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Lock In or Wait? Why Two Big Banks Say Rates Are Going Up in October

  Published September 2, 2026 The Bank of Canada did exactly what all 35 economists in Reuters' latest poll expected today: it held its overnight rate at 2.25% for a sixth straight decision, keeping the prime rate at 4.45%. Bond markets had priced in barely a 3% chance of anything else. What's not settled is what happens next — and on that question, Canada's biggest banks are more split than they've been all year. Four of the Big Six expect the Bank to sit tight through the end of 2026. Two expect it to start hiking as soon as October. If you're renewing a mortgage in the next few months, that gap isn't academic — it's the difference between locking in now and gambling on a rate cycle turning against you. The Split, Bank by Bank Here's where the six largest banks stand on where the overnight rate lands by the end of 2026: Bank Year-end 2026 call Stance BMO 2.25% (hold) Hold camp CIBC 2.25% (hold) Hold camp RBC 2.25% (hold) Hold camp TD 2.25% (hold) Hold...

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St. Patrick’s Day: History, Celebrations, and Fun Facts


 St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17, holds a rich history that intertwines religion, culture, and legend. Let’s delve into the fascinating origins of this festive day:

  1. Who Was St. Patrick?

    • Saint Patrick, born in Roman Britain during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle.
    • At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned to Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
    • One of the most well-known legends associated with St. Patrick is that he used the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock, to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
  2. Early Observance in Ireland:

    • For over 1,000 years, the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday.
    • During the Christian season of Lent, Irish families traditionally attended church in the morning and celebrated in the afternoon.
    • Lenten prohibitions against meat consumption were waived, allowing people to dance, drink, and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
  3. First St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

    • Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade did not take place in Ireland but in America.
    • Records show that a parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.
    • Homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772, to honor the Irish patron saint.
    • Enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City, Boston, and other American cities continued to grow.
  4. Growth of Celebrations:

    • Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, leading to the rise of “Irish Aid” societies.
    • These societies held annual parades featuring bagpipes and drums.
    • In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies united their parades to form the world’s oldest civilian parade: the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which remains the largest in the United States with over 150,000 participants.

So, as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let’s raise a glass to the enduring legacy of this beloved holiday! 

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