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Lock In or Wait? Why Two Big Banks Say Rates Are Going Up in October

  Published September 2, 2026 The Bank of Canada did exactly what all 35 economists in Reuters' latest poll expected today: it held its overnight rate at 2.25% for a sixth straight decision, keeping the prime rate at 4.45%. Bond markets had priced in barely a 3% chance of anything else. What's not settled is what happens next — and on that question, Canada's biggest banks are more split than they've been all year. Four of the Big Six expect the Bank to sit tight through the end of 2026. Two expect it to start hiking as soon as October. If you're renewing a mortgage in the next few months, that gap isn't academic — it's the difference between locking in now and gambling on a rate cycle turning against you. The Split, Bank by Bank Here's where the six largest banks stand on where the overnight rate lands by the end of 2026: Bank Year-end 2026 call Stance BMO 2.25% (hold) Hold camp CIBC 2.25% (hold) Hold camp RBC 2.25% (hold) Hold camp TD 2.25% (hold) Hold...

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Mass Displacement in Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict

 

Lebanon is facing a humanitarian crisis as over one million people have been displaced due to escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict has intensified, with Israeli airstrikes targeting various locations, including the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that more than 1,000 people have been killed and at least 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks. The situation has forced approximately one-fifth of the population to flee their homes, seeking safety in less affected areas or neighboring countries.

The displaced population is experiencing severe hardships. Many have found temporary refuge in places like the city of Sidon, where they sleep in parking lots, or in mountain villages like Aramoun, where locals have opened their homes to those in need. The fear and anxiety among the displaced are palpable, as they worry about their safety even in their new locations.

The conflict has also affected Syrian refugees in Lebanon, who now find themselves displaced once again. Raed Ali, a Syrian refugee, expressed his despair, stating, "We don’t know where to go. That is the problem, we don’t know what our fate is".

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with humanitarian organizations working to provide aid and support to the displaced population. However, the ongoing violence and the potential for further escalation continue to pose significant challenges for relief efforts.

As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the displaced Lebanese population remains in a state of uncertainty and fear, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to return to their homes safely.


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