Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rate by 0.5%: What It Means

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The Bank of Canada declared progress in its fight against high inflation on Wednesday, delivering a larger-than-usual interest rate cut and indicating that the policy rate is likely to fall further in the coming months. The central bank lowered its policy rate by a half percentage point—the fourth straight reduction since June—bringing the overnight policy … Read more

How Baker Tilly Toronto Guides Insurers Through Transition

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The insurance industry is undergoing rapid change, shaped by technological innovation, artificial intelligence, intergenerational wealth transfers, private equity-driven consolidation and evolving regulatory expectations. These forces are reconfiguring market dynamics for brokers, carriers and intermediaries, making strategic planning and specialized advisory support essential for firms that want to remain competitive and protect value. For professional advisors … Read more

Canadian Mortgage Stress Test: What Homebuyers Need to Know

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The Canadian mortgage stress test applies to anyone applying for a mortgage, refinancing an existing home loan, or renegotiating terms with a federally regulated lender. While provincially regulated lenders have more flexibility, many still use the stress test to evaluate borrowers’ financial risk. As a result, most home buyers in Canada will encounter this requirement. … Read more

Are Pokemon Cards and Music Royalties Profitable Investments?

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When rare first-edition Pokémon trading cards were offered for sale three years ago, Adam O’Brien was struck by a wave of nostalgia. Now 32, he saw the purchase as both a sentimental decision and a potential long-term investment. It was a gamble — he paid $100,000 for three sealed packs — but it turned out … Read more

MOI Points Review: Are the Rewards Worth Your Time?

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If you shop at Metro supermarkets, you may have noticed that Air Miles is no longer part of the picture. Beginning Oct. 24, the retailer will roll out the Moi rewards program — formerly known as metro&moi — at Metro and Food Basics locations in Ontario. For shoppers who value grocery loyalty programs, that change … Read more

How to Plan Retirement Taxes in Canada: Key Strategies

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Ask MoneySense When I retire and begin drawing income, I want to make sure enough tax is being withheld so I don’t owe money at tax time when all my income sources are combined. In my situation I’ll receive CPP, OAS, a small workplace pension, and RRSP/RRIF income. For each of these sources, can I … Read more

Netflix Subscribers in 2026: How Many?

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Netflix on Thursday announced that subscriber growth slowed sharply over the summer, suggesting the earlier surge from cracking down on account sharing is beginning to fade. The company added 5.1 million subscribers in the July–September quarter, a 42% drop from the gains recorded in the same period last year. Despite the slowdown in new members, … Read more

Lower Credit Card Processing Fees Save Canadians Money

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Credit card processing fees for small and medium-sized businesses are beginning to ease after the federal government reached an agreement with the two major card networks. The settlement reduces interchange fees — the fees card networks charge merchants for each transaction — and is expected by Ottawa to save Canadian businesses roughly $1 billion over … Read more

Market Trends to Watch: Week of October 20, 2024

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Kyle Prevost, creator of 4 Steps to a Worry-Free Retirement, Canada’s DIY retirement planning course, shares this week’s financial headlines and provides perspective for Canadian investors. U.S. investment banking is back Big U.S. banks delivered stronger-than-expected quarterly results this week, driven largely by a rebound in investment banking activity, higher wealth-management fees and improved equity … Read more

How Canada Taxes Digital Platform Income: What You Need to Know

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Digital platforms such as Uber, Airbnb and Etsy have made it easier than ever to earn extra income, but tax experts warn that anyone who earns money through these services must carefully track and report it to avoid penalties. “Especially in the first year, if you’re not familiar with how to report self‑employed income, get … Read more