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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds Near 80%, Oil Tops US$100, Loonie Hits 5-Week High

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Saturday, October 24, 2026 The Bank of Canada is expected to raise rates on Wednesday, oil is back above US$100 and stocks slipped on AI worries. Here are the five things to know this Saturday, and what each one means for your wallet. 1 The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hike on Wednesday Markets are putting roughly an 80% chance on a quarter-point increase at the Bank of Canada’s Oct. 28 decision, which would lift the policy rate from 2.25% to 2.50%. A majority of economists polled by Reuters also expect a second hike by the end of March. The shift followed hawkish comments from Governor Tiff Macklem about a higher inflation outlook driven by oil. What it means for you Every 0.25-point increase adds about $250 a year (roughly $21 a month) for each $100,000 of prime-linked debt, such as a variable-rate mortgage or HELOC. Fixed-rate holders are not hit directly, but renewals are being priced off higher bond yields. Savers may see HISA and...

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Starmer and Trump Showcase Unity, Sidestep Contentious Issues in UK Visit

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a press conference following their meeting at Chequers, near Aylesbury, Britain, September 18, 2025.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump closed the latter’s unprecedented second state visit to the UK with a display of warmth and economic ambition, hailing a “renewed special relationship” while steering clear of divisive topics.

At Chequers, the leaders unveiled a record £150 billion ($205 billion) U.S. investment package into Britain — part of a wider £250 billion deal spanning technology, energy, and infrastructure. Major commitments include a tech pact with firms such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI, alongside £100 billion from investment giant Blackstone. Starmer called the agreements “a signal of our determination to win this race together,” promising jobs, growth, and lower household bills.

Both leaders avoided clashes over Gaza, Ukraine, and steel tariffs, instead emphasising shared economic goals. Trump praised Starmer as a “tough negotiator” and described U.S.-UK ties as “unbreakable.” Questions over the late financier Jeffrey Epstein — linked to both Trump and Starmer’s recently dismissed U.S. ambassador — were deflected.

The visit, marked by royal pageantry and business diplomacy, leaves unresolved policy gaps but cements a narrative of transatlantic cooperation built on investment and mutual political benefit.


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