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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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Judge Holds Trump in Contempt, Fines Him $9,000 in Hush Money Trial

 

Former President Donald Trump faced a stinging rebuke in court today as Judge Juan M. Merchan held him in contempt and fined him $9,000. The charges stem from Trump’s repeated violations of a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors, and others connected to his New York hush money case. Prosecutors had alleged ten violations, but the judge found nine to be substantiated.

The historic trial centers around Manhattan prosecutors’ claims that Trump and his associates participated in an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 presidential campaign by burying negative stories. The allegations involve hush money payments and attempts to suppress unflattering rumors and claims about Trump and women. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The courtroom was tense as Trump, accompanied by his son Eric, faced the consequences of his actions. The judge’s warning loomed: if Trump violates the gag order again, he could face jail time.

Prosecutors are meticulously building their case, relying on detailed testimony about email exchanges, business transactions, and bank accounts. Their argument is that Trump is guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with the hush money payments. The trial is leading up to crucial testimony from Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, who went to federal prison after pleading guilty to campaign finance violations and other crimes.

As the trial unfolds, the world watches closely, witnessing a former U.S. president facing criminal charges in a courtroom. The outcome will have far-reaching implications, shaping the legacy of a presidency marked by controversy and legal battles. Stay tuned for further updates as the trial continues.

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