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...

article

Madeira Wildfires: A Battle Against Nature’s Fury


For the past eight days, wildfires have been spreading across the picturesque Portuguese island of Madeira, causing widespread destruction and threatening local communities. The situation remains critical as firefighters battle to contain the flames.

Key Points:

  1. Island in Crisis: Madeira, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant tourism industry, is now grappling with a disaster. The fires have consumed large swaths of forested areas, leaving behind charred landscapes and smoke-filled skies.

  2. Emergency Response: The European Union (EU) has stepped in to provide assistance. Firefighting teams from neighboring countries are joining local efforts to control the flames. Aerial firefighting resources, including water-dropping planes and helicopters, have been deployed.

  3. Evacuations: Residents and tourists have been evacuated from affected areas. Emergency shelters are providing refuge for those displaced by the fires.

  4. Environmental Impact: The fires have ecological consequences, endangering native flora and fauna. The island’s unique biodiversity is at risk.

  5. Investigation: Authorities are investigating the cause of the fires. While extreme heat and dry conditions are contributing factors, deliberate arson has not been ruled out.


Comments