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Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — May 18, 2026

  A quick scan of the five stories shaping your wallet right now — from the Bank of Canada's next big decision to your mortgage renewal and a brand-new federal agency hunting financial criminals. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision Is June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight policy rate steady at 2.25% at its April 29 meeting, citing a rise in energy-driven inflation and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs. Governing Council held firm while acknowledging a rate hike could become necessary if oil-linked price pressures prove persistent. The next announcement lands on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — mark your calendar. Why it matters: Your variable-rate mortgage, HELOC, and lines of credit are directly tied to this rate. With bank prime rates sitting at 4.45%, every meeting counts. 2 Markets TSX Slips Below 34,000 as Bond Yields Spike The S&P/TSX Composite Index finished last week down close to 2%, sliding under the 34,000 mark. A global bond market selloff...

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Hurricane Beryl: A Monstrous Category 5 Storm Ravages the Southeast Caribbean

 

Hurricane Beryl, an unprecedented Category 5 storm, has left a trail of destruction in the southeast Caribbean. With its early formation and record-breaking intensity, Beryl has captured global attention. Let’s delve into the impact of this powerful hurricane.

Beryl made landfall in the southeast Caribbean, wreaking havoc on Carriacou, an island in Grenada. As a Category 4 storm, it caused significant damage, claiming lives in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Emergency teams are assessing the extent of destruction, and neighboring islands are bracing for its wrath.

Beryl’s rapid intensification is remarkable. It became the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded in the Atlantic, fueled by unusually warm waters. Its sustained winds reached a staggering 165 mph (270 kph). The last hurricane of this magnitude to hit the southeast Caribbean was Hurricane Ivan two decades ago.

Currently located about 370 miles southeast of Isla Beata in the Dominican Republic, Beryl is on a west-northwest trajectory. Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula are in its path. Although it’s expected to weaken slightly, Beryl remains a major hurricane as it approaches these regions.

Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell emphasizes the need to support affected islands. St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves vows to rebuild despite widespread devastation. Union Island, Myreau, and Canouan face similar destruction, with 90% of homes on Union Island destroyed.

In summary, Hurricane Beryl’s unprecedented strength and path underscore the urgency of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. The southeast Caribbean grapples with the aftermath, while neighboring nations brace for impact.


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