water element holds deep symbolism, representing purification and renewal as individuals metaphorically wash away past misfortunes.

Over the years, Songkran has evolved into an exhilarating cultural event that highlights Thailand’s charm. Streets transform into battlegrounds for water pistol wars, buckets fly, and hoses unleash cascades of joy. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok host lively parades, music, and traditional dances that enliven the festival further.

Songkran is much more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of Thailand’s warm spirit, creating unforgettable memories of connection and laughter. It’s safe to say that in Thailand, the New Year doesn’t just start; it splashes its way in!

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