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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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Markets Rebound as U.S. Ceasefire Proposal to Iran Sparks Investor Optimism

 


U.S. stock futures surged early Wednesday as reports of a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal to Iran boosted market sentiment and pushed oil prices sharply lower. Investors reacted positively to signs of potential de‑escalation in the Middle East, lifting Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures after a volatile week.

U.S. stock futures climbed on Wednesday following reports that Washington sent Iran a 15‑point ceasefire plan aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The development injected cautious optimism into global markets, which have been rattled by geopolitical tensions in recent weeks. 

Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 rose around 1%, while Nasdaq 100 futures jumped more than 1%, reversing some of the previous session’s losses. The shift in sentiment was amplified by a sharp retreat in oil prices—WTI crude fell over 5%, easing inflation concerns and improving the outlook for corporate margins. 

The reported ceasefire proposal, relayed through Pakistan, signals renewed diplomatic urgency from the U.S. administration. While Tehran has denied direct negotiations, markets responded favorably to any indication of reduced regional risk. Investors are now watching upcoming economic data, including import and export price figures, for further direction. 

Overall, the combination of geopolitical easing and falling energy prices helped restore confidence across major indices, offering a momentary reprieve from recent volatility.

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