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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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Tech Stocks Rally as Powell Reinforces Fed Caution



US stocks surged today, with technology companies leading the way. Investors closely followed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony, where he reiterated that interest rate cuts are still likely this year. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Tech Rebound: The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQ: IXIC) bounced back by about 1% after a sharp slide in stocks on Tuesday. Investors welcomed this recovery.

  2. Powell’s Stance: Powell’s prepared testimony indicated that rate cuts are likely to be warranted “at some point” in 2024. Investors eagerly await further clarity during his two-day testimony before Congress.

  3. Individual Stocks: CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) shares continued their post-earnings rally, surging over 18%. The cybersecurity company’s positive outlook signaled robust demand in the sector. Other cybersecurity stocks, including Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS), also gained.

  4. Goldman Sachs’ Outlook: Economists at Goldman Sachs predict that 2024 will be the year of rate cuts globally. Central banks in developed markets are expected to cut rates for at least three consecutive meetings, starting in June.

In summary, Powell’s cautious stance and positive economic data have contributed to today’s market rally. Investors remain attentive to any deviations from the Fed’s message regarding interest rates. As we navigate these uncertain times, tech stocks continue to play a pivotal role in shaping market sentiment.


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