Skip to main content

Featured

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

5 Things to Know Today: Retaliation Tariffs Hit, Oil Spikes on Saudi Strikes

 

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 — Your morning rundown of the Canadian financial news that actually affects your wallet.

1. Canada's $27.6B Retaliation Tariffs Take Effect

At 12:01 a.m. today, Canada's countermeasures against more than 700 U.S. products came into force, matching Washington's August 22 tariffs dollar-for-dollar. Tariffs on American steel and aluminum double to 50%, while new levies of 15% to 50% now apply to dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. A $7.5-billion support package is rolling out for affected Canadian businesses.

What it means for you: U.S.-made appliances (fridges, freezers, washers, dryers, ranges) now carry a 25% tariff, and cheese, whey, and milk powder imports jump 25%–50%. Shopping for a new appliance or specialty dairy product? Expect price increases to show up at retail over the coming weeks.

2. Oil Surges to ~$99 on Overnight Saudi Strikes

Overnight strikes on Saudi energy facilities pushed Brent crude up for a third straight session to roughly $99 a barrel, with WTI near $94.50 — layering fresh supply fears on top of weeks of Iran-related tension around the Strait of Hormuz.

What it means for you: CAA's national gas average has climbed to 176.7¢/L, up about 5.5¢ in less than a week — even with the federal fuel-tax holiday still in effect through January 2027. Without that holiday, pump prices would already be higher; budget extra if you're filling up this week.

3. TSX Set for a Volatile Tuesday Reopen

Markets were closed Monday for Labour Day. Toronto closed out last week at 36,513.80 (-0.33%) on Friday, giving back part of Thursday's 541-point jobs-data rally, and futures point lower again this morning as the new tariffs and overnight oil spike weigh on sentiment.

What it means for you: If your TFSA or RRSP holds bank stocks or export-heavy sectors, expect another choppy session. This is a week to avoid emotional trading decisions.

4. Mark Your Calendar: August CPI Lands Sept. 14

Statistics Canada releases August inflation data next Monday — the first full read since the retaliation tariffs and this week's oil-driven gas price moves, and a number the Bank of Canada will be watching closely after Governor Macklem's hawkish "open to hikes" comments from last week's rate hold.

What it means for you: A hot CPI print would strengthen the case for a rate hike as soon as October, per National Bank and Scotiabank's forecasts. If you're renewing a mortgage soon, this is the number that could tip your "lock in now vs. wait" decision.

5. Ottawa's $1-Trillion Investment Summit, Sept. 14–15

The same week, Ottawa hosts the Canada Investment Summit — a CPP- and PSP-backed push to attract $1 trillion in investment over five years — alongside Thursday's ECB rate decision, where a hike to 2.75% is expected.

What it means for you: It's part of Ottawa's broader strategy to offset trade-war pain with domestic investment — worth watching for details that could touch infrastructure jobs and pension fund allocations, including CPP.

This is part of the Canadian Money Brief series on MoneySavings.ca, bringing you the Canadian financial news that matters — every morning.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment