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5 Things to Know Today — September 17, 2026

  Thursday, September 17, 2026  A historic Fed rate hike, Carney embracing EU associate status, a sliding TSX, oil pulling back from four-month highs, and a high-stakes vote in Newfoundland — here is what every Canadian needs to watch today. ITEM 1 OF 5 The Fed Raised Rates for the First Time in Three Years The U.S. Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points Wednesday to a target range of 3.75–4.00%, defying public pressure from President Trump who had pushed for a cut. It marks the Fed’s first rate increase since 2023. Sixteen of eighteen FOMC officials signalled at least one further hike is likely before year-end. For Canadian markets, the ripple effects are real even though the Bank of Canada (still holding at 2.25%) does not move in lockstep with Washington. Higher U.S. Treasury yields, which have already pushed above 5%, pull Canadian government bond yields upward — and it is those bond yields, not the BoC’s overnight rate, that drive the 5-year ...

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Meta’s AI Investment Causes Market Stir


In a bold move that sent shockwaves through the stock market, Meta Platforms Inc. announced plans to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The Facebook and Instagram owner revealed that expenses for 2024 could soar as high as $40 billion, a figure that far exceeds market expectations.

Market Reaction Investors responded swiftly to the news, resulting in a staggering $200 billion loss in Meta’s market value within just a few hours. The company’s shares plummeted nearly 15%, as the market grappled with the implications of the tech giant’s aggressive spending strategy.

Long-Term Vision Despite the immediate financial impact, Meta’s leadership is focused on the long-term potential of AI. The company is betting big on the technology, hoping that the substantial investments will eventually translate into significant revenue growth.

Investor Concerns However, the announcement has raised concerns among investors about the timeline for these investments to bear fruit. With rising costs and an uncertain return on investment, there is growing skepticism about how long it will take for Meta’s AI initiatives to contribute positively to its bottom line.

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