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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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Wall Street Futures Dip as Markets Close Out a Turbulent but Triumphant 2025

US stock futures edged slightly lower on Wednesday as Wall Street prepared to close the books on one of the most unpredictable yet ultimately rewarding years in recent memory. Futures tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq slipped in early trading, extending the quiet, cautious tone that has defined the final stretch of 2025.

Despite the soft finish, the major indexes remain on track to end the year with strong gains. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all posted double‑digit advances, powered by resilient corporate earnings, easing inflation pressures, and renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and semiconductor stocks.

The year was anything but smooth. Markets swung sharply in the spring after sweeping tariff announcements rattled investors, only to rebound when policy uncertainty eased. Inflation worries, shifting expectations for Federal Reserve policy, and geopolitical tensions added to the volatility, creating a roller‑coaster environment that tested investor patience.

Even so, the second half of the year delivered a powerful recovery. Tech leadership re‑emerged, consumer spending held up better than expected, and optimism returned as economic data stabilized.

The final week of December has been subdued, with several consecutive down sessions dampening hopes for a classic Santa Claus rally. But the broader picture remains overwhelmingly positive: 2025 will be remembered as a year that challenged markets early but rewarded those who stayed the course.

As investors look toward 2026, attention now shifts to the Federal Reserve’s next moves, the durability of the AI boom, and whether the market’s momentum can continue into the new year.


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