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The Fed Just Hiked Rates. Here's What It Means for Your Canadian Mortgage.

  The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points yesterday — the first hike in three years. The Bank of Canada hasn't moved. That gap is now the biggest story in Canadian personal finance. MoneySavings.ca  |  September 17, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief Yesterday afternoon, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to raise the U.S. federal funds rate by a quarter point, pushing it to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. It's the Fed's first rate hike since July 2023, and Chair Kevin Warsh made clear it almost certainly won't be the last. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, has held its overnight rate at 2.25% through seven straight meetings. It doesn't decide again until October 28. For Canadians with a mortgage, a renewal coming up, or a home equity line of credit, this matters more than it might look at first glance. 3.75–4.00% New U.S. Fed Rate 2.25% Bank of Canada Rate 1.625% Rate Gap (vs. 1.375% yesterday) ~71.5¢ Loonie (post-hike low) What th...

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Hamas Dismisses Trump's Ultimatum, Demands Lasting Ceasefire for Hostage Release

In a recent development, Hamas has dismissed President Donald Trump's ultimatum to release the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The militant group has reiterated its stance that the hostages will only be freed in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Trump's threat came after the White House confirmed unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, marking the first such engagement since the group was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US in 1997. In a social media post, Trump warned Hamas to release all hostages and return the bodies of the deceased, or face severe consequences.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to back out of the ceasefire agreement reached in January. The agreement called for negotiations over a second phase, which would involve the release of hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The fragile ceasefire, which has facilitated hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid deliveries, is now at risk of collapse. The failure to secure a lasting agreement could reignite violence and escalate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As the situation remains tense, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace and stability to the region.


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