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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Bets, TSX Slide, Oil Near $100 (Oct. 23)

  Canadian Money Brief • Friday, October 23, 2026 The Bank of Canada decision is five days away, the TSX gave back most of Wednesday's gains, and oil is flirting with US$100 again. Here are the five things Canadian wallets need to know today. 1. Markets Lean Toward a Bank of Canada Hike on Oct. 28 A decision that looked like a ninth straight hold is now a genuine coin flip with a hawkish tilt. After Governor Tiff Macklem warned that there is "no resolution in sight" for the Middle East conflict, BMO and Desjardins flipped to a hike call, Scotiabank firmed up its call and Goldman Sachs joined them, all looking for a quarter-point move to 2.50%. Overnight swaps priced about an 87% chance of a hike earlier this week, though other economists still argue for a hold, pointing to September's 68,000 job losses and a 6.5% unemployment rate. What it means for you: A quarter-point hike adds roughly $21 a month in interest for every $100,000 of variable-rate borrowing (HELOCs an...

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Tragedy Strikes Iranian Port: Explosion Leaves Hundreds Injured

A devastating explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas, Iran, on April 26, 2025, claiming the lives of 14 individuals and injuring over 700 others. The blast, reportedly linked to a shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel, caused widespread destruction and raised concerns about safety protocols at the port.

The explosion occurred as Iran and the United States engaged in nuclear negotiations in Oman, adding a layer of geopolitical tension to the tragedy. Social media footage captured the aftermath, showing thick black smoke billowing from the site and shattered windows miles away. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause, but improper handling of hazardous materials is suspected.

Efforts to extinguish the fire continued into the night, with helicopters dumping water on the blaze. The incident has drawn comparisons to the Beirut port explosion in 2020, highlighting the risks of storing volatile chemicals in densely populated areas.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and international cooperation to prevent similar disasters in the future.

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