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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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Greece Eyes Israeli Defense Systems for “Achilles Shield” Project

 

A PULS multiple rocket launcher miniature and artillery rockets by Israeli Elbit Systems is exhibited at the DEFEA Defence Exhibition, in Athens.


Greece has entered negotiations with Israel to purchase advanced missile and artillery systems as part of its ambitious plan to modernize national defense. The initiative, known as the “Achilles Shield”, aims to establish a multi-layered anti-aircraft and anti-drone defense dome to protect Greek airspace.

Officials confirmed that Athens is seeking to acquire 36 PULS artillery systems along with modern anti-aircraft platforms from Israeli defense contractors. Talks are expected to intensify in the coming months, with Greek companies contributing about 25% of the project’s work.

The deal is part of Greece’s broader €28 billion ($33 billion) defense modernization program, scheduled through 2036. Beyond missile systems, the plan includes purchases of stealth fighter jets, frigates, and submarines from the United States and Europe. Roughly €3 billion of the budget is earmarked specifically for the Achilles Shield project.

The move underscores Greece’s determination to bolster its defenses amid ongoing tensions with neighboring Turkey, its historic rival. By partnering with Israel, Athens signals a strategic pivot toward advanced defense technologies and closer military cooperation with regional allies.

If finalized, the acquisition would mark one of the most significant upgrades to Greece’s air-defense network in decades, replacing older systems with a modern, integrated shield against aerial threats.

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