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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Decision Looms, TSX Sits Near Record Highs

  Saturday, July 11, 2026 Here's what Canadians need to know heading into the week, as markets brace for the Bank of Canada's rate decision and the CUSMA trade file keeps grinding along. 1. The Bank of Canada decides Wednesday, and a hold is all but locked in The Bank of Canada's next rate announcement lands July 15, and virtually every economist on Bay Street expects the overnight rate to stay parked at 2.25% — what would be a sixth straight pause. A stronger-than-expected June jobs report has taken away any urgency to cut, while cooling inflation and lingering trade uncertainty argue against a hike. Expect the accompanying statement to lean on familiar language: steady as she goes. 2. June's jobs report beat expectations, and the jobless rate ticked down Statistics Canada reported employers added roughly 18,000 jobs in June, ahead of forecasts and building on May's much larger 88,000-job gain. The unemployment rate slipped to 6.5%, back to where it stood in Januar...

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Rising Middle East Tensions: Key Leaders Assassinated


n a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the leaders of two prominent Iranian-backed groups, Hamas and Hezbollah, were killed in separate attacks within 24 hours. These incidents have sparked fears of a broader regional conflict.

Hamas Leader Assassinated in Tehran

Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Wednesday. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian president. Hamas quickly blamed Israel for the attack, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility. Haniyeh’s death is a significant blow to Hamas, which has been engaged in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Israel, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.

Hezbollah Commander Killed in Beirut

Just hours before Haniyeh’s assassination, Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, was killed in an Israeli strike on the outskirts of Beirut. Hezbollah, a heavily armed militia group based in Lebanon, has long been involved in conflicts with Israel. Shukr’s death further complicates the already tense situation in the region.

Reactions and Implications

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed to seek revenge for Haniyeh’s death, raising the specter of further violence. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory, warning Americans against traveling to Lebanon due to the rising tensions.

These assassinations come at a time when the region is already on edge following a series of violent incidents. The deaths of these key figures are likely to have significant repercussions, potentially undermining ongoing peace efforts and leading to further instability in the Middle East.


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