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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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Israel Seeks to Avoid All-Out War Amid Lebanon Tensions

 

In the wake of a deadly rocket strike that killed 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli officials have expressed their intent to avoid escalating the situation into a full-scale war with Lebanon. The strike, which occurred over the weekend, has heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon.

Israeli officials have stated that while they aim to deliver a significant response to Hezbollah, they are keen to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a broader regional war. The Israeli security cabinet has authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to determine the timing and manner of the response, with options ranging from targeted strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure to more symbolic attacks on key facilities.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in cross-border skirmishes. An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Monday resulted in two fatalities and three injuries, including an infant. Despite these incidents, there is a concerted effort from international leaders to de-escalate the conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of restraint and reiterated support for Israel’s right to defend itself while urging both parties to avoid further escalation.

As the region braces for potential retaliation, diplomatic efforts are intensifying to prevent a full-scale war that could have devastating consequences for the Middle East.



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